Part XLV: Script Submission Tips

I'm always conducting script searches on behalf of multiple producer clients, because I want to help upcoming writers- and established ones- add to their resume and credits, while making a little money, and hopefully find that “break” we all struggle to find.

The hard part is actually making the referral without doing too much damage to my own credibility. It's also difficult to tell others- usually friends- why they may NOT have been recommended or referred to the next level. I realize I’m not REQUIRED to this, but I think it’s beneficial for the writer to hear exactly what we thought of the entire submission package: query, logline, one page and screenplay. Doing this does NOT win any friends, but once the dust settles, hopefully the writers will take a nice, long look at what I’m telling them and try to improve in this area- with or without my help.

Chances are, the rejections are piling up and you can’t understand why. You’ve been told how wonderful a writer you are, and you’re convinced that screenplay you have fits the criteria of the script search to a “T”.

In these situations, you'll need to look over your submission package and see if any of your issues just might be included on this list:

1)???Failed to follow directions: In most script searches, pretty explicit directions are provided. You’re free NOT to adhere to them, out of personal choice, but there will be clients (I’m one of them) who will not give a second look at someone who failed to follow the specific directions. The reason is simple: if you can’t follow the directions on how to submit a query, than you’re probably not going to do well moving forward. It tells me you think you’re “different” and should be treated as such. Sorry, you’re not. Follow the directions.

2)???Missing information; no query; no logline; no script: For a script search, we received several submissions missing the script. Some didn’t include the query letter, the logline, the project title or contact information. Sometimes, you'll forget an attachment. I understand; I do it all of the time. So, I often remind the writer about one or more of the attachments. Usually, I get an explanation as to WHY the screenplay wasn't attached- and it isn't by accident. We're NOT going to beg for you to submit. If you are uneasy about submitting your screenplay to someone you don't know personally- that's fine. We don't need a lecture or an explanation. Just don't respond.

3)???Spelling errors: If your query letter is rife with spelling and grammatical errors, no one is going to waste their time looking any further. You must treat you marketing material with the same respect and concern as your screenplay. In a competitive industry such as ours, you really DO have to be perfect.

4)???Doesn’t fulfill the genre or budget requirements: In the case of a recent search, one script had an open budget, yet another had a very precise budget requirement. If you submit a script that is obviously NOT in that range, it is automatically declined. You should NOT take the opportunity of a specific script search to submit everything you’ve ever written, especially when it doesn’t fit the stated genre requirements. You do more harm than good to you reputation. No producer looking for a Western is going to consider a sci-fi and be so overwhelmed with how the great your story is that they will forgo the western script search and choose your screenplay instead. In your fantasies, perhaps…

5)???A synopsis doesn’t have a “surprise” ending: In a synopsis, you tell us the story, without specific details. A “reader’s digest” version; your script probably doesn’t end with “you’ll never guess what happens next”, so your synopsis better not.

6)???Missing Writers Bio: Clearly, many folks do not know how to put together a proper query letter. While disheartening, it’s not the end-all, at least for this script search, but you really need to learn it. You should learn the “new and improved”, most preferred version as well (yes, there is one). Included in all query letters should be a “Writers Bio”; a place where you can tell the producer about your writing accomplishments and relevant credits or experience. One writer submitted a resume, which I included in the submission. He’s experience was so extensive and at such an impressive level, it could only be properly demonstrated through a resume. Most of us HAVE writing resumes, but probably can reduce the relevant information to two or three lines under a writer’s bio.

7)???Writers Bios without specifics: It’s a wonderful thing to be able to say you’ve been optioned eight times, and have had five movies released through studios. Care to mention any of the films by name? Unless you ARE a household name- and many of us aren’t, even in our own households- you need to back up your claims a bit. Again, it comes down to time and credibility; we don’t have the time to determine your credibility.

8)???Do not beg: Very unprofessional. We all want it. Show you want it by submitting the script exactly as explained, write a cogent query letter with an effective logline, a proper synopsis/one page, include your contact information, and provide a script that meets the basic requirements of a spec script, and has been reviewed by several PROFESSIONALS. All the begging in the world is not going to get you any further.

If you have any questions about this screenplay, or how to write a proper query, logline or synopsis, please contact The Script Mentor at [email protected] .

This week's promo: Christopher Shawn Shaw; director/creative producer/editor.

Mr. Shaw directed the recent hit, the critically acclaimed "Church People" (https://www.churchpeoplefilm.com), coming out on digital and DVD on September 3rd. It stars many of the recognizable names and faces in Hollywood, and it is extremely funny;

"A heartfelt and laugh-out-loud comedy film, Church People is the story of real people with real struggles and their unique paths to discovering what faith in Jesus is all about. It all starts out when "America's Youth Pastor," Guy Sides, realized he's stuck in the mega church marketing machine and wants to find his passion again."

WRITER'S BIO: Mr. Scala spent 22-plus years in the Hollywood community, and was the Executive Director for the?72nd Annual Academy Awards, as well as?The Soul Train Awards,?The Grammys,?The Blockbuster Video Awards Show?and?The Saturn Award Show.?

Most recently, Mr. Scala has been hired as the?Executive Script Consultant?on a major motion picture scheduled to begin filming in Fall of 2021. He is currently working on his 41st adaptation; the fascinating autobiography?"Call Me Zena", by?Sally Barnard?who, after a brief illness, developed high-level artistic skills overnight! He is also in development with the screenplay adaptations of rock pioneer?Jimmie F. Rodgers,?Motown star?Tammi Terrell?and iconic folk singer?Harry Chapin- all while continuing to mentor hundreds of new writers and self-published authors. Geno has two screenplays produced and currently showing on Amazon Prime; "Assassin 33 A.D."??and?"The Tombs".?

https://www.thescriptmentor.com