SCRIPT PIMP DECEMBER / HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER
(http://www.scriptpimp.com)

Contents:

(1) CALL FOR ENTRIES: Script Pimp 2010 Competitions
(2) Script Pimp Offer: One FREE Entry with Any Workshop Submission
(3) Recent Script Sales – November
(4) Box Office – Holiday Weekend
(5) Script Pimp Recommends: Movie Outline / Hollywood Script Express
(6) Script Pimp Recommends: “Table Read My Screenplay”
(7) Script Pimp Partner Article: Marvin Acuna, “Meet Buster”
(8) Script Pimp Success Stories
(9) Script Pimp Feedback: Writers Workshop and Competitions
(10) Script Pimp Partner: InkTip.com
(11) Script Pimp in the News
(12) Miscellaneous - Top Websites for Screenwriters

=================================================
(1) CALL FOR ENTRIES: Script Pimp 2010 Competitions
=================================================

8th Annual 2010 Script P.I.M.P. Screenwriting & Teleplay Competitions

SPECIAL DISCOUNT DEADLINE: December 31^st, 2009

FINAL DEADLINE: May 1st, 2010

$17,000 overall CASH to winners & $80,000 in prizes

For registration, visit: http://www.scriptpimp.com/writing_competition/home.cfm

**Writers may also request general script notes for an additional $40**

The 2010 Script Pimp Screenwriting and TV Competitions are accepting entries for feature film and TV scripts—all genres, styles, and lengths accepted. This is an international competition and non-U.S. writers are welcome.

$20,000 in cash to the finalists/winners, and $80,000 in prizes given away to ANYONE who enters. Finalist loglines/scripts are sent to over 200 companies.

Four (4) Grand-Prize winners receive:

--$14,000 total cash ($3,500 each)

--$1,000 toward the "Think Tank" program at Writers Boot Camp ($4,000)

--Plus ALL the finalist prizes listed below. . . .

Top 20 Finalists receive:

--$3,200 total cash (16 finalists receive $200 each)

--Guaranteed circulation to over 200 Companies

--Mentor teleconference meetings with a producer, manager, or agent to discuss the finalist's script

--5-year memberships to Script Pimp's Writers Database ($10,000)

--Featured 'Script Pimp Recommend' listing on Ink Tip™

--$100 "Creative Currency" for Writers Boot Camp ($2,000)

--A seat to Chris Soth's Million Dollar Screenwriting Teleseminar (appx. $250/seat)

--A seat to Philippa Burgess' Million Dollar Screenwriting & Content Career Teleseminar (appx. $300/seat)

-- A seat to Steve Kaplan's Comedy Intensive Course (appx. $250/seat)

--$250 travel voucher and invitation as recognized finalist to attend the Script Pimp Awards Ceremony at Writers Boot Camp in Santa Monica, CA in July 2010 where the winners will be announced

3^rd Annual 2010 Script Pimp TV Writing Competition

$1,500 Cash to Best Overall TV Script; Top 10 Finalists chosen

The 3^rd Annual Script Pimp TV Writing Competition: http://www.scriptpimp.com/tv/home.cfm

Acceptable entries: Specs (current or former TV shows); Original Pilots; Reality/Game Show Proposals. Any length or genre.

Grand prize is $1,500 to the best spec, pilot, or reality series proposal. Nine (9) other finalists receive $150 each, as well as guaranteed circulation to 200 companies and other prizes.

Contact entry@scriptpimp.com with questions or to request more information.

To submit: http://www.scriptpimp.com/writing_competition/home.cfm.

Script Pimp Home Page: http://www.scriptpimp.com

***All new Writers Database members get one FREE entry into either competition!***

*miscellaneous prizes are given away at random

=================================================
(2) Script Pimp Offer: One FREE Entry with Any Workshop Submission
=================================================

For December ONLY, up until Dec. 31^st, all Workshop submissions receive one FREE entry into either 2010 Writing Competition—screenplay or teleplay.

This offer is also extended to Technical Edits (polishing for typos, formatting, sentence structure, etc.). Now that most industry execs and companies have taken their ridiculously long vacation, now’s the time to polish up your scripts in time for them to be circulated in 2010.

E-mail notes@scriptpimp.com to take advantage of this one-time end-of-year offer.

For more info on the Writers Workshop: http://www.scriptpimp.com/script_coverage/

=================================================
(3) Recent Script Sales – November
=================================================

Comedies, anyone?

