Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

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  • #16
    Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

    I would add that the script is "currently..." in these contents and also delete "writer seeks manager" as it's obvious what is happening here...
    EJ

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    • #17
      Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

      Hey Concord-

      +1 on everything EJP and Ducky have said.

      FWIW, I'm in a similar position to you. I have a script that's a Nicholl QF and PAGE Semifinalist. I'm querying now. My subject line is:

      "TITLE (genre) - Nicholl Quarterfinalist"

      That's based on Nicholl having more cachet than PAGE. I note both placements in the body of my e-mail and will upgrade if -- crossing fingers -- the script advances in PAGE.

      Having said all that, my one request so far came on a query where I didn't mention the contest placement in my subject line (but did in the e-mail). So ... I don't think there's a magic bullet here. Good luck!

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      • #18
        Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

        I might combine some suggestions - Action/Comedy Script - Finalist at Austin, Semis at Nicholl. Not sure you need the title in the subject - It will lead your email.
        ScriptGal
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        • #19
          Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

          I have the feeling you can include the launch codes for nuclear weapons and some reps still wont read/open your email, so don't drive yourself nuts about the subject line. Querying is and will always be a complete shot in the dark.
          EJ

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          • #20
            Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

            Originally posted by JKB View Post
            Hey Concord-

            +1 on everything EJP and Ducky have said.

            FWIW, I'm in a similar position to you. I have a script that's a Nicholl QF and PAGE Semifinalist. I'm querying now. My subject line is:

            "TITLE (genre) - Nicholl Quarterfinalist"

            That's based on Nicholl having more cachet than PAGE. I note both placements in the body of my e-mail and will upgrade if -- crossing fingers -- the script advances in PAGE.

            Having said all that, my one request so far came on a query where I didn't mention the contest placement in my subject line (but did in the e-mail). So ... I don't think there's a magic bullet here. Good luck!
            Hi JKB,

            I think you're right, there is no magic bullet. You need talent, luck, and persistence -- not in that order, necessarily -- when playing this game.

            So no more trying to thread the needle for me. I'm sending out queries this afternoon. I wish I had a Nicholl placement to tout, too, but I missed the deadline. (Not that I automatically would have been a QF, of course.) But I'm hopeful about Page and one or two other contests that reveal their results pretty soon. Good luck to you, too -- and thanks for sharing your experience!

            Originally posted by ScriptGal View Post
            I might combine some suggestions - Action/Comedy Script - Finalist at Austin, Semis at Nicholl. Not sure you need the title in the subject - It will lead your email.
            That sounds good, Amanda. Brief and to the point. BTW, you critiqued my script a while ago and your notes were quite helpful in subsequent rewrites. Thanks again!

            Originally posted by EJ Pennypacker View Post
            I have the feeling you can include the launch codes for nuclear weapons and some reps still wont read/open your email, so don't drive yourself nuts about the subject line. Querying is and will always be a complete shot in the dark.
            EJ
            Ha! That wouldn't surprise me a bit, about the launch codes, I mean.

            If I get any meaningful results from my queries, I'll share them in this thread.

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            • #21
              Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

              Query while you're a semi-finalist. I was a semi-finalist in Nicholl, Page and Austin last year and waited to see if I'd make finals before I query. I didn't make it. I had a couple of bites when Nicholl sent out their list, but nothing came of Page and Austin s/f's. I went to AFF ready to pitch the hell out of the script, but it was a huge let down. The finalists get some attention but except for a free badge, the semi-finalists don't get a lot of love.

              This year I'm doing it differently since I asked some pros what I should do. I queried a few managers and agents last week, mentioning that I'm currently a semi-finalist in Nicholl and Austin. I was lucky to receive a few requests for reads. A well-known manager responded after a read, and we've set up a phone call for next week. Another manager asked to see additional scripts since he only works with writers who are consistent in their writing. So from personal experience I can only conclude that you should strike while the iron is hot.

