Hollywood is structured much like a kingdom. Celebrities are treated like royalty while agents and managers serve as their courtiers. Top-level producers, directors and writers make up the rest of the nobility, with varying strata of professionals below them, all the way down to the film student serfs struggling to survive on an internship. The kingdom is well guarded by those at the top, with metaphorical moats and walls built to keep out the many interlopers trying to get in. However, this kingdom is not without its secret accessways – backdoor channels that give outsiders an audience with those on the inside, even the nobility. Here are six such accessways designed specifically for screenwriters.

The Black List
https://blcklst.com/

The website was created in 2005 to “shine a light on extraordinary screenwriting… which may have been overlooked more broadly.” It spun off from a secret list top Hollywood assistants would share with each other of their favorite unproduced screenplays. Following in that tradition, TBL releases its annual list of top-rated scripts every December as ranked by working film executives. Non-WGA writers can make at least one film script available for execs to read at a cost of $30 per month and also have the option to pay an experienced reader $100 for an in-depth evaluation of the material ($70 for half-hour pilots).

Script Revolution
https://www.scriptrevolution.com/

Founded by a working writer-producer in 2016, the site was created as a way for fledgling screenwriters to share their material with the general public in order to generate fans. Industry members searching the site can subsequently use fan ratings to determine whether they want to read it themselves. Writers can post their scripts as well as read those written by others for free; however a Rockstar Membership at $70 annually (or $9.99 a month) offers added benefits like featured script listings, consultations and discounts on third-party software and services.

Inktip
https://www.inktip.com/

Since its founding in 2000, some 400 movies have been produced from scripts found on the site and over 300 screenwriters have gained representation. Inktip’s goal is to democratize indie filmmaking by connecting writers with content producers. For $32.50 per month, Inktip Pro members can have one script made visible to vetted industry execs ($12.50 for each additional script), free entry into their script contest and the potential to be featured in their newsletter. Additionally, writers may receive up to two dozen pitch requests a month from filmmakers looking for material like theirs.

Slated
https://welcome.slated.com/

This online film packaging marketplace boasts a membership of 30,000 producers, 2,000 accredited investors and 1,800 sales agents and distributors. Since it’s founding in 2012, over 1,400 films packaged through the site have been released. Basic registration is free, allowing writers to connect with and pitch other members, while an in-depth script analysis runs $395 per draft and comes with a score rating based on elements like originality, dialogue and structure. A score of 75+ out of 100 qualifies for Slated’s EP services, which assists writers in finding financiers and production partners.

Stage 32
https://www.stage32.com/home/

Since 2011, this website has operated as a sort of social media site for filmmakers, growing to over 500,000 members. The no-cost registration allows writers to build a network of industry connections, get notifications, read blogs and more. Several paid services allow for increased access to agents, managers and execs. These include online classes and webinars, contests, career development phone calls, script consultations and one-on-one pitch sessions. Prices vary depending on the service, but expect to pay around $35 to pitch an industry pro.

Spec Scout
https://www.specscout.com/

Started in 2012, this site combines “a script coverage library with a scoring system to highlight the best screenplays circulating Hollywood.” For $395, a script is reviewed by three separate readers, with all notes combined into a detailed eight- to 10-page analysis. Any script with a score of 70+ out of 100 gets permanent placement in their lionized coverage library along with the writer’s contact info so interested parties can reach out directly. Spec Scout also promotes high-rated scripts to its subscriber base of over 1,000 agents, managers and execs.

It’s true that many of these resources come with a cost, but when has anything of real value ever been free? Marketing will pay dividends for talented writers who invest in themselves. In fact, by using several of these resources in conjunction, you significantly increase your chances of getting through those outer kingdom walls.

BIO – Mark Heidelberger co-founded Beverly Hills-based Treasure Entertainment in 2000, serving as a film executive, producer and literary manager until 2011 before going freelance. Film and TV credits include Harsh Times, Comfort, Ninja Apocalypse, The Basement, Take the Night, Pray for Rain, Hallmark Channel’s You’ve Got a Friend and the soon-to-be-released Memento Mori. Often times, he performs ghostwriting services on screenplays in addition to his producing duties. He is a member of the Producers Guild of America. He holds a BA in Film Studies from UCSB and an MFA in Producing from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television.