DZ-27: Competing views on Screenplay Competitions

Listen if you're considering entering a screenplay competition and want to hear from writers and industry professionals about whether it's a worthwhile investment!

After being repeatedly asked by listeners for thoughts on screenplay competitions, Stu and Chas go full back matter for this special episode. They tackle the question - do comps just feeding the hope machine or are they a valid investment? - in their typical detailed (i.e. long) style. With their differing perspectives, Stu (a director looking for material) and Chas (a writer keen for exposure), talk to an impressive roster of guests. We start with Gordy Hoffman, founder and judge of the Bluecat Screenplay Competition; repeat Austin Film Festival attendees - first for the screenplay and now for the finished web series of EX BEST - Diana Gettinger & Monica Hewes; Launchpad 2014 finalist Tony Pitman; and Insite Competition winner Blake Ashford, whose winning script CUT SNAKE hit cinemas in 2015... ten years after winning the competition.

These short descriptions in no way do justice to these eclectic and talented writers so - if you want to find out more - head to the links below.

Our apologies in advance for the inconsistent sound quality in these interviews. Sadly, that's the nature of pulling together four different interviews across states, countries, times zones and technological barriers.

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes.

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Thanks to our Patrons, especially Khrob, Theis, Sandra, Jesse, Randy, Paulo, Thomas, Jennifer, Malay, Alexandre and Lily.

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FILMS

• CUT SNAKE (2015) — (w) Blake Ayshford (d) Tony Ayres
• DOG BOWL (2015) — (w) Gordy Hoffman

LINKS

• Read: DOG BOWL by Gordy Hoffman
• Read: EX-BEST by Diana Gettinger & Monica Hewes
• Read: Tony Pitman's skeptic podcast REALITY CHECK
• IMDB: CUT SNAKE directed by Tony Ayres, written by Blake Ayshford
• YouTube: CUT SNAKE Trailer

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We are @stuwillis, @mehlsbells and @chasffisher on Twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.

Full show notes at: https://draft-zero.com/2015/dz-27/