What's The Next Step?

[Donnie Ray Clark]

Hello Chuck,

I was registered with Triggerstreet for a few months. After I had critiqued 5 screenplays (quota) my screenplay moved to the top of the list.
 
It all depends on who reviews your work. Some members provide a very detailed summary while others just skim through. I’m not slamming Triggerstreet. I learned quite a bit reading screenplays over there. GuyM suggested Zoetrope which is on my to-do list.

Take Care

[Chuck58]

I don't have any experience with Triggerstreet.

I used to post short stories on Zoetrope and the replies then, several years ago, were honest and helpful. Even when slamming a story, they were nice about it. I only had one obnoxious reply, and that was over a single word. A character speaking in dialogue said, "They hung him."

The person who critiqued that story rated it low because I didn't have the character say 'hanged him.'

I'd completely forgotten about Zoetrope. The computer I had then died, and when I found most of my sites, I spaced Zoetrope. I might take a look over there again. It was a decent place with people who, like me, were trying to get a start as short story writers, novelists and screenwriters, and they were by and large very helpful. Of course, that was then. I don't know about now.

[GuyM]

You're welcome. I hope something fruitful comes of the experience.

[Donnie Ray Clark]

Thanks Guy,

I really appreciate the information. I've already registered with the WGA. I'll log onto zoetrope and cross my fingers. I don't mind getting flamed as long as I come away with something I can use.

Take care

[GuyM]

Hey Donnie.

It's a catch 22. No agent is likely to want to represent you unless, someone already wants to buy your work. Once you have an interested buyer they'll happily come in and broker a deal for you. My guess is that posting on www.inktip.com may be in your near future. You'll want to have a good a logline, treatment and synopsis to get potential producers to even look at the script itself. You'll also need to register your work with the WGA www.wga.org or someone similar before posting to a). comply with their protocols and b). stop some *&%^$# from plagiarizing your masterpiece!

All the best.

PS re: Feedback. I might flick you an e-mail in the next few days regarding this. However, there are plenty of places online to arrange for fellow screenwriters to give and receive notes on each others work. Check out www.zoetrope.com and www.triggerstreet.com. Be forewarned, notes can range from insightful to useful and from encouraging to just plain nasty!

 

[Donnie Ray Clark]

What’s the next step?

Four years ago I started working on a screenplay titled “Shadytown”. I continue to make minor edits but the screenplay, by and large, is finished.

I want to take the next step. Should I find an agent who will take on my script? Do I need an agent? If so, how do I find an agent?

Thank you in advance

By the way... I will read and provide constructive feedback on your screenplay if you will do the same for mine. “Shadytown” is a 113 page quirky drama.

[donclark@woh.rr.com[