What is considered a good enough outcome for a script?
I am a new screenwriter with only one feature script. I received one 5 and two 7 scores for my evaluations on The Black List. Most of the feedback mentioned that the setting is strong and that the story feels authentic, while suggesting that I deepen the protagonist’s flaws and strengthen the emotional arc. The script has also advanced to the quarterfinalist/semifinalist level in a couple of film festivals, and 4 out of the 10 pitches I sent through Stage 32 resulted in producers/executives requesting the full script.
I have invested a lot of time and money to get to this point, but I’m not sure whether it is worth continuing to invest more. I also don’t really have a sense of how this level of feedback compares to scripts that eventually get produced.
I have three questions, and I would appreciate any advice:
- Do you suggest continuing to work on the same script, or starting a new one? I have more ideas I want to write, but screenwriting is not my primary career, and I’m afraid I may be wasting time and money.
- What is considered a strong enough outcome for a script to suggest that it is likely to have a better than 50% chance of being produced?
- When producers or executives request a script after a Stage 32 pitch, are they generally expected to update writers about their decision? If we do not hear back after three months, is it reasonable to assume they passed on it?
I appreciate your help.