For Screenwriters: The Journey to the Big Screen

There’s a shared dream for every screenwriter: to have their words leap from the page and come alive on the screen. It’s a journey filled with highs and lows, and we at Storyline are here to be a part of that journey with you. We want to be honest about the realities of this path, because knowing the road ahead is the first step toward navigating it successfully.

The Brutal Truth: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Good: The spark of an idea, the thrill of watching a story take shape, the sheer act of creation—this is why we do what we do. Screenwriting is a powerful art form that allows you to build entire worlds and share them with an audience. When a script truly connects, it’s a feeling like no other.

The Bad: The competition is fierce. You are competing with thousands of other talented writers, all vying for the same opportunities. This means rejection is inevitable. A script that you’ve poured your heart and soul into might get a “pass,” and that can be a tough pill to swallow.

The Ugly: In a very competitive market, one of the biggest challenges is simply getting noticed. Many festivals and competitions charge submission fees, and it’s easy to spend hundreds of dollars without a clear strategy. We see countless scripts that, unfortunately, aren’t ready for the spotlight. It’s tough to see a writer’s passion wasted because they didn’t have the right tools or understanding of the industry. For example, a common red flag for us is a script that doesn’t follow Master Scene Format. This is a basic, but critical, standard in the industry, and it’s a huge indicator that a writer might not yet know the fundamentals.

Tools to Sharpen Your Craft

While we cannot accept every script, we believe in empowering every writer who submits. We’ve put together some resources to help you on your journey, whether you’re just starting or looking for that extra edge.

1. Navigate the Festival Circuit with Confidence: FestIntel™

Don’t waste your money on submissions without being fully prepared. We recommend FestIntel, a 50-page e-book by the founder of the DaVinci International Film Festival. It cuts through the noise and provides actionable tips for both filmmakers and screenwriters. For just $8.99, this e-book could save you hundreds of dollars and give you a huge advantage in your next submission. You can learn more at festintel.com.

FestIntel

2. Unlock Your Story’s Potential: Script Notes

We read every script from cover to cover and hold onto our notes. If you’re ready to dive back into your rewrite, we offer two options to help you understand your script’s strengths and weaknesses:

  • Top Sheet ($15.99): This is our executive reader breakdown. You’ll receive a professional synopsis and logline, as well as an analysis of your script’s core strengths and weaknesses. It’s a quick, clear look at where your script stands (with us, at least), including an unofficial Pass, Consider, or Recommend (PCR) rating. This is a great starting point if you’re looking for an honest snapshot to guide your next steps.  It is literally one page of feedback.
  • Full Analysis ($49.99): This is a comprehensive review from three of our readers. The notes are a deep dive into every aspect of your script, from executive scene analysis and character development to conflict & stakes and emotional analysis. We’ll pinpoint story inconsistencies, highlight your unique selling points, and provide in-depth critiques to help you elevate your screenplay.  It’s basic coverage on your work.

There’s ZERO pressure to purchase these services. They are simply here to add to your toolbox and provide valuable insights for your next rewrite.

NOTE:  Script notes for current festival year are kept for 30 days after Notification.  Then purged.