Screenwriting Contest Advice
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Advice from Screenwriting Contest Readers:
How to Make Your Script Stand Out
By Jerry Traynor, Associate Editor, Moviebytes.com
Entering a screenwriting contest can be a nerve-wracking experience. With thousands of scripts vying for attention, it's crucial to ensure your screenplay stands out. Contest readers, who sift through these countless entries, offer invaluable insights into what makes a script shine - or sink. Here's a compilation of advice from seasoned contest readers that can help you refine your screenplay and increase your chances of success.
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Nail the First Ten Pages
The beginning of your screenplay is critical. Readers often decide within the first ten pages if a script is worth continuing. Start with a strong hook, introduce your main characters, and set the tone effectively.
Tip: Avoid starting with cliched scenarios or overly long setups. Get to the core of your story quickly.
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Create Compelling Characters
Characters are the heart of your screenplay. They should be well-developed, relatable, and have clear motivations. Readers look for characters that evoke emotion and drive the story forward.
Tip: Give your characters distinct voices and avoid stereotypes. Ensure they have arcs that show growth or change.
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Show, Don't Tell
Screenwriting is a visual medium. Instead of heavy dialogue and exposition, use actions and visual storytelling to convey information. Readers appreciate when they can infer details from what they see on the page.
Tip: Write scenes that allow the audience to see character traits and story developments rather than being told through dialogue.
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Pacing and Structure
A well-paced script keeps readers engaged. Follow the traditional three-act structure but don't be afraid to innovate within it. Ensure that each act has a clear purpose and contributes to the overall narrative arc.
Tip: Regularly check that each scene advances the plot or deepens character development. Trim any superfluous scenes.
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Polished Writing and Formatting
Nothing turns off a reader quicker than a poorly formatted or error-ridden script. Proper formatting shows professionalism and respect for the reader's time.
Tip: Use screenwriting software to maintain industry-standard formatting. Proofread rigorously for grammar and spelling errors.
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Unique Voice and Style
Readers are drawn to scripts with a distinct voice. Your unique perspective and style can set your screenplay apart from the rest.
Tip: Don't be afraid to take risks with your writing style, but ensure it serves the story and is not just for show.
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Strong Dialogue
Dialogue should be natural, concise, and character-specific. Each line of dialogue should serve a purpose, whether advancing the plot, revealing character, or adding to the tone.
Tip: Read your dialogue out loud to see if it sounds authentic. Avoid on-the-nose dialogue where characters state exactly what they are thinking or feeling.
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Clear and Engaging Logline
A compelling logline is essential as it's often the first thing a reader sees. It should succinctly convey the essence of your story, including the main character, their goal, and the stakes.
Tip: Craft several versions of your logline and test them on peers to see which one grabs attention the best.
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Marketability and Originality
While originality is crucial, readers also consider the marketability of a script. A unique twist on a familiar genre can be more appealing than a completely avant-garde concept.
Tip: Research current market trends and see where your script fits. Balance innovation with elements that have proven audience appeal.
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Receive and Implement Feedback
Before submitting to contests, get feedback from trusted sources. Be open to constructive criticism and willing to make revisions.
Tip: Join screenwriting groups or workshops to get diverse perspectives on your script. Use the feedback to refine and improve your screenplay.
Conclusion
Following this advice from screenwriting contest readers can significantly improve your chances of making a lasting impression. Remember, the goal is to create a script that not only stands out but also resonates with readers and, eventually, audiences. Happy writing!
ScriptLinks
Post Your Script Here!Price of Oil
When an angry mob brutally murders an American diplomat in 1920s Tehran, a British woman must confront a firestorm of political espionage in racing against time to save a wrongfully accused friend from execution.
Fingertips (Polished Screenplay)
A Psychological Horror With a twist of a psychotic individual suffering from psychosocial issues has an imaginary friend that’s part of his hallucinations his Imaginary friend is his British father a young proud to be American, forgets his medication after collecting it from a Pharmacy he causes a lot of mayhem around his area he thinks the worlds in his fingertips he chases down social media Influencers and artists by hacking and tracking their location constantly talking to himself as he hallucinates thinking He can see his British Father is around him, Kevin ends up with a chainsaw and gets a few round kills with his Chainsaw he stole from an old granny.
SH+AGUAR Subterranean Firestorm
An ultra-powerful transgenic woman takes on a weaponized cyborg and saves New York’s most iconic landmark from imminent destruction.
THE FENCE
IT WAS ONLY STEEL AND COPPER BUT COULD ANYONE CALL IT A FENCE?
Cold Pepper
A law-abiding, church-going court stenographer becomes a one-woman vigilante assassinating violent domestic abusers and their prickly attorneys after their third offense.
Perfect Beau
A Plain Jane clones her ideal boyfriend out of her girlfriend's boyfriends' DNA for her senior class project.
Psychotic USA
A dramedy.. A twisted view of the ineptness of modern day psychiatric treatment as seen through the lens of four patients in an asylum.
Space Life (Polished Screenplay)
Super Geek kid get in contact with aliens due to cooties issues causing him tissues, as aliens become his friends giving him a special device the kid gets revenge on his bullies, area 51 investigate deeply as an agent gets badly twice.
Funky Cop (Polished Screenplay)
An Indian American Forensics Cop Works all over different sections a bad mouthed hustler a womanizer a party animal constantly getting drunk & high He when he's alone at a night shift or a partner is around he won't care he'll still have sex with the forensics doll, A funky cop if your ready or not he'll make you laugh in a middle of a crime scene he doesn't give a damn.
BUMPED
A DEEPLY TROUBLED MAN HAS A BRUSH WITH DEATH THAT ALLOWS HIM TO SEE THE TRUE AFTERLIFE WHICH CHANGES HIS OWN LIFE FOREVER.