The Script-a-thon is a small contest. We're new. We're proud of it. With us, you've get a better chance to win, because we have fewer contestants. It's simple math. Our prizes are great, and your chances are even better.
Looking for tips on how to bolster your chances even more? Follow these 3 simple tips, and you'll be well on your way.
1) Be Organized: With the Script-a-thon, you've got just one month to get your script into judgeable shape. Obviously, our judges understand what it's like to write a script in one month. And they take this into account when judging.
But still, a little bit of organization goes a long way. That means you need STORY! Make sure you hit your beats.
If your script has a beginning, middle and end, you're way ahead of the crowd.
But organization also includes some simpler stuff: spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting. Give your script that extra polish at the midnight hour.
The work will show, and that will please the judges.
2) Keep It Short
I don't mean you should cut out important information. But make sure your script is just as long as it needs to be, and not much longer.
Yes, you only have a month to get this thing into shape. But here are some quick tips on making sure you're not over-writing your script:
- Eliminate needless action. Lots of writers spend way too much time writing action. Keep your action paragraphs quick and crisp. You can save 15 pages off of 120. Seriously.
- Get in and out of scenes quickly. Again, this is a shortening tip that won't require any huge rewrites. Just cut all the non-essentials from your scenes. Start as late as possible and get out as early as possible.
it's been said before, but it definitely bears repeating.
3) First 10 Pages
You've heard this one before too. Your first ten pages are ESSENTIAL. Your judge will form an opinion on your writing very quickly, so make those first pages pop.
Make those pages memorable and unique. Let them move quickly. And always keep in mind - readers (and all audiences) remember moments.
Craft memorable moments (at least one) in your first ten pages. Approach something in a new and exciting way. Include an amazing joke. A bad ass car chase. Something where your audience leaves the theater and goes... "What about that thing that happened in the beginning? That was amazing!"
Remember, the first round is just about separating the good scripts from the...not so good. If your script works on these basic levels, you've got a great chance of moving on.
Got thoughts? Comments? Your own ideas on getting past the first round in contests?
Let us know!
Looking for tips on how to bolster your chances even more? Follow these 3 simple tips, and you'll be well on your way.
1) Be Organized: With the Script-a-thon, you've got just one month to get your script into judgeable shape. Obviously, our judges understand what it's like to write a script in one month. And they take this into account when judging.
But still, a little bit of organization goes a long way. That means you need STORY! Make sure you hit your beats.
If your script has a beginning, middle and end, you're way ahead of the crowd.
But organization also includes some simpler stuff: spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting. Give your script that extra polish at the midnight hour.
The work will show, and that will please the judges.
2) Keep It Short
I don't mean you should cut out important information. But make sure your script is just as long as it needs to be, and not much longer.
Yes, you only have a month to get this thing into shape. But here are some quick tips on making sure you're not over-writing your script:
- Eliminate needless action. Lots of writers spend way too much time writing action. Keep your action paragraphs quick and crisp. You can save 15 pages off of 120. Seriously.
- Get in and out of scenes quickly. Again, this is a shortening tip that won't require any huge rewrites. Just cut all the non-essentials from your scenes. Start as late as possible and get out as early as possible.
it's been said before, but it definitely bears repeating.
3) First 10 Pages
You've heard this one before too. Your first ten pages are ESSENTIAL. Your judge will form an opinion on your writing very quickly, so make those first pages pop.
Make those pages memorable and unique. Let them move quickly. And always keep in mind - readers (and all audiences) remember moments.
Craft memorable moments (at least one) in your first ten pages. Approach something in a new and exciting way. Include an amazing joke. A bad ass car chase. Something where your audience leaves the theater and goes... "What about that thing that happened in the beginning? That was amazing!"
Remember, the first round is just about separating the good scripts from the...not so good. If your script works on these basic levels, you've got a great chance of moving on.
Got thoughts? Comments? Your own ideas on getting past the first round in contests?
Let us know!
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