As with most people in this sub, I’m trying to navigate my way into this industry by any means necessary. I’m currently building out my body of work and aiming to accumulate 3-5 solid pilots (I’ve written much more than this but I mean SOLID as in with my current level of writing) under my belt before I start submitting to festivals, contests, and queries to agencies.

My question comes from a place of “while I understand that the likelihood of being choose via these route are slim, it helps to be prepared for success and ready to execute rather than just being nihilistic about the whole thing”.

The question being: when developing your pilot, how much of your series/season do you have planned out? Do you have an end in mind? Just a few episodes? How thought out are those episodes?

Currently I have a rough idea of how the season ends (not necessarily the series) and a handful of episodes (3-4) for each pilot I write. Any tips on compiling this info would also be appreciated.

Thanks!

I’m writing a script where there is an action sequence that would take up around 10 minutes of screen time. Follows a few colonial era soldiers as they investigate two docked ships to find illegal weapons and a ledger, then their cover gets blown and they have to fight their way out while they try to find what they’re looking for.

Currently I have it around 6-7 pages, but I’ve written it out describing most of the actions. Not in an annoying amount of detail, but enough to paint a good picture for the reader of where each character is, what they’re doing, etc.

But I’m wondering, should I be typing all this out? I’m bouncing between “INT. SHIP ONE, EXT. SHIP TWO, EXT. DOCKS, INT. SHIP TWO” every couple of lines since I’d imagine this whole sequence would be cutting between the various characters/fights.

At the end of the day it would be up to the director and stunt coordinator to figure out the exact motions. So would it be better to just be brief and say something like “Character 1 fights on ship one as character 2 fights on ship two. Character 3 finds the ledger on ship 2 then joins character 2 in the fight”.

I mean that’s bad writing but just an example. But if I were to submit this to competitions or anything like that, what would readers want to see? Would it be unprofessional to just describe in broad strokes what happens?

For some background, there's a horror action script that i've wanted to write for about 2 years now but due to getting side tracked with other projects and life in general, i'm only getting to actually writing it now... or at least, i want to be writing it, but there's just one problem that's stopping me from making it off the first page, which, as you might have gussed, is that i have no idea what to put on the first page.

Maybe this is a really mature mistake but while i have my characters, world, story, themes, and all that stuff figured out, I just can't think of a solid sequence to start the film with other then "offscreen main monster kills off random unimportant characters because horror movie" and those type of openings just plain suck and certainly won't get anyone interested in looking at my script any time soon.

So I come here asking fellow writers this question: how did you figure out the opening scene to your script?

What was the process for figuring it out like? Did you just kinda know what it would be or did it take a while to piece together? When did it click for you that you had found your opening? What do you think makes an effective opening and why do you think your opening is effective? These are mainly the kind of questions i'm asking here, but any advice revolving around opening scene is very much welcome and I appreciate any advice given.

And one last thing before I go, I just want to specify that i am not really looking for suggestions on scripts I should read that have effective opening scenes, as, for now i'm more so interested in the thought process of coming up with the opening scene as opposed to seeing how the scene itself translated onto the page, if that makes sense.

Does anyone have experience with them? What kind of stories do they usually gravitate toward?I’m asking because most of my scripts are more commercial, horror, thrillers, and rom-coms, but I’ve also heard they tend to favor more indie, artsy material. I’m wondering if I should submit one of my existing scripts or choose something more tailored to their taste.

the title.

here are my recs (to watch, but of course, read)!

1 -- Good Will Hunting.

2 -- Dead Poets Society.

3 -- Silver Linings Playbook.

4 -- Little Miss Sunshine.

5 -- Aftersun (my personal fav).

And just the yearly, monthly, daily, weekly, minutely, and secondly reminder: take care of yourselves and the people around you. If you're suffering, don't do it in silence.

Now, let's continue sharing more in the comments!

I saw on Twitter a few people got their notifications that they're Second Rounders, and it's already September 1st.

When do Semifinalists usually get notified in that mid-September window?

I organized an AMA/Q&A with director and screenwriter Michael Sarnoski. He wrote and directed Pig (starring Nicolas Cage), A Quiet Place: Day One, and most recently The Death of Robin Hood (starring Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer, out in UK theaters this week).

It's live here now in r/movies for anyone interested in asking a question:

https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1w4bbu1/hi_rmovies_jodie_comer_here_with_michael_sarnoski/

He will be back at 12 PM ET tomorrow (Wednesday 9/2) to answer questions. He is joined by the The Death of Robin Hood co-star Jodie Comer. I recommend asking in advance. Please ask there, not here. All questions are much appreciated!

