You just wrote your first awesome script, or maybe you’ve written a couple of scripts.
but has no connection with producers, agents and managers of hollywood or netflix.
Well, don’t worry. you have come to the right place. I’ll show you where and how thousands of people submit scripts today.
through this ultimate guide, you won’t even have to leave your computer chair.
The benefits of using these tools are:
- all of these places are online delivery only.
- some are free but most cost less than your coffee for a month .
- if you wrote a great script, chances are they will sign it and give your script options.
I made this table, which is an even more exhaustive list of places where you can submit your script. I hope you find it useful!
1.) professional imdb
why is imdbpro.com at the top of this list?
is the only way to connect with all agents, managers and production companies worldwide. now let me show you step by step how to submit your scripts.
This is what you do:
step 1
Search for a movie that is similar to the script you wrote.
for example, if you wrote a horror movie, look for horror movies that have a similar style tone, etc.
step 2
Google the movie to find the writer(s) who wrote the movie. They should have an imdb page attached to the search results that you can click on.
step 3
click the section to contact the writer’s agent.
You can then send a query letter to the agent. then repeat this step until you get a response from someone who would like to read your script.
let’s see an example:
Let’s say we write a mystery. and your movie is like the escape room of 2019.
great, now let’s find your imdb page.
let’s click and bum. simple.
tip #1 why imdb pro is the best way to submit scripts.
People want a drag and drop presentation technique. but don’t worry, those techniques are on this list. but since this requires research and writing separate letters to agents. most people won’t.
Because most won’t try, you’ll set yourself apart from the 90% of people by putting in the extra work. clear facts.
tip #2 how much does it cost?
imdb pro costs but they have a thirty day free trial
so I suggest you make a list of movies in step 1 before starting your account. that way you can send to dozens for your free trial to work.
but if you’re a serious screenwriter who wants to make movies. paying this annual service will not be a problem.
2. bbc writers room
the bbc writers room is a great place if you are a writer for television.
This is completely free!
all you have to do is submit your script. it’s that easy. but not just any script. drama and comedy TV scripts only, please.
Yes, twice a year, the BBC opens the floodgates to anyone and everyone with a script who wants a chance to join their writing team.
The first round of submissions is for comedy scripts between March and April only. the latter are for theater scripts.
This is what you do:
step 1
once you’ve written a great script,take a moment to check its guidelines.
Nothing is worse than being put at risk because you didn’t do something right.
have more guidelines listed here.
step 2
then you’re done.
You have two ways to send them your script. One way is through the website. the second is via email.
details will be clarified closer to the date of acceptance.
professional advice
Since I haven’t gone through this process myself, I found someone who has to shed some light on the results if you log in.
so if you’re not willing to write in one of their current programs. this might not be the best place to submit your script.
but if you just want to get your foot in the door and become a professional screenwriter, feel free to try this out.
3. nicholl scholarship
what is the nicholl scholarship? is the only screenwriting competition organized by the academy.
They are allowing only amateur screenwriters to submit their script for judging by a panel of professionals.
why submit your script here?
along with winning $35,000 cash.
If you’re not signed by an agent after winning or even placing high, you will be. if you don’t have producer contacts, you will.
this is what you do:
step 1
Navigate to the register/login button on how to apply at this link.
Register if you’re a first time user.
After you register you can log in like normal. Then you will be prompted to begin the 7 step application process.
Then hit submit and you’re finished.
4. behind the scenes
backstage.com made this list as a great resource for finding agents and management.
Unfortunately, this is one of the only ways to represent your material today.
at first glance, one would think that there is no opportunity for the writers. as they are looking for actors on their home page.
But we’ve searched to provide you the link to apply.
this is what you do:
step 1
after going to the link provided, you can see agents or managers. this is what you want.
Step 2
search until you find agencies that accept screenwriters.
Step 3
click next.
Sign up to view the information needed to contact them.
but if you google deep enough, you might find what you’re looking for.
I suggest subscribing to this service because most contracts are very difficult to find through search engines.
