Have you written a fantastic script that you would like to see become a feature film or an episode on a TV Series? Knowing how to submit a screenplay to a production company can help get your script produced.
Getting your script to the right people at the right time can be a difficult task, especially when you don’t have connections to producers, agents, and managers in Hollywood.
Not to worry!
This is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to submit your screenplay to a production company so that you can take your screenwriting career to the next level without making the trip to Universal and Paramount every other week.
You can use many tools to ease your hunt for script writing jobs. Most of the tools and websites we have mentioned here are either free or give you a chance to avail of a free trial period.
IMDB Pro
IMDB Pro is quickly on top of our list because with the help of this platform; you can connect directly to any agent, manager, or production company from around the world.
Submitting your scripts on IMDB Pro is easy; here’s how you do it.
Step 1
Find a movie with a similar plot to your script or has similar elements.
For example, if you wrote dystopian fiction, then depending on the style and tone of the script, you should pick The Hunger Games or Divergent Series.
Step 2
The next step is to search the film and find out who the writer or writers of the film are. Look for their IMDB page and click on it.
Step 3
Now that you have found the writer’s IMDB page click on the contact agent section.
You can send query letters to all the agents you can find until you respond that someone would like to read your script.
Tips
IMDB Pro is the best tool for submitting unsolicited scripts because of the drag and drop submission technique and access to independent agents. Although when using this platform, you will need to put in the extra work and conduct extensive research on the type of writers you should contact.
IMDB Pro is costly, but you can use the free-thirty-day trial. You can achieve a great deal with the free trial by listing all the movies and writers’ agents you have to contact. This way, you can submit dozens of scripts on your free trial and maybe even get responses.
We recommend subscribing if you are a severe screenwriter and cold emails are part and parcel of your work. A yearly subscription is the best option for you in that case.
BBC Writers Room
BBC Writers Room is a great way to get in touch with TV writers. This platform is entirely free, which is another one of its merits. You can easily send your TV scripts in Drama, Comedy, or any other genre.
Twice a year, you have the opportunity to send your scripts to the BBC and compete for the position of being on their writing team.
In the first round between March and April, you can apply to send in your Comedy scripts, whereas the second round is the best time to send your Drama scripts.
Here’s the drill:
Step 1
Write a script and take extra care following the BBC script writing guidelines.
Step 2
Once your script is ready, you can send it through the website or email it to them directly.
The authorities provide more details around the date of acceptance.
Tips
The best chance of getting accepted is by writing for current running shows. This doesn’t mean you should not send your new and original work. This is still a great platform to have your work vetted by experts.
Nicholl Fellowship
Another great way to showcase your scripts to the masses is by entering the Nicholl Fellowship. This is a popular screenwriting competition run by none other than the Academy.
The competition allows amateur scriptwriters to submit their screenplays. The panel of judges usually consists of industry giants. If you do win this competition, you take home a sizable cash prize of up to $35,000 as well as being signed to an agent and possible production contracts.
Here’s how you can apply:
Step 1
Register/ sign in to apply
The application process is a 7 step procedure.
Once you have completed the application, submit it!
BackStage
Backstage is a popular website used for finding agents and managers. You can easily present your material on this platform. There are many opportunities for screenwriters on this website.
All you have to do is follow these steps:
Step 1
Click on the link provided, where you can see agents and managers. Pick what you are looking for.
Step 2
Keep searching till you find agencies that are looking for screenwriters.
Step 3
Click through to sign up, after which you can view contact information.
Now contact them with your pitch or play.
The Black List
The Black List is a popular screenwriting platform. You can easily access an extensive database of screenwriters and scripts here. You can read the scripts posted by Hollywood professionals, and you can also post yours for them to go through. This increases your chances of getting a call back regarding your work.
There is a grading system, so the higher up you score, the more there is a chance for you to get a deal for your script, as the scripts that rank higher are the ones that get reviewed by producers.
Here’s how you can start:
Step 1
You can register/ sign in.
Step 2
Get an evaluation of your script. If your script gets at least an 8, you will get noticed by agents. A 10 would guarantee a response.
You can submit your screenplay easily after you sign up. The customer service on The Black List is excellent. You will face little to no difficulty navigating this platform.
Conclusion
Following this advice on knowing how to submit a screenplay to a production company will surely help kickstart your screenwriting career and get your script where it needs to be.
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