Contests

Contests? Do you enter them or not? Do you think they are worth the money or not? I've always had a healthy attitude to them and I've always done well out of them too. To date my successes (and by that I don't mean out and out wins, I mean good places) have been:

Red Planet Prize (2007 announced 2008)

PAGE International Screenwriting Contest.

WriteMovies

CBBC New Writers Contest

WildSound

Prequel to Cannes

and now BAFTA/Rocliffe - which is still on going but I've been placed along with 24 other scripts reading for the final 3 selection.

But what does it all mean and, really, is it worth anything? I mean, none of the scripts involved have been optioned or made. There are writers out there with no contest results to their name making films all the time. Well, I suppose for me it does mean something - else I wouldn't waste my time entering. For me it means that I can populate my writing CV which would otherwise be empty with information that a prospective production company can use. It tells them that my script has been through a detailed process of reading by a professional reader; analysis and feedback; is formatted to industry standard and, finally, is worth another read.

Prequel to Cannes was the turning point for me. So convinced was I that the script was being laughed out of the contest that I threw in the towel. To come second was an enormous boost to my confidence, made me pick up my pen again and the support Rosie has given me has been wonderful and now I'm looking forward with excitement to the network event in March. But what if you don't win? How does that feel? Well, I've been there too and it sucks. You put your heart and soul into a piece and it doesn't make the cut. Don't let that deter you - enter something else but be choosy about your picks. I truly believe some contests are worth more than others.

Like work experience is invaluable to your professional CV - be it paid or voluteering so I truly believe contests are valuable to your writing CV. As I said, it tells potential employers a lot about your work even if they haven't seen it.

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