This is a Test

Recently I received a notification on social media about this year’s film awards.  Traditionally, November through February is awards season in Hollywood. Not just for the blockbuster movies released this year, like Roma  or The Irishman or the big awards shows that are aired nationally:

• Oscars
• Golden globes
• People’s Choice Awards

It’s also award season for screenwriting competitions. For many aspiring screenwriters, the lure and hope of winning a competition is a ray of hope and gift of breaking into the industry. Everyone wants an easy path to their writing dreams. The contest business is a booming industry for screenwriters.

Contests?

When I first started writing screenplays over a decade ago, I thought all I had to do was win a screenwriting contest and agents and the money would follow me everywhere. Back then, I was ignorant of how the industry works and what the real benefits of contests are.

First, I want to be clear about what contests aren’t:

1. A guarantee of getting a movie sold or produced.
2. A shortcut to screenwriting success.
3. Like buying a lottery ticket and hoping you win the jackpot.

These are just a few of the myths I bought when I started screenwriting. But, over the years I’ve learned the real benefits of entering the screenwriting contests. They may not pack as much bang for the buck as I’d hoped, but there’s still a lot to be gained from competitions.

1. Contests are a way of making connections in the industry, and networking is the name of the game in Hollywood.
2. If you’re just starting, contests are a great way of getting some feedback about your writing skills. Just be sure to enter contests that offer entrants feedback or as we call it, coverage.
3. If you are a skilled storyteller, contests are way of marketing your script to the powers that be in the industry. Be sure to check on who the judges are in the contest before entering.

All in all, a contest can still be a starting point for your career by landing you future writing jobs or they may simply build your reputation within the industry.

Starting Points?

At best, a contest or gets you meetings with managers, agents, and studio heads. If you play your cards correctly, you may walk away with an option or two if there’s enough interest in your writing chops.

Eight years ago I won a regional screenwriting competition in Georgia and I remain in contact with the creatives I met through the contest. Although I didn’t get a big sale from the contest, I did learn about screenwriting and walked away with a wealth of knowledge.

In closing, I want to encourage you to do your homework before entering a contest.  Check and see if it is worth the investment of the entry fee. Not all contests are created equal. Some may offer a cash prize, but no coverage of your script or credible contacts into the biz. Below are a couple of the main contests that can help launch a career.

• Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowship – This is the most respectable competition and is run by the Academy of motion pictures (Oscars). Past winners include Erin Brockovich.
•  The Austin Film Festival – past winners include Juno.
• Final Draft’s Big Break competition – most winners land management or writing gigs.

Remember if you’re still trying to break into the screenwriting industry, a contest is simply a starting point, not the end of your journey. Ultimately, the truth is about screenwriting contests; it’s a test.

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at Spiritual Perspectives of Da Single Guy and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.