Originally posted by LauriD
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when i hear statements about how dismal the chances are with a for-profit screenwriting site, i'm amazed that anyone thinks entering a screenwriting competition is any different. i mean, seriously. chances of winning the Nicholl are "dismal, too."
let's consider a little perspective working off facts.
2018 Nicholl
i think we all agree that the semifinalists are the most important 'winners,' right? here are the results for 2018.
entrants = 6,895
semifinalists = 10
percent chance = 0.0014 or 0.14%
quarter finalists = 226
quarter finalists = 0.0327 or 3.2%
corrected noted: (thank you Greg)
entrants = 6,895 (from the https://www.oscars.org/news/academy-...creenwriters-1
finalists = 10
percent chance = 0.0014 or 0.14%
semifinalists = 149
percent chance = .0216 or 2.16%
quarter finalists = 375
quarter finalists = .0545 or 5.4%
looks dismal to me. one tenth of one percent. and you can ONLY enter ONCE a year. there is an entry fee.
The Black List (website) using this as a comparison because i can access the information.
hosted scripts = 3,747 (rolling annually not once a year)
top monthly = 76 scripts (two ratings required)
percent = 2%
top quarterly = 213 scripts (two ratings required)
percent = 5.6%
top annual = 208 scripts (four ratings required)
percent = 5.5%
*this can result in thousands of views of your script over a year's time. and you can host more scripts as you write them throughout the year. the downside is that there is a fee and it can add up.
these are facts.
the bottom line that seems to elude many is that there just aren't that many amateur writers that are good enough, yet. and the truth is many never will be. you can't blame it on a competition or a for-profit website. it's a simple fact.
these are opportunities to get your work noticed. the chances are always dismal, that's why the reward is so coveted.
just because you write a script doesn't mean you deserve attention for it. you have to earn it. there are no short cuts. it takes perseverance, dedication and discipline.
every writer must follow their own path. something that works for one may not work for the other. i don't waste my time with Nicholl because i know i don't write material that would do well with that competition. that's my choice.
writers should seek opportunities and if that means the only thing you can do is send 300 queries, then that's what you do. if you have the means to do more. do it.
my only advice would be to be cautious about anything that the industry doesn't use or has't heard about. because winning that could be meaningless.
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