I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who entered the contest. Don’t get down on yourself if you didn’t make it. There were a good 50 scripts right on the cusp of getting in that missed for a variety of reasons. The biggest reason was that their idea didn’t feel big enough for a feature film treatment.
Even if you aimed for the indie market, you still have to have that idea that stands out. And I think a lot of writers sent in ideas that didn’t have enough irony, didn’t have enough conflict, or didn’t have that unique element. With that said, a few writers who had really stellar pitches were able to overcome this limitation. But overall, if your idea didn’t stand out in some way, there were enough entries that you fell by the wayside.
But don’t let that get you down. The people who succeed in this business are the ones who persevere. If one script doesn’t work, they go on to the next one, and then the next one. Sooner or later, everything comes together and you write something great. I see that breakout moment happen for a writer every few weeks in this town.
As for what happens next, I’ll be reading these scripts over the next couple of months. So at some point in December, I’ll be announcing the Top 25. Those scripts will then get read by Grey Matter, who are chomping at the bit to see what you guys have come up with.
For those who didn’t make it, feel free to share your logline and/or your e-mail pitch in the comments below. While you won’t know for sure why *I* passed you over, the always awesome Scriptshadow community may be able to give you an idea on what was missing from your pitch/logine.
Again, thank you to everyone who entered!
EDIT: Okay, everyone who made it is asking if they can send in a new draft. Since we’re trying to find the best script, and I’m tired of all of you trying to trick me (“Oh, Carson. I think I sent you the wrong draft. Here’s the correct one.” Come on guys, how dumb do you think I am??), you can send in a new draft if you do so by Tuesday 11:59 pm Pacific Time. It must be sent as a REPLY E-MAIL to the acceptance e-mail I sent out. Back to work!
