Sep 16, 2024
Congratulations! You’ve just typed those two glorious words: The End. You’ve finished your screenplay—a monumental achievement that many dream about but few complete. But now that you’ve reached this pivotal moment, you might find yourself asking, “What’s next?”
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, this is a stage where many writers feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Completing a screenplay is just the beginning of the journey. Now it’s time to take some strategic steps to bring your story to life.
Here’s a breakdown of what to do after you’ve completed your screenplay:
Take a Break
Before diving into the next phase, give yourself a breather. Put your script away for a few days or even a couple of weeks. This distance will help you return with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot areas for improvement when you start editing.
Get Feedback
Once you’re ready to revisit your script, don’t go at it alone. Share your screenplay with trusted friends, fellow writers, or industry professionals. Feedback is invaluable at this stage. If you’re using ScriptGen, now might be a good time to put our coverage tool to use to gain some insights – whether it’s identifying plot holes or suggesting stronger character arcs.
The feedback might sting at first, but remember: revisions are what transform a good script into a great one.
Revise, Revise, Revise
Speaking of revisions, prepare yourself for multiple drafts. Your first draft is often where you flesh out the story, but it’s the rewrites that polish the script into something truly exceptional. Pay attention to pacing, dialogue, and structure. Our AI writing copilot, Walter, is ready to help you with this if you need it.
Polish Your Logline and Pitch
As you refine your script, don’t forget about how you’ll present it. A strong logline is essential for grabbing attention—whether you’re pitching to producers, agents, or executives. Spend time perfecting that one or two-sentence summary that encapsulates your story's core conflict and intrigue. Our coverage tool can help with this as well!
And while you’re at it, develop a compelling elevator pitch. You never know when a chance encounter could lead to an opportunity to share your idea.
Research and Target the Right People
Now comes the business side of things. If you want your screenplay to be produced, you need to get it in front of the right people. This requires research. Which production companies, agents, or studios specialize in your genre? Who has a track record of making films like the one you’ve written?
Personalize your query letters and submissions. Avoid sending out mass emails—tailored, thoughtful approaches have a much better success rate.
Enter Screenplay Competitions
Competitions can be a great way to get your work noticed. Not only can they help validate your writing, but they also offer networking opportunities. ScriptGen’s coverage tool can help you evaluate how your screenplay measures up before submitting it to top-tier contests like the Nicholl Fellowship or Austin Film Festival.
Network and Pitch
Attend film festivals, screenwriting conferences, or industry networking events. While it might feel intimidating at first, networking is essential in the entertainment business. Build relationships with people in the industry, from other writers to producers and executives.
It’s also helpful to practice pitching your screenplay so you can confidently share your story when the opportunity arises.
Stay Open to Feedback and Opportunities
As you send your screenplay out into the world, remember that feedback and rejection are part of the process. Not every script gets picked up, and sometimes the notes you receive will lead to valuable changes.
Keep refining your work, stay open to collaboration, and be patient with the process.
Start Working on Your Next Project
One of the best pieces of advice for any writer: always be working on your next project. Having multiple scripts in your portfolio shows producers and agents that you’re serious about your craft. Plus, you never know which idea will land.
Finishing a screenplay is an incredible milestone, but the road ahead is where the real adventure begins. With ScriptGen’s support—from feedback to coverage—your journey doesn’t have to be a solo one. Keep pushing forward, keep honing your craft, and most importantly—keep writing!
Get started below to learn more about how ScriptGen can help you craft your next screenplay.
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