Script Libraries
The Script Lab has graciously put up a library of scripts for the public to download. While you're there, sign up for their newsletter.
You can also find TV scripts over at TV Calling.
Purchasing Scripts
eBay is a good place to buy, but be careful! I had to return a script from "The Flash" because I'd already gotten it free somewhere else, it wasn't complete, and it wasn't even one they used in the show. But the gentleman selling it didn't know that because he didn't know TV scripts. On the other hand, I've bought a copy of "China Beach," and a signed copy of "Combat Hospital." So, there are some winners too.
If you're looking for a specific script and can't find it *cough* Star Wars *cough* chances are you CAN find it at Script City. By clicking the banner bellow and purchasing your hard-to-find script you're helping to support this site. Yes, they do have Star Wars scripts. I've purchased a first draft and wow. It is eye opening!
The Script Lab has graciously put up a library of scripts for the public to download. While you're there, sign up for their newsletter.
You can also find TV scripts over at TV Calling.
Purchasing Scripts
eBay is a good place to buy, but be careful! I had to return a script from "The Flash" because I'd already gotten it free somewhere else, it wasn't complete, and it wasn't even one they used in the show. But the gentleman selling it didn't know that because he didn't know TV scripts. On the other hand, I've bought a copy of "China Beach," and a signed copy of "Combat Hospital." So, there are some winners too.
If you're looking for a specific script and can't find it *cough* Star Wars *cough* chances are you CAN find it at Script City. By clicking the banner bellow and purchasing your hard-to-find script you're helping to support this site. Yes, they do have Star Wars scripts. I've purchased a first draft and wow. It is eye opening!
Competitions
(including Festivals)
I know from time to time I get asked about screenwriting contests. Well... my answer used to be FilmFreeway and Without a Box. As Without a Box has been shutdown, Coverfly has come in to fill the gap. So, now we have FilmFreeway, AND Coverfly, AND ScreenCraft.
CoverFly competitions
ScreenCraft competitions
FilmFreeway (It's easier to sign up for a free account then filter as you need to! They also now have a "membership.")
Austin Film Festival has a screenwriting competition.
Austin Action Fest has a screenwriting component. The festival founder is a Legion M'er.
Horror writer? The link below will get you to Film Empire's Short Horror site. Not sure of the details but worth checking out!
The Film Empire's Scypt to Screen contest.
**The Script Lab has put together a good list of 2019's biggest screenwriting competitions. You've probably missed some of the deadlines (AFF is one and you have because it's going on right now (24 Oct 2019)) but you can put these on your radar for next year.
I definitely recommend researching the contests that you find, especially if they're relatively new. I would go to websites and do a lot of digging. Take a close look at panelists and rules. If something doesn't feel right to you, it's a good chance that your gut is right and you should steer clear.
Fellowships
The Imagine Impact program was created by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer and is one of the few paid programs in L.A. and is
open to screenwriters from all over the world.
The Nicholl Fellowship is sponsored by the Oscar Foundation and usually is awarded to eight to ten screenwriters. It is also open to international screenwriters.
Sundance has a bunch of stuff for filmmakers. Fellowships, workshops, and grants and you just thought it was a film festival...
The ABC Development Program is a paid writer development program. You get a weekly stipend to live out in L.A. and work side by side with writers for Disney and ABC to learn the ins and outs of writing in an actual writer's room.
NBC's writer's program was re-branded a few years ago and is called Writers on the Verge and you can find them on Facebook as well.
Keep checking back for updates!
**CineStory has a fellowship (it's mentioned in TSL's 2019 list) and it's great if you get it but... you have to pay your way to get there. The CineStory Foundation is a non-profit. I think you get a small stipend but I do distinctly remember when I looked into it that you have to pay for your own travel. To get a slot for one of their retreats or fellowships, you must enter their contests. If it's something you can do, I absolutely encourage you to go for it!
Education
Sundance is now offering their vast knowledge. You can sign up for free over at Sundance Collab.
Books I recommend for screenwriting:
David "Dr. Format" Trottier - The Screenwriter's Bible 7th Edition
Syd Field - Screenplay
- Screenwriter's Workbook (A companion to Screenplay)
- The Screenwriter's Problem Solver (Yet another lovely companion, not required but helpful!)
- The Essential Screenplay (the preceding three books all in one omnibus)
- Selling a Screenplay
Blake Snyder - Save the Cat!
- Blake's Blogs
- Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies
- Save the Cat! Strikes Back
Nancy Kress - Dynamic Characters (This is great for any fiction writer, not just screenwriters!)
Pamela Douglas - Writing the TV Drama (This was part of my MFA curriculum. It did come in handy. I do recommend it for anyone that wants to be a TV writer.
Alex Epstein - Crafty TV Writing (Another good one for TV writers!)
- Crafty Screenwriting (I haven't read this book but if I'm sure it's as good as his other book.)
Joe Eszterhas - Devil's Guide to Hollywood (This book is just a fun time. It has some tips in it but it's more anecdotes than anything. It's from the guy that gave us Showgirls. Oh, I did use it for reference in my honors project during my undergrad days.)
Andy Rose - The Aspiring Screenwriter's Dirty Lowdown Guide to Fame and Fortune: Tough Lessons You Need to Know to Take Your Script from Premise to Premiere
Evan S. Smith - Writing Television Sitcoms
Christopher Riley - The Hollywood Standard (This has some of the same info as Trottier's book, but he talks more about TV formatting.)
Paul Chitlik - Rewrite
Michele Wallerstein - Mind Your Business (This is a must have! It was written by a literary agent and she give you a "how to" on managing your career as a writer. The stuff you won't get in any school, unless you've gone to be a literary agent yourself.)
Stuart Voytilla - Myth and the Movies (Examines the mythic structure of some of the most classic movies. It's quite enlightening.)
Not Screenwriting Related...kinda...
This book was introduced to me by someone who knows I want to learn the business. It's also something that you, as a writer need to read if you're going to be pitching your own material to financial backers. The book? The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to Writing a Business Plan for Investors, 2d Edition. Yes, that is an Amazon affiliate link.
The next thing up is The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide. This one has some sample contracts in it and has a "how to" hire vibe.
Next up is American Film Market's The Complete Film Production Handbook. I think it's on the 4th edition. This book, if you've never set up a production or ever been to film school, will give you a good understanding of the job functions of a production. It will also have a few laws (especially labor laws) as they pertain specifically to California. If you're not in Cali, I highly recommend that you get this book and research the laws in your state!
This book was introduced to me by someone who knows I want to learn the business. It's also something that you, as a writer need to read if you're going to be pitching your own material to financial backers. The book? The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to Writing a Business Plan for Investors, 2d Edition. Yes, that is an Amazon affiliate link.
The next thing up is The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide. This one has some sample contracts in it and has a "how to" hire vibe.
Next up is American Film Market's The Complete Film Production Handbook. I think it's on the 4th edition. This book, if you've never set up a production or ever been to film school, will give you a good understanding of the job functions of a production. It will also have a few laws (especially labor laws) as they pertain specifically to California. If you're not in Cali, I highly recommend that you get this book and research the laws in your state!