Screenwriting Contest Advice
Subscribe to the MovieBytes Screenwriting Contest Newsletter for weekly deadline alerts and other screenplay contest news!
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!FLIGHT OF THE HEN GLIDERS
When strong winds blow a flock of chickens and their coop away from young Emily and Sam's backyard, it's up to the chickens to learn to fly their coop back home.
THE GEPETTO PROTOCOL
To stay "real" in the real world after their last creator dies, an action figure, fashion doll, superhero, anime girl, and crash dummy—now real flesh and blood—must find new believers in ten days or be forgotten forever, and get help from two kids and their dad at a cosplay convention.
GALERIJ
As an art authenticator collects twelve 17th century Dutch Brohm family portraits, she learns the dangers of reuniting the portraits—the Galerij—when an art expert warns her the collection will revive the Brohm family and unleash them into present day society, where they'll resume control over and castrate European trade.
DEAD STATES
A group of resilient small town teens struggle to carve out a new future after a series of TEOTWAWKI events crush the U.
Rod Knock
A newly single man encounters many comical mishaps in his work and social life, but he must prove himself worthy to his deriding buddies and his Latino lady friend.
THE WETTEST SPRING
In the late 1980's, Kurt Maxwell battles puberty and locker room myths, a family in the midst of dissolving, and on top of everything else, he must conquer Date Math at middle school.
THE LIGHT MAN
A woman at a music festival passes off two children to the light toy vendor.
PRETTY
Who can you trust when everyone loves you to death? When a trophy wife is manipulated by spouse and friends, she better find a way look out for herself or lose everything -- including her life.
Time Travel: Many Happy Returns
Two simple-minded brothers work part time at a science lab and find machinery in an unauthorized area that unknowingly transports them to Spain years before their time.
CLEAN LIVING
When her actor boyfriend delays marriage claiming money woes, Isabel tries to turn her inherited Smalltown cleaning service into a quick buck.