A slate of comedies—some traditional, some off-beat— make up the script sales for December. A handful revolve around (surprise) vampires, some concerning astronauts, and others two “classic” characters once appearing on “In Living Color” and “Martin.” Other scripts include an adaptation of the civil rights march in Selma, a Greenpeace dramatic project, a remake of “The Black Hole,” and three—yes, three—Aziz Ansari (“Parks and Recreation”) projects.

Selected script sales:

--Mindy Kaling (“The Office”) will be co-writing the romcom “The Low Self Esteem of Lizzie Gillespie.”

--And the vampire craze wears on. Amy Heckerling will direct “Vamps,” which will center on two female vampires who find love in New York. . . no, really. But veteran Heckerling should pull it off brilliantly.

--Martin Lawrence and Jamie Foxx team up as Shenaheh and Wanda, their female characters from the bygone nineties, playing two rather hideous bank robbers.

--Remake of the 1985 horror “Fright Night.”

--“Space Invader,” starring Will Arnett, about a man who goes to space after suspecting his wife of infidelity.

==========================================
(4) Box Office – Nov. 26-29 / Holiday Weekend
==========================================

Teens, tweens, and everything in-between gobbled up “New Moon” over the Thanksgiving weekend. Tear-jerker “The Blind Side” fell second, followed by sfx disaster flick “2012” and the senior cast-led “Old Dogs.” “The Fantastic Mr. Fox,” the inspired creation from Wes Anderson featuring a top-notch cast, continues to flounder in the depths of the box office. Budgeted at $40m, the film has grossed under a quarter of that at the B.O.

Top 10 is as follows (updated as of Nov. 30^th, with TOTAL domestic rake in parentheses):

1. The Twilight Saga: New Moon ($230,947,696)

2. The Blind Side ($100,238,841)

3. 2012 ($138,451,427)

4. Old Dogs ($24,228,546)

5. A Christmas Carol ($104,927,816)

6. Ninja Assassin ($21,193,565)

7. Planet 51 ($28,487,409)

8. Precious ($32,433,482)

9. The Fantastic Mr. Fox ($10,024,072)

10. The Road ($1,977,453)

========================================
(5) Script Pimp Recommends: Movie Outline / Hollywood Script Express
========================================

MOVIE OUTLINE SOFTWARE INTRODUCES “HOLLYWOOD SCRIPT EXPRESS”

The entertainment industry’s new online script printing & shipping service

The folks behind the popular script writing program Movie Outline 3 are delighted to introduce you to HollywoodScriptExpress.com, an online script submission service that allows you to upload your script for professional printing, binding and shipping to any destination.. without leaving your desktop.

Your script is printed in US Letter format, bound with industry standard three-hole punch and shipped via FedEx or Same-Day-Courier from professional printers in Los Angeles. This is especially beneficial for out-of-state or overseas writers, directors, producers and agents.

HSX also hosts a suite of powerful services and tools for screenwriters and creatives who not only want to send their scripts but also want to protect their copyright, track submissions, log responses, manage contacts and collate feedback.

Visit http://www.hollywoodscriptexpress.com/ today.

SPECIAL OFFER: Register within the next 7 days and receive a 50% Discount Coupon for Movie Outline.

ABOUT MOVIE OUTLINE 3

Movie Outline was created by a produced writer to take the complexity out of the screenwriting process. Its intuitive design is based on the principle of step-outlining which allows you to plan your cinematic structure, develop characters and format your screenplay scene by scene, providing all the tools all you need.. in a single package.

KEY BENEFITS

* Easy to use

* Intuitive design

* Cross-platform

* Manage ideas & notes

* Plan story & rewrites

* Effortless script formatting

* For Novice & Professional

KEY FEATURES

* Integrated Step-Outlining

* Color-Coded Structuring

* Character Development

* Automatic Script Formatting

* Script & Story Organization

* Movie Breakdowns Included

* Structure Templates Included

Everything you need to develop your story, characters and script in a single application.

Available as an instant download or CD-ROM which works on both Mac OS X 10.3.9 or above (including Snow Leopard) and Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7.

Visit http://www.movieoutline.com/ to purchase or learn more.

