As a rookie screenwriter I used to enter script writing competitions to help get me and my work noticed. And it worked, I won the Lloyds Bank Film Challenge in 1994 (and got a short film made, starring Ewan McGregor which was broadcast on Channel Four).
Alongside the Lloyds Bank Film Challenge I won the Oscar Moore Script Writing Prize in 1999 (this landed me an agent) and I have been placed in various BBC writing competitions.
Script writing competitions help put a script writer on the map, they can also add ‘heat’ to a script which can help get the project (and the writer’s career) off the ground.
There are lots of decent competitions for writers to enter in the UK and the USA, but the competition is fiercer now than ever.
The big question (if you’re serious about a career in scriptwriting) is how can you give you and your script the edge over other writers?
The answer is simple. Get an expert to read your script before the competition readers do.
As a UK Script Consultant, and BAFTA shortlisted script writer for hire, I read hundreds of scripts every year. Writers approach me with screenplays and ask for my advice, help and support. I offer this through my script report service.
Getting a script report or script coverage as it’s sometimes called, prior to entering a screenwriting competition is always the best advice.
In my report I’ll highlight strengths, weaknesses, and provide page by page notes that will help to improve your script.
This could give you a big advantage over other writers when it comes to entering a script writing competition. You can improve, punch up and fix the script and address any problems BEFORE YOU ENTER.
Contact me for information on my script report services. My advice and help could give your script the edge it needs to launch your career.
Matthew Cooper has been a script writer for hire, UK Script editor and script doctor for over 20 years. He’s written for most of the UK soaps, including writing award winning episodes of Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Family Affairs and has been BAFTA shortlisted and Royal Television Society nominated as a script writer. He’s also a leading UK script consultant. You can find some of his broadcast credits on the IMDb. You can get in touch with Matthew on matcoop23@yahoo.co.uk or hire him on Peopleperhour
His directorial debut, the rubber reality horror thriller Markham will be released in 2020.