Synopsis: Grappling with his violent past, Robin Hood finds himself gravely injured after a battle that he thought would be his last. He soon gets a chance at salvation when he meets a mysterious woman and a young girl.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlSDDuWxO_0&themeRefresh=1

Thank you :)

His verification/proof photo: https://i.imgur.com/4huUGin.png

I'm curious to hear from any assistants, managers, agents, or execs out there: what kind of scripts are you hoping will come across your desk this fall, either from a client or an outside source?

Any particular mandates in terms of genre or industry trends you've got your eyes out for?

Building on that, what kinds of scripts do you see the industry clamoring for in the next six months or so?

One great way to meet people -- especially fellow newbie writers and filmmakers -- is to volunteer at a film festival. (It's also fun.)

So here's your chance:

https://www.sundance.org/festivals/sundance-film-festival/volunteer/

Applications to volunteer at the 2027 Sundance Film Festival are OPEN NOW! 

Volunteering for the Sundance Film Festival is a one-of-a-kind experience! Every year, volunteers (many who return again and again) help create a global platform to celebrate film by collaborating with one another and supporting the mission of the Sundance Institute. The real benefit of volunteering isn’t the perks—it’s being part of a passionate community dedicated to supporting independent storytelling and providing positive experiences for all.

Review the information below to learn more about how to get involved. Feel free to contact us at [volunteers@sundance.org](mailto:volunteers@sundance.org) if you have any questions and check back often for more updates. The 2027 Sundance Film Festival will take place from January 21-31, 2027, in Boulder, Colorado! For more details about the Festival, visit festival.sundance.org

Hi there! Would anybody be able to point me towards (or send me) the script by Richard Wenk? I can't find it anywhere online.

(I'd also love to read "The Equalizer 3" if anybody has that as well!)

Thanks so much.

Just what the question said. I'm just curious.

Also, if someone did features instead of TV, are those usually done virtually or in person?

Where the best place to find an editor, like I would like someone I could workshop ideas with, and have like a critical eye to my work before I publish it, but not sure where to find one,

I used to have one on an old writing discord server, but they charged a lot, and low-key weren’t very good,

For more specifics, the project im planning is a comic run(fairly short) but it’s gonna be my first one so I wanted some advice before I start, I’m also willing to pay

Hey guys. I'm very new to screenwriting, and currently working on my first project. Before I pitch it anywhere though, I want someone with a bit of specialist knowledge (my piece is about british students) to read through my script and help me work on certain things. Is there a way I can find someone like this?

Random question, but preferably a name that doesn’t include the word “Bible“ but is still commonly enough used that people will probably know what I mean if I mention it.

Lots of our cast and crew are Catholic/Christian and today when I mentioned referring to the show bible for the first time for something a couple people got quite upset at the term. Yall have any suggestions I could replace it with?

Edit: yall are frying me with some of these comment 😭. You’ll be happy to know I read out most of these to one of the people that was upset with me yesterday and she got a good laugh out of them, although I’m not sure if I‘m going to risk calling it the “Episode Torah” just yet lmaoo

The institute that im working for has asked me to work on a syllabus for a 3 months diploma course. I don't know what im going to teach in 3 months but this is what they approve of, what are we lacking.?

Module 1 – Introduction to Cinema & Storytelling
1.1.1 Birth of Cinema
1.1.2 Evolution of Narrative Cinema
1.1.3 The Language of Film
1.2.1 How to Watch a Film
1.2.2 Narrative vs Style
1.2.3 Understanding Audience Engagement
1.3.1 What is a Story?
1.3.2 History of Storytelling

Module 2 – Screenplay Format
7.1.1 Screenplay Format
7.1.2 Scene Headings (Sluglines) 7.1.3 Action Lines
7.1.4 Character Names
7.1.5 Dialogue
7.1.6 Transitions

Module 3 - Story Fundamentals
2.1.1 Story vs Plot
2.1.2 Premise
2.1.3 Theme
2.1.4 Genre
2.1.5 Logline

Module 4 – Dramatic Structure
3.1.1 Beginning, Middle & End
3.1.2 Cause and Effect
3.1.3 Dramatic Questions
3.2.1 Three Act Structure
3.2.2 Eight Sequence Structure 3.2.3 Blake Snyder Beat Sheet

Module 5 – Character Development
4.1.1 Want vs Need
4.1.2 Character Arc
4.1.3 Motivation
4.1.4 Intention
4.1.5 Character Relationships

Module 6 – Conflict & Drama
5.1.1 Internal Conflict 5.1.2 External Conflict 5.1.3 Stakes
5.1.4 Urgency 5.1.5 Tension 5.1.6 Obstacles 5.1.7 Escalation

Module 7 – Scene Writing
6.1.1 Purpose of a Scene
6.1.2 Enter Late, Leave Early
6.1.3 Subtext
6.1.4 Exposition
6.1.5 Scene Objectives
6.1.6 Scene Transitions

Module 8 – Rewriting & Pitching
8.1.1 First Draft
8.1.2 Second Draft
8.1.3 Rewriting Techniques
8.1.4 Receiving Feedback
8.2.1 Preparing a Pitch
8.2.2 Verbal Pitching
8.2.3 Pitch Decks & Supporting Material

EDITED

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I frequently get an email that says "screenplay deadline TONIGHT!!" and then for whichever of 9 contests this is, I go to the site and it's like

super earlybird DEADLINE March 1st!

sort of early DEADLINE APril 2nd!

regular early Deadline May 13th!!!!

regular middle Deadline May 14th!!!