INDUSTRY ENDORSEMENTS

“As a previous died in the wool lover of Final Draft, you need to know, I LOVE Movie Outline and will never go back! I have never written so fast, so intuitively or felt in such complete control of the dynamic flow of ideas.” -- Kieth Merrill

Academy Award® Winning Filmmaker

“I use Movie Outline all the time. It has many powerful features, is easy to use and makes writing and formatting a screenplay a breeze. No screenwriter should be without it.” -- Kevin Williamson

Screenwriter - Scream, The Faculty, Dawson's Creek

“I really like the way Movie Outline focuses on story and structuring and believe that my students will benefit greatly from using it.” -- Professor John Bernstein

Director of the Acclaimed Boston University Screenwriting Program

“This is the most complete package I've seen for the screenwriter in one application from outline to final draft. I recommend this program to all scribes from novice to professional.” -- Karl Iglesias

UCLA Instructor, Author "Writing for Emotional Impact"

=================================================
(6) Script Pimp Recommends: “Table Read My Screenplay”
=================================================

Script Pimp recommends the following contest—one of the more original competitions out there and one that is sure to help the winning writer with their work.

TABLE READ MY SCREENPLAY!

Save $5 with this code: SCRIPTPIMP

A NEW and ORIGINAL Screenplay Contest – JUST ADDED 2 AMAZING PRIZES!

1) A 'PRIVATE SESSION' with Gary Goldstein

Producer of ‘PRETTY WOMAN’, ‘THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES’ and ‘UNDER SEIGE’

2) PRO SERIES 6 mth. long PROFESSIONAL Screenwriting Class - $1,100.00 value!

60 out of 125 ProSeries Alumni who have taken the class have either sold, optioned or had PAID writing assignments in the past YEAR! (http://www.scriptforsale.com/amember/go.php?r=10247&i=l6)

TABLE READ MY SCREENPLAY! A Screenplay Contest with UNIQUE PRIZES

1) - We FLY you to L.A. and we put you up in a hotel...

2) - Professional Actors will perform YOUR Screenplay!

3) - You NARRATE your 'Table Read' with the actors,

4) - We'll VIDEO record it!

5) - Have a ‘Private Session’ with Gary Goldstein (Producer of PRETTY WOMAN)

6) - PRO SERIES Professional Screenwriting Class - $1100 Value! (http://www.scriptforsale.com/amember/go.php?r=10247&i=l6)

Save $5 with this code: SCRIPTPIMP

*You MUST USE this link to get discount*

http://www.tablereadmyscreenplay.com/#/submit-now/4534827623

ENTER HERE!

Why do I need a 'Table Read' of my screenplay?

Over 50,000 screenplays are written each year, and only a handful get produced, which means you need to make sure yours is at the top of it's game. A 'Table Read' or 'Read-through' is often a surprisingly powerful tool for identifying problem areas in the script. Wooden dialogue, unbelievable situations, or boring sections of the film which have not been addressed during the script development process are often discovered in the read-through.

www.TableReadMyScreenplay.com

=================================================
(7) Script Pimp Partner Article: Marvin Acuna, “Meet Buster”
=================================================

MEET BUSTER

By Marvin V. Acuna

Back when I was a kid, I enjoyed watching a public service announcement of an animated Scroll educating me on how a Bill becomes a Law. It was obviously a simplified explanation, but it offered insights into the process.

While not an animated presentation, allow me to guide you as we witness our original speculative (“spec”) screenplay Buster (short for blockbuster) navigate the maze of how a spec becomes a sale.

Here we go.

Buster’s agent and creator agree that he is officially ready for a formal introduction to the world… Hollywood. Now what?

First, Buster’s agent sifts through his market intelligence and historical evidence to determine which producers would be the most appropriate for the material and more importantly, who will have the greatest potential and influence to sell Buster.

The list of producers compiled by Buster’s agent will likely include a combination of studio producers and indie producers who have strong relationships with the various buyers in the marketplace.

For clarity sake, the studio producer is traditionally defined as someone who has a deal in place at one of the Major Studios. Note: the business has significantly changed since Buster was born, producers with studio deals should be on the endangered list. Fewer and fewer exist.

Then you have the indie producer. Keep in mind that before Buster was born most people viewed indie producers as the guys who made small films. But, today there are some pretty well known producers without any kind of deal. They are now indie producers, too. In essence, anyone without a major studio deal is traditionally framed as an indie.

Additionally it should be noted that the marketplace is loosely defined as follows: Warner Brothers, Universal, FOX, Paramount, Sony, Disney, and (to some extent) MGM/UA are considered the MAJORS. All the remaining buyers are traditionally categorized as Mini’s (i.e. Lionsgate) or Independents (i.e. Sidney Kimmel Entertainment).

There are many factors that Buster’s agent will consider in choosing the right producer for Buster. Here are simply a few:

--Does the producer have a deal? Is it a new deal or is it an old deal that may not be renewed?

--What’s the producer currently developing? What’s on their current production slate?

