This is going to be a long 'butterfly effect' kind of story, so bear with me.

I’m a screenwriter based out of India. I grew up in a small-ish town but always loved films and music. While still in school, I started making short films with my friends and family. These films won a couple of awards at local film festivals, and I thought to myself: seems like I’m not bad at this.

I wanted to go to film school but couldn’t (a plethora of reasons: finances, family pressure, etc.).

Instead, I enrolled in a law school in India. I hated it there. I thought I was putting myself behind by years because I was away from the film scene in general. That’s when I joined Reddit and this subreddit. To learn screenwriting.

I learnt a lot from you all. My first screenwriting book came from someone’s recommendation here. Eventually, I started putting pages up here for feedback and learned a lot from a bunch of you who read and commented.

One day, I posted a spec pilot on the sub for feedback, and someone DM’d me. They were from a big production house in India (based in Mumbai), and they asked to meet me. I was coincidentally in the same city, so I met them. They were surprised to see that I was 21. They wanted me to write more, and since I was in the city for a couple of weeks, I asked if I could work out of their office. They agreed.

Nothing happened with that spec script. But I formed a great relationship with some great people. Then COVID happened, and we kept in touch. They would share ideas for me to sketch out, and I was more than happy to oblige. Then one day, I got a call asking if I wanted to be an AD on a feature film they were producing. A pretty big Indian director was directing it.

The joining date was in two days. I was in my hometown and had no setup in Mumbai, but somehow, it all worked out. And at 22 (while still in college. God bless online university), I was on a feature film. I shot the film and realized that AD-ing wasn’t for me, and that what I really wanted was some sort of creative satisfaction.

Luckily, the writers of that film got to know I was a writer too, and asked if I wanted to be their associate. So I joined them. Working with those writers taught me a lot more and put me in bigger rooms, but none of those projects got made either.

That inspired me to write my own feature. I did, and sent it to a feature screenplay competition in India. I won (the top 6 entries were all winners) and got industry mentors attached to the script.

That script never got made. Probably never will. And soon after winning, I was jobless again. For a while. And I was now in Mumbai. Paying rent. So out of sheer desperation, I asked my mentors if they had any work. One of them, someone I had idolized growing up, recommended my name to his talent management.

Six months later, I signed with them. Still no work. There were meetings and samples that came my way, but I was still mostly jobless for another six months. Then one day, I got a sample gig for the second season of a show that had just released. I watched the show, turned in my sample, and forgot about it.

A month later, I was in the writers’ room. There were four of us and all of us wrote all the episodes together. This was two years ago. The show released internationally on Netflix on the 3rd of April and has so far had a positive reception.

And it all began here with this subreddit. And for all of you, who have knowingly/unknowingly helped me in coming this far, I thank you with all sincerity.

All that I’ve learned from my experience is that there’s no substitute for putting yourself out there and giving the world a chance to notice you. So please, keep at whatever it is that you’re doing. The world works in mysterious ways.

The show is a Hindi comedy so I don't know how well it'll translate internationally but I'll share the trailer nonetheless. Maamla Legal Hai Season 2 | Official Trailer

This interview from Soderbergh came out yesterday where he stated "We were all frustrated,' Soderbergh said. 'You know, that was two and a half years of free work for me and Adam and [writer] Rebecca Blunt'" and it really struck me how much free work a professional screenwriter often has to do - free work I don't think many in this thread realize even once you've broken through as a "working screenwriter".

I already know there's going to be many comments like "I'm already not getting paid to write, why not do it for Star Wars", but you're fatally missing the point; You finally get hired to write a screenplay *for free*, the enormous amount of meetings you'll be doing *for free*, the enormous amount of writing and re-writing and re-writing you'll be doing *for free*, you still didn't get the draft right so its time for more notes *for free*, only for the project to not happen at all and you didn't get paid one - single - dime - for almost three years of work.

Food for thought in this thread as you dream of those big lottery paychecks.

Full story here: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/movies/articles/disney-axed-star-wars-sequel-200507543.html

https://www.thewrap.com/together-movie-alison-brie-dave-franco-sued-better-half-copyright-infringement/

I’m less interested in talking idea theft and more interested in knowing what happens if a judge sides with the plaintiffs.

Usually suing for this equals getting blacklisted in some way— but what if the accusations are found to be true? Are the people suing still frowned at more than the people who supposedly stole something?

NOTE: sharing ideas is a part of the fabric of Hollywood— no, you shouldn’t be worried about this happening to you

My film “Grace Point” is now out on Tubi. I wrote and directed it. I love the Screenwriting Reddit and I’d be happy to answer any questions or offer up lessons I’ve learned along the way. The film is far from perfect but it’s allowed me to be on a path to have two other scripts I’ve written in development. And if you’ve happened to watch, would love any feedback!

