Every aspiring writer is passionate about bringing their vision to life and making it a reality. But submitting your script in the entertainment industry as an entry-level writer can often be intimidating; whether working on a feature film, television show, or commercial, mastering the script submission process is key to success! This post will take you through everything you need to know when submitting your script as a new writer. With the correct information and preparation, any beginner can discover how to craft and present their stories to stand out among other entries. Ready? Let's dive in!
Research the production companies and decide which ones to submit your script to.
Researching production companies before submitting a script is critical for new writers. Make sure that the production company you select fits the genre of your hand and has had some successful productions. Take time to browse their websites, watch some of their work, and read up on what they are looking for in scripts. It's also worthwhile to check their reviews online, which can give you a good idea of how they treat writers and their projects. Ultimately, the goal is to find a production company that you genuinely feel passionate about and could see partnering with on your script or future projects. Taking the extra time to research and make wise choices will help you positively differentiate yourself while submitting your writing as a new writer!
Check their submission guidelines for any specific requirements.
When submitting the script for consideration as a new writer, it is essential to ensure you understand the intended recipient's requirements. Checking submission guidelines can uncover any special formatting, content quality, and industry standards that need to be met to have your work considered. These guidelines not only help you ensure that your script follows an accepted format; they also contain information on how scripts are received by the organization and even potential avenues to evaluate them. Reviewing a company's submission guidelines before submitting your hand will increase your chances of having it taken seriously and accepted into their program.
Create a professional cover letter introducing yourself and your script.
As a budding new writer, submitting a script is an exciting yet daunting opportunity. A great way to make the best first impression and demonstrate your professionalism is to create a cover letter that introduces yourself and provides some background on your script. Your cover letter should also include any relevant writing experience, educational qualifications, and awards or successes you've achieved in writing. In addition to these main points, consider mentioning the motivations behind your vision for the story you are telling with your script and how it connects with industry trends. When structuring your professional cover letter for a script submission, take the time to prove your worth as a writer by thoughtfully addressing why you have chosen their studio or production house specifically. Doing so will give readers insight into why you share their values, giving them a reason to see the potential in you and make them want to read more!
Include a synopsis of the story along with your cover letter.
A synopsis of your story should be essential to any cover letter submitted with a script by a new writer. This synopsis can be short and to the point, typically no longer than a few hundred words, but enough to showcase the narrative arc, main characters, and key plot points. It is also essential to include your story's genre in the synopsis to give the reader context. For those submitting a novel-length piece, it's also wise to include what previous chapters have revealed about storylines or significant milestones achieved in earlier parts of your work. Finally, proofread your synopsis carefully for accuracy and clarity – submitting something unreadable will not help you stand out from the crowd!
Include character sketches and other story elements that complement the script.
When submitting a script as a new writer, it's essential to include character sketches and other story elements that can supplement its overall impact. Characters should be developed in enough detail so readers can immediately grasp who they are and know the types of conflicts they will face. Specific examples should be woven throughout, along with setting details that help give the reader a sense of place. Remember, though, that all this is background knowledge; leave the reader with a manageable amount of details that might take away from the power of the core story. Instead, select only the most essential pieces about the characters, setting, and plot for your submission. With these crucial steps, you'll be ready to launch your writing career on a solid footing!
Format the script according to industry standards (font, page size, margins, etc.)
Knowing the basics of formatting a script is critical when submitting a hand as a new writer. Proper margins, font types, sizes, and page formats should be adhered to make a good first impression. A Script Supervisor or reader may only look at your work if it is formatted according to industry standards. Most commonly accepted scripts are written in 12-point Courier font on 8 1/2 by 11-inch white paper with one-inch margins. Generally, each script page will contain two lines for scene numbers, headers for character names and dialogue, and standard indentation for actions and transitions. Learning how to format a script correctly demonstrates professionalism and can be another tool in distinguishing yourself from other writers.
Learning how to submit a script can be overwhelming for a new writer. However, doing your research, sticking to the submission guidelines for each production company, and producing a professional cover letter along with your script can help you make the best impression possible, giving your work a chance it deserves to be seen. Additionally, formatting correctly according to industry standards can go a long way in showcasing your talent. Even though submitting may seem daunting at first, if you take it one step at a time and persevere, your dream of bringing your script to life could become a reality. So get researching, and don't give up!
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