5.) the blacklist
The blacklist is a place where you, the writer, can host your scripts in a database.
why do this? once published, hollywood professionals select and read the scripts they are looking for. if one likes yours then a deal would be made.
work on a 1-10 rating system if you get an 8 or higher, you have a better chance of getting a deal for your script.
because the producers would see your score as a sign of a good read.
This is what you do:
step 1
register by registering a new account. if you don’t already have one.
Step 2
I recommend getting an appraisal from them.
again, a high score could get you a sale. a 10 at least will almost guarantee you an agent. that will lead to a sale.
After signing up you should be able to upload submit your screenplay no problem.
If you have any difficulties, they have excellent customer service.
6. script reader pro
This is a site similar to a freshman script, with the only difference being that they have a script reading service.
What makes this service special is that they have professional writers reviewing scripts.
take a look at script reader pro.
Each reader is a professional with Hollywood experience.
With connections with some of the top film companies in the world.
If your script is excellent they may ask you if they can submit it to their agent.
In fact, I’ve written a whole page explaining what you get when you work with them.
Read more about how script reader pro works in this post I wrote.
7. ink tip
inktip works similar to blacklist in that it is a hosting scripting platform. but there are three main differences between inktip and blacklist:
- you can upload only your logline and synopsis.
- they have a newsletter that gives you insider information on specific professionals in the industry.
- they have an updated list of almost 400 films that have been made by writers on their platform.
how does the inktip newsletter work?
producers give exactly what they need in a script. break down the genre budget, etc.
6 to 8 producers a week to be exact.
then send your query letters directly to the producer. without intermediaries.
Unlike the blacklist, they have an up-to-date list of all the movies they helped make.
Each year an average of 28 films are added to that list. The proof is in the results.
8. Warner Bros. writing program
year after year, the warner bros workshop selects 8 writers from 2,500 submissions and gives them access to executive agents and managers.
this is free to apply
why? because they are good people? this could be true, but the reason is:
They want and need good writers to hire.
if accepted you will get:
- weekly briefings by actors, showrunners, directors, and agents.
- a simulated writer’s room with working conditions real to see how you perform.
if you do well, you will be booked.
one thing to note: you must write a script from one of your currently active programs.
for example:
I hope you like superheroes and dramas.
what are you looking for? they have it written on their shipping page.
Let’s move on.
9. stage 32
stage 32 is the only platform I’ve found where you can personally talk to the producers face to face or with a synopsis.
Then, if they like what they read or heard, they’ll ask you to send them your script.
let’s see this job in action.
this is what you do:
step 1
on the top menu when you go to the website, click script services.
Next, find a person to pitch.
They are directors, agents, producers, managers and everyone else.
Each person has experience in a specific genre and they usually list the films they have produced that they have helped bring to life.
please choose people who have made films that are closely related to the one you have written. for example:
say you wrote a movie starring women.
This producer works well in that niche. as can be seen in the movies he produced towards the bottom.
Step 2
On the right side, you can choose a live video speech or a written speech.
Step 3
once you make your choice, simply sign up for an account and pay the $35 fee.
10. virtual launch festival
virtual pitch fest is a place where you can contact and consult industry professionals.
they have a list of more than 475+ professionals that includes:
- producers
- agents
- managers
What makes this site special is that you are guaranteed a response to whatever you submit.
Other sites and ways of submitting material can feel like a wormhole where nothing ever works out.
luckily they have a simple, easy and quick video you can watch on how to use their website.
this is what you do:
conclusion
The nice thing about all of these options listed above is that they are ways to send unsolicited scripts. most production companies won’t even read anything from a script that doesn’t have an agent attached.
but with all these newly founded online platforms, we have more ways than ever to submit scripts.
one thing to keep in mind: make sure you send your material to people who would be interested in it. don’t send your horror to a comedy producer.
no more excuses folks. Let’s do it!
Did I miss something?
Now, I’m curious to hear from you.
which method do you plan to use first?
Did I miss a new way to submit your script online?
Whatever you have to say, I’d love to hear it in the comments below.
Frequently asked questions about submitting the script