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Re: Writer's Arc Program...
That's your call, batty. The fee went up because the program has expanded. The original fee was as low as it was because applicants were applying to the pilot program. The program has since increased in size and scope and the $60 you referred to is only to allow applicants who don't meet the first round deadline to still apply...the application fee for applicants who get their pages in on time is $45. But if you don't want to apply - don't. Simple as that. Just to address some of your reasoning, though...
1. Is it really that hard to write 5-10 pages with specific characters, location, and prop? I would think most people would view it more as a fun exercise than a nuisance. I had a lot of fun writing my 5-10 pages when I originally applied. The reason the application process for Writer's Arc is more intensive is because the Program Coordinators aim to prepare you for life as a working screenwriter. Working screenwriters need to be able to pitch and they need to be able to sometimes write pages and give takes with exact specifications on short notice. That's just a fact of the screenwriter's life. I guess you would need to decide if that is a life you want to live. It's a choice. Nobody is twisting your arm.
2. Yeah, to win the contest they have to like those 5-10 pages enough to get you into round 2 and then they have to like your original script enough once in round 2 to put you into the finals and then once in the finals you have to pitch FIVE IDEAS - not just one - and they have to like your pitches well enough to award you a fellowship. That's how it works, man. If you don't like how it works or if you don't have the necessary confidence that your writing and your ideas will be good enough to win you the Fellowship...not sure what to tell you.
3. They have the option to Executive Produce the script you write during the Fellowship once it sells to one of their contacts (studio execs, production co's, etc) so how a potential sale can be viewed as "encumbered" is beyond me. Whatever EP credit or fee they receive from whoever (not you) once your script sells they'll deserve it...trust me. They give you professional guidance every step of the way in terms of the development of your idea and the writing of your script. I can attest firsthand that their guidance has been invaluable. And Writer's Arc is a non-profit...whatever monies they get will be invested back into discovering new writers. I would think the promotion and discovery of new writers is an endeavor we should all be on board with.
In terms of your last comment, I think they are looking for the most talented AND the most eager. It's up to you to decide whether or not you fit that bill, dude. Good luck either way.
Joe
That's your call, batty. The fee went up because the program has expanded. The original fee was as low as it was because applicants were applying to the pilot program. The program has since increased in size and scope and the $60 you referred to is only to allow applicants who don't meet the first round deadline to still apply...the application fee for applicants who get their pages in on time is $45. But if you don't want to apply - don't. Simple as that. Just to address some of your reasoning, though...
1. Is it really that hard to write 5-10 pages with specific characters, location, and prop? I would think most people would view it more as a fun exercise than a nuisance. I had a lot of fun writing my 5-10 pages when I originally applied. The reason the application process for Writer's Arc is more intensive is because the Program Coordinators aim to prepare you for life as a working screenwriter. Working screenwriters need to be able to pitch and they need to be able to sometimes write pages and give takes with exact specifications on short notice. That's just a fact of the screenwriter's life. I guess you would need to decide if that is a life you want to live. It's a choice. Nobody is twisting your arm.
2. Yeah, to win the contest they have to like those 5-10 pages enough to get you into round 2 and then they have to like your original script enough once in round 2 to put you into the finals and then once in the finals you have to pitch FIVE IDEAS - not just one - and they have to like your pitches well enough to award you a fellowship. That's how it works, man. If you don't like how it works or if you don't have the necessary confidence that your writing and your ideas will be good enough to win you the Fellowship...not sure what to tell you.
3. They have the option to Executive Produce the script you write during the Fellowship once it sells to one of their contacts (studio execs, production co's, etc) so how a potential sale can be viewed as "encumbered" is beyond me. Whatever EP credit or fee they receive from whoever (not you) once your script sells they'll deserve it...trust me. They give you professional guidance every step of the way in terms of the development of your idea and the writing of your script. I can attest firsthand that their guidance has been invaluable. And Writer's Arc is a non-profit...whatever monies they get will be invested back into discovering new writers. I would think the promotion and discovery of new writers is an endeavor we should all be on board with.
In terms of your last comment, I think they are looking for the most talented AND the most eager. It's up to you to decide whether or not you fit that bill, dude. Good luck either way.
Joe
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