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The Screenwriter's Web: How to use the Web to Target Your Script Submissions
by Lenore Wright

Marketing a spec script through a powerful Hollywood packaging agency increases your chances of a sale - no doubt about it.

But what if you don't have an agent - let alone a Hollywood heavyweight - to promote your script and help you to get it read by the right people?

What if you don't even live in Hollywood?

You can still get your scripts read by people who can help you market them. The Web provides a wealth of insider information and marketing opportunities for screenwriters - if you know where to look.

Here are some steps you can take to target your script submissions more effectively.

Step 1: Gather insider information on recent script sales

You can find out (instantly!) which stories and scripts have sold, who sold them and who bought them. Log onto Hollywoodlitsales or Scriptsales (Click on the section titled 'Done Deal'.) These free sites provide an overview of the scripts currently in development and which stars and producers have studio deals.

For a small subscription, you can have access to Who's Buying What, the Film Script Marketplace from Movie Bytes, a terrific online source for screenwriting contests and markets.

Agents use this insider information to target their script submissions - so can you! You might even do a better job of targeting because you know your material better than any agent ever will.

Step 2: Identify the right producer for your project

Use the script sales sites above to figure out which independent producers have current deals. Find out what scripts they've bought in the past, their successful produced credits and which stars they have already worked with. This will help you customize your query pitch specifically for them.

These sites provide great lists of active independent producers:

• Tracy Keenan Wynn's site

• Film Stew

• Film Industry Central

Copyright © 2001 Lenore Wright

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