Make it two to make sure

[Angeloworx]

My friend at Paradigm told me a story yesterday about a girl out of film school who got the attention of her boss. The boss of all bosses in the company. Apparently, she(graduate) had written a script and made a short based on the script. Then the BOSS asks her the most notorious question "I loved the script but what else do you have?"

I am projecting to be finished with my current script by the end of june/july. Including polish and a read from a pro. And rewrites-- nevermind.

So, is it better to wait till I have another script in my pocket? I know I have to show them something in the same genre to show my ability to replicate perfection:cool: but do I need something polished as well for the second script? Or can it be a first or second draft?

PS: The graduate didn't have another project lined up and said "Maybe in two to three months." Needless to say, the doors are closed until she wows them again.

[phatgirl]

So, is it better to wait till I have another script in my pocket?
You didn't say what you'd be waiting for, but I'm going to assume it's to query. In any case, my answer is don't wait. If your first script is indeed "perfect" and ready to be read, then start querying now. It may take you months to get that first read, during which time you'll be writing your next script and/or thinking up fantastic ideas for your next script(s).

[Joaneasley]

Work on the second script until it is excellent. If the second one doesn't blow them away, they may sour on you and decide the first one isn't really all that great either.

Plus, you'll learn some things writing a second script that will probably make you want to improve the first before you send either.

[Angeloworx]

Work on the second script until it is excellent. If the second one doesn't blow them away, they may sour on you and decide the first one isn't really all that great either.

Plus, you'll learn some things writing a second script that will probably make you want to improve the first before you send either.

Should I query the first one anyway? And not admit to a second one? I feel like I'm already answering my question but any advice will help.

[GreyGhost22]

So, is it better to wait till I have another script in my pocket?


Peter Bogdanovich has discussed Greta Garbo's career with Orson Welles. "Isn't it shame that out of so many films she has made, only a few were good?", Bogdanovich expressed his dilemma.

Orson Welles pondered for a moment and replied: "Well, you only need one!"

:)

[Angeloworx]

thanks. The writing continues.

[robla]

I'll share my experience. I felt so good about my first draft I sent out a email query. Twenty minutes later I was asked to send the script.

Sooooooo, it may not take months for your work to be solicited. Something to consider.

Now getting a yes or no on that script may take months, but by then the first draft of the next script will be done!

Good luck.

[Joaneasley]

See if the reaction to your first script is overwhelmingly positive before you send it out. Some people's first scripts do get that kind of wow reaction. However, screenwriting is so challenging to do really well, it takes most of us several scripts to get to the point where we're doing ourselves a favor by sending them out. With each script, we should get better, and we should become more able to fix problems in our earlier scripts that we didn't notice before.

If you have the patience to wait until others are telling you how great your work is, you'll make a fantastic first impression. If that doesn't happen until the 5th script, then you have four other scripts to choose from as your "What else have you got?" script. You will by then have the skills to make sure they're up to your improved standards.

My mentor always said, it's better to be ready and not go than to go and not be ready.