By: Laura Huie
What’s the key to completing a script? Deadlines. Having a set date for completing your writing goals can motivate you to get it done on time. So whether you’re working towards the first draft of your feature screenplay or trying to punch out a short film outline, it’s always good to mark your calendar and create an action plan toward finishing your goal. Remember, every time you write, you get that much closer to completing something great.
Let’s dive into how Contest deadlines can help finish your screenplay, along with some tips on how to craft an action plan that works.
Progress, Not Perfection
Deadlines are a tool to help you achieve your ultimate goal, but keep in mind that deadlines are just that—a tool. Don’t put too much stress or pressure on yourself to meet exact deadlines, but rather use it as a guide to hit milestones.
Often, we get feedback from writers that having a contest deadline has motivated them to finish their scripts. We recommend using the early, regular, and late deadlines to help plan your progress over a few months.
For example: If you were writing a feature, your action plan could look something like this:
Early deadline: Outline and write Act 1
Regular deadline: Write Acts 2 & 3
Late deadline: Proofread and revise
Or if you’ve already written your feature script, you could plan your revisions around the contest deadlines. Every time you polish another draft, it’s always good to get feedback. Script coverage services are a great way to get objective feedback from someone who has never read your script.
Consider using Shore Scripts’ contest deadlines as a blueprint for screenwriting success! Better yet, we will always provide writing advice, guidance, and resources in our newsletter and on our website.
