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For the writers...is Screenwriting Expo worth it?

Shawn Nelson

Shawn Nelson

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This looks intriguing, I'm considering flying down for it since I have a sci-fi script that could be made for under $10mil that I really want to pitch to people who could actually buy it. Plus the speakers seem good. Has anyone been to it?

http://screenwritingexpo.com
 
These conferences tend to be circle-jerks, Shawn. I would avoid them.

If you have a good script, try to get an agent.
 
It's relative. Depending on the individual, all such events can be useful in some shape or form, depending on what you choose to take away from the experience. There are always jerk offs and there are almost always genuine people.

I haven't been to this one but I always approach any industry gathering as an opportunity to expand the professional network. I don't mean schilling for anyone and everyone or selling your soul, but you never know who you might meet and where it will go -especially if you do nothing and sit at home.

As a writer/director and invariably a producer as well, I tend to look for partners who can help share the workload, synergies, and maybe find an output deal with a distrib or broadcaster, part of that elusive financial structure.

If you want to learn more about the craft and talk to other writers, get out there. I find there's always a different perspective shone upon a story and try to apply it to the scripts I'm working on. You might think you're script is the shit, but someone reads it and asks some very pointed questions: that means you've got problems with your masterpiece.

I've been told SXSW is good, but I've not been yet.

As for agents I let them come to me and I'll decide whether they can properly represent my properties. As of this date I've resisted and I'm okay with that, but I'm way up in Canada and don't feel the need to have an agent. I seem to get enough work on my own.
 
I went a few years ago. Overall I had a good experience. It was hit or miss on the different sessions to choose from. Some sessions were amazing, however too many were more promotional for the speaker's book or his other seminar. It was worth going for me to see top writers such as Goldman. And I did pay extra to pitch, just to see what it was like, (even though I had pitched to networks and major film companies before). I thought the pitch sessions at the expo were a joke. IMHO If you are going solely to try to sell a script don't go.
 
Shawn, I haven't experienced it personally, but many friends have said it's a waste.
 
Shawn Nelson said:
This looks intriguing, I'm considering flying down for it since I have a sci-fi script that could be made for under $10mil that I really want to pitch to people who could actually buy it. Plus the speakers seem good. Has anyone been to it?

http://screenwritingexpo.com
Click to expand...

I think you should swing by even if it's just to practice pitching to people.
 
Hey Shawn, I went to it in 2005 and 2006 and it was an interesting learning experience for me. It really depends on what you want to get out of it. If you want to pitch, you really have to do your homework on who is going to be there and what they are looking for. Like J.D. pointed out, some of the sessions are just infomercials but others are gold. If Tim Minear is doing his "Breaking the Story" session again - that is must see and worth the trip by itself even if you are not interested in writing for television in the least. John August is a top notch writer and speaker on writing.

I wrote on my website (that hasn't been updated for over a year now) about my experience at the Screenwriting Expo 4 (click on the "read more..." at the bottom of the summaries- there is a lot of material there) and some tips on preparing for Expo 5. It is a couple years out of date but it should give you an idea of what is involved with the Expo.

And for better access to the decision makers, I highly recommend the Sherwood Oaks Experimental College. They usually set up meetings just after the Expo that you can sign up for that take you onto the studio lots to meet executives and agents. This is more expensive than the Expo but I would be more than happy to go back to this repeatedly while I feel that I've gotten everything out of the Screenwriting Expo that is worth traveling for.
 
Just booked my tickets, my priority will be pitching my scifi that could be shot on a sound-stage for $5million'ish.
 
Well Shawn, let us know how it goes! Sci-fi?? That's awesome. Do you have any stars attached yet? (if you are looking for a co-producer, I know where you can find one who knows several well-known scifi folks in LA)

I'm working on some short screenplays right now(not sci-fi, but definitely "unreal"). Not willing to jump into a feature until I'm satisfied I can make a short or two within my own expectations. Yepper.. hope to do at least one on a Red! ;)

cheers,
Sarah
 
«For the writers...is Screenwriting Expo worth it?»

I believe, yes.
 
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