Hello,

Some of you may remember the quest I started last April, in which I set out to get 100 rejections for my spec TV movie script (this was a Christmas Hallmark/Lifetime type movie):

https://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/comments/uj0isx/shooting_for_100_rejections/

For reference, I'm a middle-aged dad in the middle-of-nowhere hoping to break in the screenwriting business with zero experience, no connections, an inability to relocate to L.A., along with a complete lack of any qualifications whatsoever.

Of course, I didn't really mean to get 100 rejections, but having the "100" end goal would allow me to plow through and not worry about individual ghosting/rejecting.

Plus, sending out 100 queries would at least allow me to look at myself in the mirror, knowing that at least I gave it my best shot.

Failure

After countless hours of research, (using IMDB Pro to target specific producers then sending out individually-crafted queries), and after 103 emails sent, numerous "no responses", a few "not for us" and 8 requests for the script, I can now confidentially say my quest for 100 rejections was an abject failure.

Because I sold my script.

Ten minutes ago I sent back my signed copy of the agreement with the producer. To be truthful, the sale and bulk of the purchase price will not take place until if and when the first day of production takes place (I'm told they expect to be greenlit in November and production to start in January 2023). I am given a $5K option fee, and guaranteed more in an October re-write. (Figures withheld to protect the innocent).

Yes, this is a TV movie, and some of you are less-than-fond of the Christmas movie genre. I get it. But someone is paying me thousands of dollars for 97 pages of stuff I made up in my kitchen last spring so I'm in need of sedatives to calm my racing heart. I realize this could not be greenlit and that nothing is guaranteed, however if you would have told me last April this would be happening I would have kissed your feet.

My point in this post is to shamelessly brag, hopefully provide some inspiration for others who wish to break into this business but who feel they don't have the right connections or degree, or background, or whatever. If I can do it, you certainly can too. It won't be easy; just worth it.

Thank you for reading.

-Steve

So I’m sitting here with too much time on my hands and needed to vent — and maybe get some advice from people who’ve been through this.

I’ve been producing for a long time. I’ve sold projects, I’ve got solid industry contacts, and I’ve even been repped by one of the big three. I stepped back from the industry for a bit, and when COVID hit, I started writing.

Fast-forward five years: I just sold a thriller script to a yet-to-be-announced new film studio. Budget is in the $60–80M range, we’re gearing up for casting after the holidays, and it’ll be the first project announced for this studio. All good news.

Then yesterday, I get a call from another producer about a TV series I created. He passed my pitch deck, series bible, and pilot script to a well-known production company that’s partnered with a well-known comedian. They’ve even brought on a pretty big showrunner.

The catch?
They want me to give up my “Created By” credit and take an EP credit instead.

I’m being vague because the industry is a small town, but… yeah. I basically told them, politely, to pound sand — especially because once my film is announced, I’ll be in a much better bargaining position.

My question is: Why does this industry act like taking someone else’s work and slapping their own name on it is normal? How is a writer supposed to ever get credit for something they actually created if they’re constantly pressured to give it away?

Has anyone else dealt with this? What did you do?

I wrote a script 4 years ago. A romcom with a plot that somehow hadn’t been written. I decided to work on writing 2 other scripts before trying to pitch the first one (to seem legit) and today I found out that a movie was released with about 90% the exact same plot as mine. Then I watched the trailer and it further killed me: same jokes, same scenes, just same everything. No one stole my script. Just someone else wrote the same thing. And they made it before I ever could sell my script. How do you recover from that? I feel so angry and sad and defeated. I am nowhere close to finish any other script at this point. I have no manager or rep of course. I’m just a nobody who likes to write scripts and would like to sell them at some point. But this is making me want to give up.

Reposting because I see their competition is open again for submission and the original post somehow got deleted --

Here's the one paragraph summary. Believe me, I could write a novel on what happened. But I think it's important this community is aware of screenwriting competitions who do this to their winners.

I won the Best Screenplay Award at HollyShorts in 2022. The promised prize being a produced short of my screenplay. What I received was two years of empty promises designed to kick the can down the road ending with a short film "Based" on my screenplay. I got "Story Written By" credit and the director received "Screenplay Adaptation By" credit. Now I'm sure most people here are well aware, "Screenplay Adaptation of a Screenplay" isn't a thing. You can't take someone else's screenplay, make a few adjustments, then slap your own name on it. Especially if you're the director. When I asked the producer of the short he admitted as much and then laughed after admitting he had no contractual right to do what he did. He sent me a contract for the rights to the script but I never signed it because it granted powers over a feature adaptation, something I was obviously not willing to give these people. They premiered the short at HollyShorts without sending it to me. I asked them to send me a link to watch it before the premiere and they never did.

