From: Jess C
Subject: RE: Script Stress
Hello - I am a script editor at BBC Films and have huge sympathy for the yawning silence which I know seems to greet most submissions!

With regard to your problem - Hmmm, I think it depends how you submitted it - if it was an unsolicited (ie not from an agent or not given to a mate) then it is quite possible it is sitting on the pile of "when I get time" scripts. This is not the pile of choice to be on... If it was solicited, then get your agent to call or call the mate/contact you have to see what is happening.

The problem with script work, whatever anyone tells you, is that no one really knows what will or won't work. Obviously, at the lower end of quality, anyone can tell a turkey, but once things are "OK", then it becomes a much more arcane business.

For that reason, the higher the level you can submit at, the better the light in which your work is read. If I am given a script and the word is that "four or five other people are chasing it" the lemming within instantly reads it in a more positive/creative light than if it's from "anonymous writer #100957". The depressing truth is that this is why an agent is useful, or lacking that, a contact who you can talk to whom you want... (answer continues)
Jesse C

From: Tommy M
Subject: Script Stress
Most production companies operate on their own unique timescale. Taking into account the Christmas break, November was only moments ago. Some companies can take up 3 months just to open a jiffy bag. Don't give up yet. If you've heard nothing I think you'd be quite justified in phoning them up and asking them to confirm that they have at least received your script... (answer continues)

From: John J. T
Subject: Julie H's Post
There are two reasons I can think of immediately as to why her November submissions to 10 production companies have not yet received responses:

1. Those production companies may be disinclined to reply to writers who are not represented by either an entertainment attorney (like myself) or an agent. Many production companies will not consider - or at least SAY that they won't consider - such submissions, unless made through a representative... (answer continues)
John T
New York, NY

From: Tracey G
Dear Julie,

As some one that receives unsolicited screenplays through the post I would say its best to bug whoever you've sent it to. I get guilt tripped into reading scripts... (answer continues)

From: Charlie H
Subject: Script Stress
Julie,

They're all bastards (except me of course…) but in fact November to January is not particularly long IMHO, when you consider that the whole industry grinds to a halt for most of December.

Give them a week or so to get over their hangovers then send a polite note/phone/fax to remind them that you exist... (answer continues)

From: Adriano L
Subject: Script evaluation
Julie, you are rightly frustrated about 10 production companies not responding to your script. This is quite normal and may not necessarily reflect on the quality of your script... (answer continues)

From: Julie H
Subject: Script Sweetners
Dear Shooting People,

Thank you so much for your advice and support on my script. I am as we speak on the phone chasing it up and have also been in contact with an agent... (answer continues)
a newly inspired
Julie

Membership to Shooting People is free and available to anyone with an e-mail address. Join now by registering either on the web site www.shootingpeople.org or by sending an e-mail to: join@shootingpeople.org.

For more information please contact Cath Le Couteur or Jess Search at shootingpeople@easynet.co.uk