--Does the producer have strong relationships with studio executives? Which executives? What’s the studio executive’s shelf life look like? Is the executive on the way up or on the way out?

--What have they recently sold? What have they recently made? Was it a hit? Is the buyer happy with the performance?

--Can the producer offer any additional meaningful market intelligence to navigate the buyer’s maze that will help make the sale?

--Does the producer have strong relationships with talent, directors, or their respective agents? Could the producer be successful in packaging Buster with strong elements that may elevate the potential for a sale?

--Has the producer ever read Buster’s creator’s previous works? In essence, is there a preexisting relationship with the Producer?

The list of factors to consider can go on forever. Let’s move on, shall we.

Ok. Now that Buster’s agent has carefully identified the key target producers for each buyer(s) he will initially contact, it’s time to execute.

It’s not a hard rule, but specs like Buster traditionally hit the market on Tuesdays. This year over 300 specs have already been circulated.

And we’re moving.

Next, Buster’s agent prioritizes his phone sheet, rehearses his passionate sales pitch about Buster, and does a few finger dialing exercises and keyboard strokes as a warm up.

One last glance at the mirror (strategically placed on the desk of course) for final inspection of THE game face and it’s on!!

Dial tone, key phone entries, and an inhale, then ring, ring, ring… and finally a voice on the other end:

“Lorenzo di Bonaventura’s office…” (It should be noted that assistants rarely answer the phone with the gratuitous “hello”).

To be continued…

========================================
(8) Script Pimp Success Stories
========================================

Former Workshop Recommends and Script Pimp writers are finding success with their screenplays and films.

Most recent updates:

Brian Watanabe, writer of “Rogues Gallery,” has signed with The Gersh Agency.

2009 Screenwriting Competition winner Troy Taylor’s script, “The Eleven,” optioned by Etch Media.

Former Script Pimp Recommend writer Sam Benavides’ short horror script MANSFIELD PATH recently completed production, and a sneak preview screened in Pasadena, CA on July 25^th. Other screenings to be planned in the near future.

Recent Script Pimp Recommend writer Micah Barnett has been signed by Jake Wagner (Energy Entertainment). His screenplay, THE MERC LIST, an action/thriller set in the future, was Recommended by Script Pimp in May 2009 and is now primed to make its rounds in circulation.

Former Script Pimp Recommend screenplay STRENGTH AND HONOR (dir. Mark Mahon), now a multi-award-winning film with plans for a sequel, was featured on NBC’s Today show. The film’s star, Michael Madsen, was interviewed by Meredith Viera on his role and the film’s success, along with an appearance by writer/director Mark Mahon. For the entire interview: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/31426232#31426232.

To join the film’s Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/STRENGTH-AND-HONOUR/52594506857?ref=ts

Former Script Pimp Competition finalist Mandie Green recently began a writing assignment through Larry Levinson Productions to write a TV movie, “Sisterly Advice,” for the Hallmark Channel, an opportunity credited in part to contest placements for her script THE MICHAELS.

With the assistance of Kersey Management, Matt Savelloni, a former Script Pimp writer, has been placed with the agency Hohman, Maybank, and Lieb, one of the top boutique agencies in Los Angeles. Matt is currently teamed with another writer developing two projects with high-profile producers.

More success stories: http://www.scriptpimp.com/success_stories/success_stories.cfm

==========================================
(9) Script Pimp Feedback: Writers Workshop and Competitions
==========================================

As always, thanks to all the writers worldwide who took the time to send in their comments. Some recent quotes, including writers who requested additional competition feedback in 2009:

“Thank you so much. The reader did an EXCELLENT job. Not only is it clear that the script was read with extreme attention, the critical notes are thoughtful and VERY helpful as opposed to destructive. And also, thanks for the praise, that's always nice, though the suggestions for improvement were even nicer! I would say the best aspect of the coverage was the acute understanding by the reader of the script I am trying to achieve. The notes address the script I would like to write, not some fictional notion of the script I might have written.” – Zeke F. (10/13)

“I've used your service before, and actually won third prize in a screenplay competition thanks to some of your suggestions. Thanks again!” – Steve M. (9/7)

“The notes [additional competition feedback] were articulate, insightful, and very much appreciated. Clearly, they came from someone who actually took the time to carefully read my script and compose a well thought out analysis (something which I am learning is not always the case with some "big name" screenplay competitions). I can honestly say that I couldn't be more satisfied with my Script PIMP experience.” – Alex L. (9/2)