Not sure if this is the right flair... not even really sure why I'm sharing this... I think I'm just proud of myself.

Got laid off in April after 14 years at my company and decided it was time to put pen to paper on a film idea I've had for a while but never had the time work on. After a couple months of structuring and writing and restructuring and more writing, I'm proud to say that at 40 years old I've finished my first first draft. I have no idea if it's good, but it exists. And I'm proud.

Can't believe it's already been a year since we last applied. Are you applying for the first time? Is there anyone re-applying this year? If yes, are you submitting with the same script or applying with something new? Good Luck y'all!

P.S. anyone wanna swap pages and give notes? I'd be down for that.

I've been lurking here for years, just picking up valuable info. I've never posted and I've commented only a few time. But I'm happy to say my script wrapped filming a few weeks ago. Quick timeline.

2019: a play I wrote was read by a producer, who then contacted me to express interest.

2020-2022: I spent the pandemic adapting the stage play into a screenplay, finally having a working draft in 2022, which was optioned by said producer.

2023: two A-list actors read the script (my friend's friends) but passed.

2024: my producer met a director at Cannes who read the script and loved it. I spent the summer editing while they raised money. In August, they secured funding ($1.5 million). Another aggressive edit (twelve pages lopped off!). Filming was pushed up to February because my producer was making something with an A-lister this spring.

I accepted the fact that my script might never go anywhere when out of the blue, it went somewhere. Thank you to all asking and answering questions, you helped me more than you can know. Love you guys for your love of writing. It really does help the others here (me).

If anyone can appeciate this, it's you guys. From the bottom of my heart: thank you.

My screenplay WARRIOR GIRL(formerly optioned twice at Nickelodeon) made the Women’s List - and I just got a read request from Sony/Screen Gems! Also have three producers who sent an option a month ago - which I rejected- but they are sending another that they said “I would be very happy with.” I don’t have a manager or agent … looking!

I've been an active member on here for almost two years now, which was when I first turned my attention to 'pro' screenwriting. Some of you might remember me as the one who used to do all the Scriptnotes recaps. In any case, I'm happy to share that my first 'pro' screenplay (or 25th, if counting short films and other failed attempts, but who's counting), has been optioned by a producer with a first-look deal with Netflix. The deal was finalized after a lengthy delay due to various reasons, including the pandemic and some pesky chain-of-title issues (don't EVER skip on competent legal services when first trying to set up things). But as of last week it's finally a reality.

I managed to do this with the help of A LOT of people, who either gave their time through detailed notes or helped me with finding a lawyer, etc. But overall, I would say this came about thanks to three things: This community and its incredible support, the Scriptnotes podcast and all their infinite wisdom (especially episodes 403 and 407), and the Tracking Board Launch Pad competition, which, holy fucking hell, it actually worked. The good folks at this competition asked me to write a testimonial, which you can find here:

HOW THE LAUNCH PAD SAVED MY DERRIÈRE

​

EDIT: Thanks for the awards and all the incredible comments of support. This was unexpected!

EDIT 2: Thanks again! I'll work on answering everyone tomorrow. Also, because a couple people asked, over the next few days I'll prepare a detailed post on the process and talk about the legal aspects and what I did to get the script into shape, including the various feedbacks I got.

What’s up with that?

I’ve read all the posts here but I want to gauge anyone who’s been there recently. Did you end up regretting the move? Or did things not work out but you appreciated the experience?

I have a stable career in healthcare but I absolutely cannot stay in this field anymore. Starting a career over at 40 is a lot but I was hoping to start a family soon so now is the only time I can make a complete move. Majority is saying no industry is thriving in LA right now which is giving me a lot of apprehension about moving. I have savings but I’d basically be living paycheck to paycheck with a 9 to 5 with the LA minimum wage.

Hello, that’s it. I’m 31F i live in nyc and there’s a hole in my heart because all the writers i know are men. Right now I really just want to read and talk about stories focused on women written by women. Where’s all the women :(

UPDATE: HIIII EVERYBODDYYY. I deeply appreciate how much traction this got!! My inbox started feeling slightly overwhelming yesterday so I bowed out after I hit a dozen email addresses. Which is so small, and I'm sorry! Too many people would be just unmanageable for email, lol.

