"How I Made Judges Feel Like They Time-Traveled to the 1970s (And Won a Screenwriting Competition)
Jessica Tanner
Holistic Screenwriting Coach | Story Development Specialist | Empowering Writers to Transform Their Creative Process ????
When I sat down to write my first feature screenplay, I knew I was taking on an ambitious project. Not only was I crafting a period piece set in the turbulent 1970s, but I was weaving together two of the most significant social movements of that era: the Black Panthers and women's liberation. What I didn't know then was that the single most crucial decision I would make wasn't about plot, character, or dialogue—it was about research.
Let me be clear: This isn't just another article about "doing your homework." This is about the one strategy that not only helped me win a screenwriting competition with my very first feature but also earned unanimous praise from the judges. They all said the same thing: "It literally felt like we stepped into the 1970s when we read your script."
The Power of Deep Research
When most writers approach research, they might spend a few hours on Google or watch a documentary or two. I took a different approach. I made it my mission to immerse myself completely in the era I was writing about. This meant:
Going to the Library of Congress to access primary sources and historical documents that aren't available online Watching not just movies about the 1970s, but movies made in the 1970s to capture the authentic voice and energy of the time Diving deep into scholarly journals that analyzed the intersection of race, gender, and politics during this pivotal decade Reading anthologies and novels written during and about the period to understand the literary voice of the era
Here's what I learned: When you're writing a period piece or historical drama, surface-level research isn't enough. Your audience—whether they're competition judges, producers, or viewers—can tell the difference between authenticity and approximation.
Why Research Matters (In Every Genre)
You might be thinking, "But I'm not writing a historical drama." Here's the truth: Every genre, from sci-fi to romance, benefits from thorough research. Here's why:
Authenticity breeds credibility. When your details are accurate, your audience trusts the emotional journey you're taking them on. Research sparks creativity. Often, the most compelling plot points come from real-world discoveries you make during research. It gives you confidence. When you know your world inside and out, your writing flows more naturally and confidently.
The Competitive Edge
The judges' feedback confirmed what I had suspected: in a sea of good scripts, deep research can be the factor that makes yours rise to the top. It's not just about getting the facts right—it's about creating an immersive experience that transports your reader completely into your world.
What Comes Next? Your Path Forward
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The strategy I shared today—deep, thorough research—helped me win a screenwriting competition with my first feature. But it's just the beginning. If you're ready to take your screenwriting career to the next level, click below to learn more about these exclusive opportunities.
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Remember: In screenwriting, as in life, there are no shortcuts to excellence. But with the right strategy and support, you can achieve results that exceed your expectations—just like I did with my very first feature.