Early Late Deadline July 11th !!!!

Late Deadline July 23rd!!

Early Final Late Deadline September 9th!!

Semi-Late- Final Early Deadline October 11th !!!!!!!!!

Late, but not TOO- Late Deadline October 14th!!!!

Final FINAL Early Deadline December 19th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FInal FINAL FINAL DEADLINE December 29th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and why call it a DEADLINE if it's not a deadline??? and why bother having early ones? why bother having soo many? is it just about price tiers??

Just got an e-mail that a script of mine (original TV pilot, comedy) placed as a Second Rounder. More a heads up to keep your eyes peeled for notices going out before the calendar hits September 1st than a #humblebrag

Title: The Superhero Robotics Club

Page Length: 27 Pages

Genres: Science Fiction/Action

Logline: A college student builds his own mech and takes it upon himself to (try to) single-handedly save Earth from an alien invasion.

Feedback Concerns:
I am new to screenwriting. This is a polished first draft, as I want to do my best given my skill level and ask for where I fall short and can improve on. Did the screenplay excite you? If you stopped reading, why did I fail to get you interested in the story?

Also, for this script, I'm really focus on improving my writing skills, and given that I'm a beginner, this screenplay will never get published. As a result, I'm trying to optimize for reading rather than informing a film production, doing my best to get all my ideas on the page. Is this a valid approach to screenwriting? If not, what should my approach be?

Any guidance, advice, and feedback is always always appreciated as well.

Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/135u_Aa7iuwRzKK9dLsFjyfnubc77u2g2/view?usp=sharing

I've strictly listened to this Apple Music cello playlist while writing and it's getting SO OLD!

What does everybody love to listen to while writing?!

(apart from the symphony of self-doubt? 😜)

Hi! I had a script request come directly from an independent producer following a cold query email I sent a couple of months ago. They said I could either sign a release agreement or have my agent submit the screenplay on my behalf. I’m not currently represented as a writer, but I am represented as a crew person, so I had my BTL agent submit the script for me.

I was wondering if it would be appropriate to follow up with the producer directly as a check-in, or if I should leave all communication to my agent. If it’s okay to follow up directly, when would be a good time to do so? Two weeks, three weeks, a month, etc.?

Thanks so much!

Title: Broad Street Reflections

Format: Short Film Draft

Page Length: 5 Pages (Work in Progress)

Genres: Slice of Life

Logline/Summary: A hotshot salesman on his way to a meeting in 1974 realizes that 50 years passed while crossing an intersection.

Feedback Concerns: Not crazy about the title and still finding my legs as a screenwriter, so any feedback on the structure, format, coherence, pacing, etc. would be appreciated.

Link: Broad Street Reflections

I organized an AMA/Q&A with rapper, director, and screenwriter Berner. His newest film, Splash City, is being released on digital this week. It's a crime-thriller with solid reception so far (91% on Rotten Tomatoes). He has also released 22 albums as a rapper.

It's live here now in r/movies for anyone interested in asking a question:

https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1w3e6iv/hellormovies_im_berner_the_codirector_cowriter/

He will be back at 1 PM ET tomorrow (Tuesday 9/1) to answer questions. I recommend asking in advance. Please ask there, not here. All questions are much appreciated!

Thank you :)

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrze2vx3avI

Synopsis: Two brothers on diverging paths struggle to survive amidst the pressures of their community.

His verification/proof photo: https://i.imgur.com/AwjPs2x.jpeg

Title: The King of Spain

Format: TV Comedy Pilot Extract

Page Length: 9 pages extract + title page

Genre: Historical Mockumentary Comedy

Logline: In 1812 Badajoz, two incompetent French army thieves become accidental witnesses to Napoleon's empire unravelling in mysterious ways as told through the Le Moniteur Imperial Press Corps, one sketch artist, and a printing press on a mule.

Feedback concerns: Looking for broad notes on this first draft extract. Main focus: does the mockumentary format work on the page without seeing it performed? Does the comedy land in action lines as well as dialogue? Does the world establish itself quickly enough? Thanks in advance.

Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1orGcFqwelQJlCJAoMTJ1NcgbLWGJ5tvG2IuYWX6rYI0/edit?tab=t.0