“Thank you for your thoughtful review of my script. It's nice to know that it was read so carefully. [contest additional feedback]” – Janet R. (9/1)

“Thank you so much for your precise and constructive notes! [contest additional feedback]” – Beth S. (9/1)

“Thank you for the valuable feedback. I plan on using much of it in my next re-write. [contest additional feedback]” – Dan R. (9/1)

“I want to thank you wholeheartedly for the great job you did on the requested additional notes on my screenplay. I appreciate your honesty, and I will follow up on your suggestions. I wasn't expecting to win since I was more interested and did want your feedback. Once again, thank you, and I will keep my eye out for your future competitions.” – Helen B. (8/27)

“Wonderful feedback, very impressive and welcome. Exceptionally well-run contest. Thanks very much for the insights.” [regarding competition feedback] – (8/22)

“As for your evaluator, I would give him/her a 10 across the board. Although I didn't agree with everything, the comments and suggests were all valid and smart. In my revised script, I incorporated many of the suggestions. Money well spent. Thanks again.” – Mark A. (8/20)

“I have to say Script P.I.M.P. has been a great experience. The staff is always courteous and professional. Any questions are immediately answered, 24/7. The writer's database has been a fantastic resource and I look forward to continuing my relationship with the P.I.M.P.” – Sean Fallon (8/4)

“I've found SP to be very professional and proactive, even going so far as calling me the day before the contest posted, to let me know that I was a finalist. Matt, over at Script P.I.M.P, has been very communicative throughout the entire process, and answered all my questions in a timely manner. The best thing about the contest though, is that I've already received several read requests from managers and production companies.” – Jason Carreiro (8/2)

“Script P.I.M.P.'s contest is very professionally run, and so far it has been an excellent experience. I feel that the contest definitely has potential to open doors, and potentially offer significant exposure to winners and finalists. I highly recommend this contest and commend the very helpful people running it!” – Matthew Altman (8/1)

==========================================
(10) Script Pimp Partner: InkTip.com
==========================================

Script Pimp highly recommends partner InkTip to help with the promotion of your script to numerous industry pros, with over 50 credits as a Screenplay Facilitator in the past five years.

***InkTip: Find good scripts fast and easy.***

InkTip, a screenplay facilitation company, has been helping producers, filmmakers, agents, managers and name talent find good scripts and writers since 2000.

Over 80 produced films have been facilitated by InkTip with a current average of 19 films produced per year.

To see our IMDb profile, go to IMDb.com and search for ‘InkTip’, or visit: http://www.inktip.com/welcome.php?cid=SSsolo&pg=main_inktip_on_imdb.php

In less than 2 minutes, see how InkTip works for you by watching the InkTip Explained video: http://www.inktip.com/welcome.php?cid=SSsolo&pg=itexplained.php

==========================================
(11) Script Pimp in the News
==========================================

To view all Script Pimp company credits, visit: http://www.imdb.com/company/co0173374

For the Rogues Gallery Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=64778963348&ref=mf

View all Script Pimp Press:

http://www.scriptpimp.com/ (scroll down to In the News section)

Script Pimp Named Top 50 Websites by Moviemaker:

http://www.moviemaker.com/producing/article/50_best_websites_for_moviemakers_2009_20090610/%23When:20:11:00Z

Script Pimp Reviewed by Associated Content:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/369671/review_of_script_pimp_pipeline_into.html?cat=31

Chadwick Clough Interview:

http://www.filmmaking.net/articles/show_article.asp?id=91

Script Pimp's "Rogue's Gallery":

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3if7b717939831cbe299581383a70dea5a

Script Pimp's feature film "The Living Wake" reviewed by Variety: http://www.scriptpimp.com/newsletters/variety.cfm

Script Pimp on TV (Peter Bart's Sunday Morning Shootout):

http://www.scriptpimp.com/ (click on link at top of home page)

==========================================
(12) Miscellaneous - Top Websites for Screenwriters
==========================================

The following is a guide for the Script Pimp community of five-star websites for screenwriters and aspiring filmmakers. To post your site in this section for approval, please contact us at matt@scriptpimp.com.

NETWORKING SITES:

Screenwriters Federation of America

http://www.screenwritersfederation.org/phpBB2/

Shooting People

http://www.shootingpeople.org

International Screenwriters Association

http://www.networkisa.org

RECENT SCRIPT SALES

Done Deal – http://www.donedealpro.com

SCRIPT COPIES

MovieJigsaw.com (UK) - http://www.moviejigsaw.com

FREE SCREENPLAYS ONLINE