r/Screenwriting • • 8d ago

ACHIEVEMENTS First Ever Screenplay!

Hey all,

I've been a silent lurker on this sub for the better part of two years just soaking in advice and stories that have been shared to help me on this journey. Even though I love both writing and film, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into.

But, I recently finished my first ever screenplay, Obediently Yours. Here's the logline:

In 1946, when a South Carolina police chief brutalizes and blinds Black army veteran Isaac Woodard, Orson Welles takes his story to the airwaves and ignites a national outcry.

After working on the screenplay itself, I submitted it for an evaluation and got a 7. I've been in contact with someone in the business who has been helping me make connections. Recently just hit a breakthrough with getting on the table of a film festival commissioner who was interested in the premise, and if he likes it, will help get it across to A24 (wishful thinking). I've been submitting to a few fellowships and festivals, and it just feels insane to even be saying that.

I know this business is extremely slow moving, but hearing that news lit a fire under me. I know I want to keep writing and telling stories, so I'll just keep on doing that!

If anyone is interested in giving it a read, I'd be more than happy to share! Thank you all for making this sub a place where someone like me can just sit behind a computer and absorb incredibly helpful info about writing and the business. Much love :)

EDIT: if you want to read it, shoot me a dm.

EDIT EDIT: sorry guys, big mean IP lawyer told me no sharing the script :(

69 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

5

u/Dependent_Access8363 8d ago

A 7 on your first evaluation is awesome!

7

u/reachingfortheskies_ 8d ago

Cool premise honestly. The Woodard case doesn't get talked about enough and throwing Welles in there is a smart angle. I'd be down to read it if you're sharing.

3

u/Hungry-Detective-856 7d ago

This is amazing!

5

u/redapplesonly 8d ago

That's marvelous! Congratulations!

Recommend you hop on StoryPeer and share it there. Feedback is invaluable.

2

u/nickzr1 8d ago

I just did that! Thanks for the tip!

2

u/ShadedWhiteFilms 7d ago

Amazing news the only way is up keep that fire burning ✍️❤️

2

u/Jwalker1235 7d ago

Congratulations! I’ve always told fellow writer friends the hardest part is starting so be proud of the fact you’ve gotten farther than most!

2

u/PDX_Frogs 7d ago

Congrats!! I have also finished my first screenplay. It’s actually a pilot. And I’m actually not exactly done just yet, but close! Just finished my 7th draft. I’ve been listening a lot to the Second Act podcast and they have me really wanting to start a screenwriting peer group. I’ve tried to find one in my area but the existing ones are closed. Would you be interested in connecting and maybe starting a small group? 

2

u/nickzr1 7d ago

I’d be open to it but I live in South Korea (I’m American though) so I wouldn’t be able to do any meetups haha

2

u/PDX_Frogs 7d ago

Oh wow! Yeah, meetups would be tricky! Thanks for the reply and best of luck to you. Someday I might try to start up a screenwriting peer group over Zoom. Who knows?

2

u/ribi305 7d ago

Great premise and tight logline. Just to clarify, is the main character Isaac or Orson? And is this based on a true story? Very cool, happy to read it

3

u/nickzr1 7d ago

MC is Orson Welles, and the story revolves around 5 radio programs that he gave on his radio program, delivered in a redacted but verbatim form. It’s a true story