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              • #22
                Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

                Well, I sent out a handful of queries Friday to managers and I'll continue sending them out tomorrow. The subject line of the Friday emails described the script as being a "PAGE semi-finalist and Austin 2nd rounder." Since the next round of PAGE is being announced tomorrow, I'll either get to update the subject line to "PAGE finalist" -- or keep it as is.

                Best of luck to you and your upcoming manager contacts. Sounds promising!

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                • #23
                  Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

                  Haha, jaycar -- I had the exact same experience at Austin a couple years back. I was a semifinalist and went to the festival primed to pitch myself and my work. Even did the pitch contest.

                  It was all very worthwhile ... as a lesson in humility.

                  Best of luck with the rep(s)!

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                  • #24
                    Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

                    Originally posted by docgonzo View Post
                    The quote might be a nice touch for what amounts to being a rejection letter, but I don't think it's going to sway industry peeps.
                    I respectfully disagree. Here's why:

                    Everyone in Hollywood wants someone to TELL them that something was good.

                    I would even go so far as to say that most development execs don't even want to have to actually READ something - they just want someone they trust to TELL them it was good.

                    Stephanie Palmer even said as much about agents in a recent blog post (I'll see if I can find the link).

                    This is why it is so important for a project to have a cheerleader. I think it is a big part of how things get made around here.

                    FOUND IT!

                    http://goodinaroom.com/blog/how-to-w...enplay-agents/

                    #4 Reading the script is not required

                    Controversial as this may sound, from a literary agent's perspective, the best script is one where the agent doesn't even need to read it.

                    After simply hearing the short pitch and reading coverage provided by someone the agent trusts, if the storyline is clear and easily understood, the agent can sell your script.


                    So, there ya go: include a quote or testimonial.
                    "Running down a dream, that never would come to me." Tom Petty

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                    • #25
                      Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

                      Originally posted by jaycar View Post
                      So from personal experience I can only conclude that you should strike while the iron is hot.
                      ^^THIS^^

                      Life is short.
                      "Running down a dream, that never would come to me." Tom Petty

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                      • #26
                        Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

                        In my experience as a writer who's been repped a few times and as an assistant at a management company, inserting testimonial quotes comes off as amateurish. The best luck I've had is a straight-forward query that has a kick-ass logline. If your logline isn't good or something their not interested in, no quote or testimonial is going to sway them in the other direction. And while a quote might not hurt if you have kick-ass logline, it's superfluous at that point anyway, since a rep is requesting the script based on said logline and really not much else.

                        But like I said, that's my experience. Someone else might have a different one.

                        And for the record, I wouldn't add contest results to an email subject line. Just the title and genre.

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                        • #27
                          Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

                          I would only attach a testimonial if it were a true knock-my-socks-off quote. It can't just be "This is very well-written" or "We really enjoyed it."

                          A testimonial has to be:

                          "For the past 10 years, I have read 1000s of scripts for Nicholl, but this script is far and away THE BEST I have ever laid eyes on. This is MOVIE!"

                          If I saw that line, I would think "Gee, now I'm curious."

                          The OPs original quote is very positive, but it doesn't have that "Wow!" factor.

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                          • #28
                            Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

                            I'll jump in and say I avoid quotes and testimonials in queries. Yes, reps want affirmation that a script is worth reading, but they want that affirmation from someone they know and trust, not Joe Reader from some contest, even the Nicholl.

                            IMO, including quotes is like saying your mom loves your writing. Any script will get nice comments. They do nothing to set your script apart in a rep's mind.

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                            • #29
                              Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

                              This is a follow-up of my previous post about contacting managers and agents while you are still in the running with competitions. I didn't make Nicholl finals, but I made the top 50. I made finals for Austin and Page. I signed with a great manager and I'm working on notes for the script that's still in the running. My manager plans on going out with the script beginning November. By the way, I found this manager through a working writer in Hollywood. The six degrees of separation rule applies. Everyone knows someone who knows someone in the business, so don't be afraid to ask. They can only say no.

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                              • #30
                                Re: Contest results (so far) enough to persuade a manager to read my script?

                                Thanks for the follow up. Good luck with your project. I hope this post answers others burning question of "shall I wait... or strike now?" policy.

                                EJ

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