Is using A4 really that different from US Letter?
- Absolutely. A4 is metric based, much skinnier and significantly longer that good ole’ chunky U.S. Letter. U.S. Letter is the industry standard and measures exactly 8 1/2 inches x 11 inches. The last thing you want is for your script to look out of place and amateurish sitting on a stack of properly formatted submissions.
- Also if they want to copy your script (ie. to show the boss!) it won’t fit properly on US Letter unless they shrink it. Then your font will be smaller than the industry standard 12 pt. and really cheese-off that aforementioned bossman!
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It's like Laurel and Hardy ain't it?.
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What’s with these Solid Brass Brads you keep banging on about?
- Well, if you’re in Europe, you probably don’t have any idea what were banging on about, but rest assured, your script is doomed without them. I tried every office supply store in the UK, and no one had a bloody clue what I was after. Eventually I had to get my brass fasteners shipped over from Los Angeles just so I could bind my scripts properly and mail them right back!
- These are THE brads used by Hollywood studios, scriptwriters, and production companies, the legendary ACCO #5 Fastener. Using these brads tells the 'gatekeepers' that you 'know the turf'.
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The industry standard
ACCO #5 with washers.
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Can you recommend some screenwriting software so my margins look professional?
- Certainly. Personally, I use Movie Magic Screenwriter (formerly Script Thing) by the people who do the popular budgeting and scheduling software (Screenplay Systems). But Final Draft and Dramatica Pro are also a top notch programs. The good thing about theses programs is once you buy them, you won't need to purchase one ever again as the industry standards rarely change. These programs also 'export' to all the budgeting and scheduling software used by Hollywood Producers, so you’ll be making the production team very happy with your professionalism. Links to purchase these screenwriting programs are in the left magin.
- If you are hard up for cash, you can always set your own tabs in Word or such, but just note, whilst this will ensure your lefthand-side tabs are correct, it WILL NOT ensure that your dialogue and parentheticals are properly cropped on the righthand-side. This will immediately flag your work as amateur and most likely get you chucked straight into the bin.
And if you're really confused about what to do consider using our new formatting service THE SCRIPT SERGEANT! This ruthless screenwriting drill instructor will whip your script into shape whether you like it or not! Now wipe that smile off your face and give me twenty!
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The faster the read...
The faster the sale!
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Is there a discount for bulk/quantity mailings?
- You betcha! We’re currently running a deal where you get your 10th script shipped for free. After you’ve shipped 9 scripts, we will send you a discount code for free printing and standard shipping.
- If you are planning on doing a lot of scripts at once (5 or more), feel free to contact info * at * hollywoodscriptexpress to discuss a significant price break on the whole lot.
Furthermore thanks to the growth in the number of our customers using www.withoutabox.com to enter screenplay contests online, we are now offering a partial postage refund if two or more scripts are going to the same destination.
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How do I send you my Contest Entry Fees? And why is there a 10% service charge?
- After you've submitted your script file and entry form for printing, just add a note telling us that your contest fees are to follow.
Then PayPal us the additional entry fee +10% as a handling charge to: billing * at * hollywoodscriptexpress (i.e. If the contest entry fee is $50 then please send $55 USD.)
The 10% surcharge is due to the fact that PayPal charges us 5% to receive transactions as well as the additional expense of purchasing a US money order/check from the U.S. Post Office in your name. If you have any further questions please click email link above and we'll talk you through it!
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Can I leave my file on your server for multiple mailings to Agents, Managers and Production Companies?
- Certainly. Just drop us an email after your submission to remind us to archive it. This will make future mailings quick and easy. Please remember though, if you write a new draft, you need to inform us to destroy the old file!
Also some screenplay contests require unique tracking numbers for your entry so be sure to get a new coverpage to us.
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How do I get an Agent or Production Company to read my screenplay?
- To screenwriters this is right up there with “The Meaning of Life”. Fortunately having recently climbed to the top of the mountain and spoken to the Guru of Screenwriting, we recommend the following.
HOW TO GET AN AGENT!
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SUCCESS! An Agent called and wants to READ MY SCRIPT! Err… now what?
- Now what?! Don’t just stand there you fool! Race to your computer, log-on to the Hollywood Script Express.com and SUBMIT your script for printing ASAP.
- Time is of the essence. You want to follow up with this Agency or Production Company as fast as you can to keep them excited and more importantly to keep them from falling in love with other material in the meantime.
- Speed is the key! This is why the Hollywood Script Express exists! We're here to give overseas screenwriters a fighting chance on the mean streets of Hollywood! Ideally, providing you with that crucial Edge Over The Competition!
- Once you submit your script (and cover letter or release if you choose to include), the Hollywood Script Express team will immediate start to work on the printing & binding and guarantee to have your work in a local Los Angeles post office by the next Business Day… if not sooner!
- For urgent shipments, the Express also offers Overnight delivery and even Same Day Courier!
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Why can’t I just send a PDF to the Agent and ask him to print it himself?
- Because you’ll look like a cheap-ass amateur who’s already a pain in the butt by asking for favours - you're basically asking the guy to spot you twenty bucks! Remember, at this stage in the game, you’re chasing him, so show a little initiative. If all goes well, later in your career the tables will turn and they’ll finally be chasing you! Revenge, my friend, will be oh, so sweet!
Also keep in mind that no one likes reading a script whilst sitting at a computer. Not the best environment for a relaxing evaluation.
Ideally, you want that high-powered manager firmly planted poolside with a cocktail in one hand and your screenplay in the other.
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Hardcopy will make you look like a pro!
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I sent an Agency my script as they requested, but I still haven’t heard anything back?
- Easy Tiger. As mentioned, give the company some time. This is the biggest thing in your life, but to them, it’s just another day at the office. Give em about 4 – 8 weeks before following up with a second letter or email. I wouldn’t recommend calling until you’ve established a relationship. If you still don’t hear anything after that, you should assume they have passed and that the material is just not right for them at the moment.
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- Once again, don’t take rejection personally. You have to have thick skin to survive in this cut-throat game. Just pick up that paper and pen - alright, keyboard - and write another letter to a different company.
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- If the rejections start to pile up on a specific project, then consider a rewrite of the script. Perhaps write back to one of the agents that passed and ask them for feedback. Most likely a junior agent or assistant was the one who actually read your script and often they will send you their coverage or notes so that you can improve your project.
Occasionally you'll find that they'll offer to read a rewrite or encourage you to contact them when you have a new script ready to go. Remember, never burn a bridge in Hollywood. Your worst enemy can one day become your best and most lucrative friend.
- Guru’s Tip: If you do write a new draft and take it back out to market, a good trick to improve your odds of a re-read is to change the title of the new draft to prevent it from being flagged by the agency’s submission log as already having been read / covered.
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So buck up, Johnny. Rejection isn't the end of the world.
At least you've finally got a foot in the door!
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