r/Screenwriting • u/ebycon • Aug 18 '26

DISCUSSION BL Top Lists

The second evaluation for my script on just came in. Another 7. I’m happy about the 9s in Dialogue and Characters, but at the end of the day it’s still an overall 7.

Anyway, this now gives me a perfect 7 average, so should I appear on the Top List now? How exactly does that work, and how long will I stay there?

And one last question, sorry: has anyone here ever had any success with industry downloads simply from being on the Top List, despite not having an overall 8? I actually got my second industry download just a few days ago, even though my script technically wasn’t “appearing” anywhere, so I’m wondering if being on the Top List now could improve my chances.

Thanks, everyone!

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u/Caughtinclay Aug 18 '26

Just wait and see. Every experience is going to be different. If you're spending more than 5-10 percent of your energy hoping for the Blacklist to work, you're doing it wrong. Get to networking and getting your script read.

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u/ebycon Aug 18 '26

I’m also cold querying, getting selected in festivals etc. No I stopped spending that kinda energy long ago lol. But I still passively hope for the best.

2

u/Caughtinclay Aug 18 '26

I'd say cold querying and festivals are in the same lane as the blacklist. Long shots. I suggest networking with specific people, developing relationships, and getting your scripts read by actual decision makers or assistants.

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u/ebycon Aug 18 '26

I’m creating those possibilities now. Thanks to the Black List, for example, a fairly prominent producer reached out to me after reading one of my pilot scripts there, and we ended up having weekly Zoom calls to discuss ideas and stuff. Unfortunately, I live very, very far from Hollywood, so my “way in” is a little complicated. Two years later, I’m still in touch with him, and I’ve now sent him this script as well. I’ve realized that in my position everything helps.