While daunting, there are many reasons why screenwriters should consider entering a script competition at some point in their writing career. But not only is it important to understand the reasons why you should enter, but also what to expect once you do. There are many things to watch out for, but if you know what they are you’ll be ready and prepared to take that chance.
Reality
One of the most important things to understand is that a big win is not guaranteed. Even if you keep trying and submitting to different competitions, if you fail to make any improvements, you will see the same results. One has to remember that if you continue to join competitions, but all the while keep developing your work, your chances of winning will be much higher. Although on the other hand, it is essential to remember that when one wins, their whole world does not necessarily flip on its axis. Winning will get you connections, recognition, and a well-deserved ego boost, but it does not guarantee that the rest of your career will be set.
Benefits
Once you understand the reality of these competitions, you can begin to focus on the many benefits of screenwriting competitions.
1) Getting Representation
Winning a script competition is a good way to get your name out in the industry. When people hear your name and can see that you have had positive feedback on your work, your chances of getting an agent or manager are much higher. Having someone out there advocating for you and your work can open doors you didn’t even know were there. Although, while it may seem like a dream come true to have an industry professional want to represent you, it is important to check if your values and goals are on the same track.
2) Optioning
Quite possibly one of the biggest benefits a screenwriter can hope for is the chance for their screenplay to get optioned for development. Not many script competitions come with the prize of development though, so know which ones you are applying to and what accolades you could receive if you win.
3) Mentorship
Just being able to have someone to lean on when working on your screenplay is a very valuable thing. But being able to have a mentor, someone in your industry who knows what it is that you are doing and how it all works, can majorly help you improve your work. It also allows you to get the rare chance of working one-on-one with an industry professional like well-known screenwriters and development executives.
4) Social Connections
Screenwriting is a very independent and solo section of the film industry. Most of the time spent working is normally alone, not speaking to people each day as you would on a set. Script competitions allow you to meet fellow screenwriters and others in the industry whereas you normally might not.
Beyond workshops, events like the Raindance Film Festival allow writers to meet in real life and make connections that could last a lifetime.
5) Feedback
Getting feedback, whether it is normally from friends and family, is always important in the writing process. Although getting feedback from industry professionals, people who know what is deemed as “good” or “bad” in a screenplay, is incredibly beneficial. It can not only help you figure out if your narrative is well liked, but essentially if you are just doing it in the best, even most efficient, way possible. Submitting to script competitions just to get feedback is a tool that many writers will use.
What Competition is Right for Me?
Before you submit to a competition it is important for you to at least partially figure out what it is that you like to create and what style your work fits into. Are you trying to work in Hollywood or for big production companies? Or are you more interested in smaller, independent projects? Knowing what genres and styles of films that the company of the competition usually supports is important when submitting. It might not be explicitly stated on their submission page, but look to see if you can find anyone who has won in the past, or what kinds of projects their company normally works on. Not only could it give you a higher chance of winning, but having a business whose work matches your own could give you more beneficial connections and help you get to where you want to end up.
Bottom line: screenplay competitions are a perfect way to not only get your work and your name out into the world, but also to get you to practice and experience a bit more of the writing, and possibly the development, of the filmmaking process. And winning a competition may not be life changing, but it will open more doors for you and alter the trajectory of your film career. Putting yourself out there is most important because taking that chance can lead you to many more opportunities.
So, if you have a script, we would like to invite you to submit it to this year’s Raindance Script Competition!
I am a third-year student at the University of Pittsburgh where I study Film and Media and I am currently one of the interns at Raindance. I have always enjoyed writing and film and hope to continue being involved in the industry after I graduate. I hope to specifically work in film production or commentary one day in the future.