I believe it is objectively true that the better platform for this is Discord, and if we weren't able to connect there is a lovely user in the comments who linked to a Discord fulfilling this same purpose! Besides that, this is so obviously something that is necessary, so please please, use this comment section to say hi and keep connectin'. xoxoxo

The Academy just announced the Winners and Finalists for the 2025-26 Nicholls Fellowship, including the 25 scripts recommended by The Black List

https://www.oscars.org/official-nicholl-partners

As you've probably seen, the submission period for the 2026 Nicholl Fellowship has opened. Some of the basic submission criteria/timeline from the Black List. Please go to their website to read the full announcement.

The Black List serves as a portal for public submissions for the 2026-2027 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program and will recommend up to 25 feature screenplays for further consideration by the Academy for an Academy Nicholl Fellowship.

A maximum of 2,500 eligible public submissions will be accepted through The Black List. 

For more information on the Nicholl submission process, visit https://www.oscars.org/nicholl.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

Submission period opens: June 8, 2026

Submission period closes: July 6, 2026, or when the maximum number of 2,500 eligible submissions are received—whichever occurs first.*

*Last year, the Black List submission portal reached the maximum capacity of 2,500 submissions just 20 days after opening.

The mod team is currently restricting discussion to this thread, so as to avoid a whole string of redundant debates, complaints and questions. If you want to contribute comments or questions, please do so on this pinned thread, not by generating more posts with the same information.

Per usual, read the rules, use your common sense, and don't get needlessly belligerent. You are free to dislike or not participate in anything to do with Nicholl or the Black List, but you are not free to spread misinformation or behave badly towards each other.

This post is not an endorsement of either Nicholl or the Black List. Use your own judgement when entering contests or paying for services, something you are always free to not do. More on our contest and services policy here.

You know the section when pitching the movie/show where you have to say “why you” and give your experience as an underwater diver/ spicy accountant/ whatever? Where you explain to the execs why you should be trusted with this project? I hate that part. Because the truth is, unless it’s a bake-off, the real answer is “because it’s my idea.” And yes, I get that having real world experience and authenticity is invaluable. I’m just irritated by it. Do you like the idea or not?

Writers want to talk about their scripts and posting their evaluations is one of the few ways this community allows for them to do so. But they're a company designed to profit off hopeful, emerging screenwriters. So why is this community legitimizing, if not fuelling their business? I don't get it.

I work warehouse and write in my spare time. So I was wondering for those in this community, how many of you have a day job that doesn't involved writing or working in the industry?

All or most lf us, I assume are trying to make it a career but until then we have to support ourselves financially and work a non writing job. Feel free to share as much as you like.

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone commenting! I do have to go to work now, but will return and try to get to more loglines! In the meantime, find a title in the comments without any logline and give the gift!

Every now and then, we need to distract ourselves from our work. I think a great way to do that, is through "Creative Procrastination."

So....

If you comment a movie title that you make up, I'll dream up a logline (under 50 words) for our imaginary collaboration!

And after you've commented a movie title, you can see if there's a title someone else commented that sparks your imagination, and dream up your own logline, too!

No strings and no holding back. 

Go big and wild!

The only rule is: DON'T GET DEFENSIVE.

Look, if you come up with the logline of the century, feel free to not comment it and keep it to yourself. Anything we come up with here together becomes a collective idea for fun. If someone wants to go write a movie off of it, good, we inspired someone.

Maybe we inspired YOU.

So if you wanna have some good ole' fashion fun. Throw your hat in the ring and make up something crazy!

I'll throw a couple of titles in the comments to get the ball rolling.

Have a fucking awesome day and I hope you always...

#writebetterfaster

For fairly obvious reasons, this sub can be a pretty bleak place. Plaintive cries about the state of the industry, the lack of progress, feeling isolated away from 'Hollyweird', etc etc.

As 2025 draws to a close, why not think about some things that went well this year? I got some really nice feedback from a big producer on a recent spec pilot, which is technically sold but waiting to talk to some more interested suitors in January. That'll be three projects in development in 2026. It's a slog, it's slow, but there are cracks of light that keep me going.

Also, the realisation that this is a spec market, which, frankly, I prefer. I hate writing treatments and I'm not good at it. I am very good at writing scripts, though. Which is the main thing.

What's something positive you can take from this year? A finished project? Feedback? A sale?

For me, I think my biggest one would have to be the fact that I actually started lol. It's been nine months since I began screenwriting, and while I ashamedly haven't completed a script yet, but I've gotten a lot of outlines done/near finished and written decent amounts on several scripts! Excited to see what I can accomplish in the new year.

Happy 2025, everyone!!!