WHAT IS THE BIZ OF SCREENWRITING CONTEST?
Approximately 80% of the money screenwriters make in Hollywood comes from paid writing assignments. But there’s also a huge opportunity for screenwriters to get a start in the business by doing a writing assignment for Indie producers who need someone to write their next movie.
The Biz of Screenwriting contest simulates the “writing assignment” process by having you submit work to spec and editing it from ‘producer’s notes’. It creates unique opportunities for both writers and producers.
- WRITERS: Learn and practice the skills of a writing assignment.
- PRODUCERS: Find capable screenwriters who can write your next movie.
Here are just a few of the movies that were paid writing assignments:
- The Devil Wears Prada
- X Men Origins: Wolverine
- Star Trek
- Fast and Furious (2, 3, and 4)
- Iron Man
- Legally Blonde
- and thousands more.
Besides having high quality writing skills, screenwriters need to know how to “write on assignment” and give producers exactly what they’re looking for.
“Biz of Screenwriting” is both a contest and a class. It will give you a basic understanding of how to do writing assignments and for some, it will give you access to producers who need screenwriters to write their next movie.
OVERVIEW OF PRIZES
Currently, we are giving out over $6,500 of prizes and the chance to do writing assignments or even have your script optioned.
TWELVE FINALISTS: You’ll have your best scene from your current script posted along with a logline, bio, and contact information for producers to contact you. You’ll also receive entry into the “Pushing The Envelope” class that was modeled after the writing style of the TV series LOST.
TOP THREE: You’ll win entry into the ProSeries Professional Screenwriting program (Six months and entry into the ProSeries Alumni).
GRAND PRIZE WINNER: You’ll win entry into the ProSeries program and a ticket to a 3-day event (value: $650) where a group of writers will meet 20 Hollywood producers along with up to $1,500 in expenses.
- See the Rules of the Contest.
- See the Levels of the Contest.
- See the Prizes of the Contest.
THE “EDUCATION” PART
The contest takes place in five levels. The first three levels also include lessons on how the writing assignment process works. In it, you’ll learn:
- How the writing assignment process works.
- How you can get paid screenwriting jobs.
- The Secret to Writing A Producer’s Vision.
- How to “take notes” from producers to improve the script and what to do if you disagree.
You’ll learn from every level of the contest and class. See more info on the Biz Class part.
OVERVIEW OF THE CONTEST
In the first three of the five levels, you’ll write and rewrite a simple scene to practice the skills of a professional. In the 4th and 5th level, you’ll work with a scene from the script you want to sell to make it the best it can be.
Everyone who signs up will go through the first three levels to learn the skills. Approximately 10% of the group will make it to the 4th level. Twelve writers will make it to the 5th level and be the finalists.
QUOTES FROM PREVIOUS FINALISTS
“The feedback I received at each stage of the contest was like nothing I’ve gotten from any other screenplay contest. The scoring process allowed me to see EXACTLY what my scene’s strengths and weaknesses were. It gave me critical feedback on my technique and revealed where I needed improvement to advance to the next level.” - Mike Davidson
“This is my first contest where it was more about the process (write, get notes, rewrite to comply with notes) than a finished product. The irony is that my script was greatly improved in the end because I had learned to incorporate great notes!” - Victoria Wu
“The Biz of Screenwriting Contest pushes you to produce your very best writing under strict deadlines and provides insight into what it takes to become a Hollywood screenwriter. It also servers as an excellent learning experience by revealing what your strengths and weaknesses are so that you can focus on exactly what you need to do to improve every single one of your present and future scripts.” - Kaden San
Join the Biz of Screenwriting 2 Contest/Class.