I Spent $600 on Screenwriting Competitions in One Month - This Happened...

Today I'm sharing what I wish I knew before spending slightly more than $600 on screenwriting competitions in a month.

What I use in my video:

I’m making this video because I wish I saw something like this before I made the decision to part ways with my hard-earned money, and I’m guessing you clicked on this video because you’ve either had similar experiences to me, or you’re unsure of what the world of screenplay competitions are like these days- so I hope what I relay today will be valuable.

Chapters:
00:00 How much I spent on screenwriting competitions
00:21 Why I entered so many screenwriting competitions
00:46 Opportunity vs Deadlines
01:11 Types of screenwriting competitions
01:45 What I wish I knew
01:59 Screenwriting Competition Cons
02:40 Screenwriting Competition Pros
03:40 Pay to Play
04:40 The point of screenwriting competitions
05:28 Perspective
05:42 How I plan
06:43 The best screenwriting competition?
07:22 My new approach
09:36 What works for me
10:26 My focus has changed

Opportunity is definitely a reason why I entered these screenwriting competitions, but tied very closely to the opportunity was a deadline.

I have been writing screenplays on and off since 2016. This year I decided I was going to focus and commit to my goal and so deadlines meant that I had to do the work.

So I’ll give credit where it’s due. The screenplay competitions I entered all happened to have deadlines within days of each other and this was the motivation I needed to start the year strong.

I entered different types of script contests at different companies.

I entered two standard screenplay competitions, a career accelerator, and a few pitch competitions as well.

In terms of deadlines: 10/10 for competitions. I guess this is a reason why people hire personal trainers, consultants, or coaches- to hold them accountable. And if you’re spending money on something, you’re likely to see it through. So even though it was pricy, I stuck to the deadlines and I was amazed just how much writing I could get done in a short time frame.

So the point of these competitions is to either meet with representation or executives, and even though I didn’t get past the first round in some competitions, and I made the semi-finals in another competitions, I did get the ultimate goal of a recommend in another. YAY!

So as you can see, my focus has changed from relying on competitions to relying on myself to get the best script possible and then hopefully getting it in front of the right eyes, myself.

It’s a new approach, but more so than that, I’m thrilled that I’ve finally focussed on my craft without needing validation from people in the competition circuits. That’s been empowering.

#screenwriting

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[MargueriteFaure]

Would you be keen to join a screenwriting challenge where we try to write a screenplay in a month?

[ToddHughlett]

Loved that I ran into this video. I didn’t submit to a contact, but I sent my pilot over to a very well known website for coverage and the “feedback” I got was super disappointing. The reader told me to take my 1hr drama and turn it into a 1/2hr comedy. She completely missed the tone and story. So I assumed I had failed. But after watching this video I’m thinking she was trying to re-write my pilot into something she wanted, and perhaps I just need more input!

[codingwithguyfranciscopoli]

A produced screenwriter acquaintance of mine once said: "The only competition that counts is the market place." I believe that to be true.

[RK-ciis]

To my understanding, entering screenwriting competitions seems to be my best bet to get recognition. I'm very curious to see how you would be able to get your script noticed by taking a new approach. I'd love to see how that plays out and hopefully, it could give others like myself another viable option to pursue. Best of luck with your script. You're clearly working very hard!

[gianttwinkie]

This video needs a follow-up. I did the same thing and did not ask for feedback except from one contest. Still waiting for the feedback months later. I have gotten in front of film people in the biz and realized that often they are looking for work as well. I now think the only sure answer is to make it myself. I know that is hard but it seems more likely to happen than someone else will pick it up. Whatever route you choose, good luck!

[raphaeljosephrozario]

Your Editing style is so nice and inspiring.. sometimes I refer to your videos for inspiration while working on my projects.. keep up the amazing work! ✂️🎞️☕

[CharlesJacques-vw]

Hello marguerite love the video, was wondering from your experience is there a type of movie thst needs tk be written for those competitions i would be down to enter some competitions with a high concept idea but i don't know if the're more into dramas or other stuff.

[chrisbyart]

I had the same experience as you. These competitions are a SCAM TO MAKE MONEY!!! They don't care abut your work - imagine, a writer has worked hard, 2-4, 000 scripts have been submitted - it is impossible to review these scripts in detail - I have written to all & most competitions and not one has writen back - all writers should boycott these competition, it is a waste of money!!!!

[chrisbyart]

The other point to add is that when you look at past "winners" of the competition, I have never heard of them or their movie or script!!! The competitions are cheats nd liars.

[aryankhalid]

Love your videos. Have you got any tips of how to add suspense in a crime/thriller script. I would also love to share my crime story with you. Is there any way I can contact you?

[miwe]

I'll probably never enter a competition you have to pay to enter...

[BusterDarcy]

Have you tried submitting to the blacklist?

[bronwynking]

Hi Marguerite, thanks for this video, it was informative and helpful. I am a fellow S.A. scriptwriter and would love to brainstorm with you about the industry here in South Africa. I see that you had a script consultation with Naomi Beaty, can I ask how you got hold of her and did you find her feedback useful? Many thanks, Bron.

[kennethkamona]

That's why I like Bluecat. They give you a script analysis for free.

[chazfatur]

I spent way more that over my screenwriting career... it's hard to gauge the best and most legit.What I don't like is the feedback costs more than the competition itself! I offer FREE feedback with my Screenwriting book as a special thanks also for FREE! I get a fair amount of customers aka Screenwriters. But not are afraid of "FREE" or think there's a 'catch'. Hmm...

[chazfatur]

But, who was giving you this "feedback"? Do you vet those folks?!