Re: Writer's portfolio websites
Vango, don't be afraid to try it (but, yes, copyright your stuff first).
As far as people stealing ideas, that can happen anyway, anywhere, like from IMDB or especially Wiki listings (has full synopsis there).
As for building a site, the BL and SpecScout and 32 are all options, but they'll pick your wallet clean.
Writer CJ Walley used to be here a lot, till those with the attitudes got him down. Now he's off making movies instead of just talking about it, and he's also generously produced his free http://www.scriptrevolution.com (SR) site, based on BL and others like it.
Say, here's an idea: Buy a domain, then re-direct it to your profile there. Here's mine:
Steve Garry on ScriptRevolution
I only post my query content, not my full scripts for download - though many writers do that. That may be one reason I've only had 2-3 script requests over the few years it's been up.
Anyway, SR is free, but there are still at least two major things missing from it: A plethora of reps and producers to visit the site, and coverage for them to refer to.
In just the past week, I've referred two producers to SR, and CJ confirmed they've signed up. While these producers and I couldn't make a deal on any my stuff, maybe they'll find something there to their liking. If each of us does that, it'll help CJ get more cred on his site, and also help us in the long run as more and more eclectic producers pay the site a visit.
As for the coverage idea, CJ wanted to avoid anything that cost writers any money. But the last time we talked about it, I believe he was going to add an option to our profiles so those of us who spent the bucks on coverage could mention we had some, and then let visiting producers access it.
Lastly, most of you know that I've had my own site since 2009 or so, and have not really changed it since except to add content (scripts):
http://www.stevegarry.ca
It's a clunker, and one could do better with any of the free or cheap site hosters/web builders like Wix. But I spent a lot of time on the Javascripts, it's easy to maintain, and at least it's all on one screen without a myriad of stupid menus to get lost in. When it's such a clunker, at least don't make 'em have to hunt for stuff.
It should also be obvious to anyone who's visiting that it's just a placeholder, for now, and that I can (and will) do better once I have some sales under my belt.
As for whether or not these sites are any benefit, here's a story that indicates that they can be:
Last year, and for about the nth time over nearly a decade, I pitched a major producer who has dozens of theatrical releases. I never knew if the queries were being looked at, and my stats only tell me the country/resolution/duration of anybody's visits. But, I just keep sending 'em pitches till they tell me to stop.
However, this time some poor Assistant ended up cc'g me on an internal note that was being sent around the company to different staff, hours after I pitched it:
Whoops! I got a second email immediately from the clerk, asking me to ignore it. (ha ha, right) I responded to him and said no sweat... but of course the lad's mistake "made my day". (Note: He's still working at the company, now as EA to the CEO.)
So, building a site doesn't mean they'll come, but if you include a link in a pitch they may very well check it out! What's to lose?
Vango, don't be afraid to try it (but, yes, copyright your stuff first).
As far as people stealing ideas, that can happen anyway, anywhere, like from IMDB or especially Wiki listings (has full synopsis there).
As for building a site, the BL and SpecScout and 32 are all options, but they'll pick your wallet clean.
Writer CJ Walley used to be here a lot, till those with the attitudes got him down. Now he's off making movies instead of just talking about it, and he's also generously produced his free http://www.scriptrevolution.com (SR) site, based on BL and others like it.
Say, here's an idea: Buy a domain, then re-direct it to your profile there. Here's mine:
Steve Garry on ScriptRevolution
I only post my query content, not my full scripts for download - though many writers do that. That may be one reason I've only had 2-3 script requests over the few years it's been up.
Anyway, SR is free, but there are still at least two major things missing from it: A plethora of reps and producers to visit the site, and coverage for them to refer to.
In just the past week, I've referred two producers to SR, and CJ confirmed they've signed up. While these producers and I couldn't make a deal on any my stuff, maybe they'll find something there to their liking. If each of us does that, it'll help CJ get more cred on his site, and also help us in the long run as more and more eclectic producers pay the site a visit.
As for the coverage idea, CJ wanted to avoid anything that cost writers any money. But the last time we talked about it, I believe he was going to add an option to our profiles so those of us who spent the bucks on coverage could mention we had some, and then let visiting producers access it.
Lastly, most of you know that I've had my own site since 2009 or so, and have not really changed it since except to add content (scripts):
http://www.stevegarry.ca
It's a clunker, and one could do better with any of the free or cheap site hosters/web builders like Wix. But I spent a lot of time on the Javascripts, it's easy to maintain, and at least it's all on one screen without a myriad of stupid menus to get lost in. When it's such a clunker, at least don't make 'em have to hunt for stuff.
It should also be obvious to anyone who's visiting that it's just a placeholder, for now, and that I can (and will) do better once I have some sales under my belt.
As for whether or not these sites are any benefit, here's a story that indicates that they can be:
Last year, and for about the nth time over nearly a decade, I pitched a major producer who has dozens of theatrical releases. I never knew if the queries were being looked at, and my stats only tell me the country/resolution/duration of anybody's visits. But, I just keep sending 'em pitches till they tell me to stop.
However, this time some poor Assistant ended up cc'g me on an internal note that was being sent around the company to different staff, hours after I pitched it:
xxxxxx asked me to send this to you. Please let me know your thoughts. Also make sure you check out each link. Thank you.
So, building a site doesn't mean they'll come, but if you include a link in a pitch they may very well check it out! What's to lose?
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