Should I enter smaller contest or wait for Biggies?

[ILikePie]

I have a couple of spec scripts that I would like to "test the water" with in competition. I have to choose wisely, because money is a little tight.

I know for a fact that I would like to enter the Big contests next year (Nicholl, Chesterfield, Austin, Disney, Scriptapalooza)...but small contest seem appealing.

A few questions.

1) Will entering smaller contests hurt my opportunities in the bigger ones? I know some contests have rules about entering scripts that have been optioned..made money etc.

2) I am considering:
Fade In
WriteMovies.com
American Accolades
Script Magazine
Screen Arts Foundation

Anyone had any luck with these. Any I omitted? Any I should consider ?

[Carson Parker]

Hi Pie, In the same boat here. I asked the same question in a few other forums. So far I've chosen these from recomendations and minimal research:

ASA
hollywood gateway
scriptapalooza
script pimp
filmmakers

All have been suggested and have decent and worthwile prizes, IMHO.

I'll be hitting Nicholl, Chesterfield, Austin, Disney when the time comes.

Good Luck.

[ILikePie]

I have check into all of those as well. My research on contests has been extensive, yet there are sooo many, I still cannot decide. I am sticking with my list until the Biggies come

[HConn]

Pie, I recommend that you hold off on the littles and wait for the biggies. If you founder in the big contests, try the little ones.

[OkeyDokey]

Yeah, I would save your money on the "no name" contests. Especially if money is an issue. Fade In might be worth it. I don't think placing in the others is worth much.

[NikeeGoddess]

all that is true but the competition in the smaller ones gives you better odds - 600 vs 6000 for example
and some of the smaller ones give feedback whereas the larger ones just say, "thanks but you script didn't advance".

good luck!

[ILikePie]

Nikee, Which ones do you know of that offer solid feedback?

[Carson Parker]

I would check the contest listings here at DD. You just have to do the footwork. Go to each contest you're interested in and check the prizes. I found several that offer detailed feedback to entries. Some give it to the top 50, some to every entry. Good Luck.

[NikeeGoddess]

I entered 2 smaller contests this Summer:

The Insiders System offers pretty good coverage. The write a Logline and short Synopsis for you and give a Box Score (premise, characters, setting, dialogue, structure, pacing, marketability) in addition to notes on each section.

WriteMovies.com also gives coverage; they write a concept state and summary and tell you what's good and what's not good and how you can improve it to make it marketable. It cost a little extra but, not much.

[NikeeGoddess]

you have to be a semifinalist

8th ANNUAL FADE IN AWARDS

The deadline for the 8th Annual Fade In Awards is fast approaching.
Applications can be downloaded/printed at www.fadeinonline.com.

Semi-finalists receive written feedback from industry judges.

Postmarked Deadline: October 31, 2003.

[Carson Parker]

Just entered these over the last couple days. Two are decent size and two are smaller but obviously better odds. I agree that the big one's are stronger however if you have the extra cash jump into the small ones as well. All have decent prizes including one which offers a four page feedback for every entry. Good Luck.

Fade In
ASA
Hollywood Gateway
Story Notes

[ILikePie]

I wish I had the cash to enter all of these contests.

I want to enter WriteMovies.com for the feedback (extra though) Too bad my contest money just went to the vet to fix my dogs toe (paw) nail. $130 worth of nail treatment and medicines.

Has anyone considered American Accolades? I hear good things about the competition and feedback.

So, I will come up with the cash because my passion cannot be suppressed!

Write On !

[WendyCarroll]

The decision as to which contests to enter depends on what you want.

If you want feedback, enter those that offer it. Keep in mind that the value of that feedback will depend upon who's providing it.

If you want the "credit" to impress agents, you need to determine how the contest you're entering is regarded by the industry. Some carry a lot of weight, others are unknown and, therefore, meaningless (and can make you look naive).

If you want exposure to the industry, make sure the contest guarantees an agent or production company will look at it. Watch out for words like "possibly", "might" or "opportunity may be offered".

Also be aware that some small production companies have contests for the sole reason that they want to scoop up a great script before it's submitted to the big guys (with bigger budgets).

Also bear in mind that your success in a smaller contest may not be an honest reflection of your ability. If there are only 50 submissions and they're all sub-standard, you script may win but leave you with a false sense that your script is hot and ready to be submitted to an agent.

Just my humble opinion.