Alas, I did not make the quarterfinals, although I was in the top 10%, apparently.

But - my script that did not make the cut has an Oscar-winning producer attached and Oscar-winning director circling. Writers should take solace in this - just get your script in the RIGHT hands.

Jack, congrats on that progress. I say it all the time: All it takes is getting your script in front of the right set of eyeballs.

Right hands. Right eyeballs. Basically any body part of the RIGHT person!

Good luck with your project! Keep me updated on it, okay?

Congrats, Jack. The script sounds like it's a winner after all.

Thanks so much, guys. Updates aplenty will be coming. After getting your script in the right hands, the second lesson I've learned is: write another script! That is the current task. Always.

I made the QFs with an action/adventure in 2007 and the semifinals/top 30 with an historical/sports/biopic in 2009.

Each year, in the fall, the Nicholl sends out a list of q/sf/finalists to more than 200 folks the industry. The list contains the script's title, genre and writer's contact information.

When the list went out in October of 2007, the industry was 2 weeks away from the start of the WGA writer's strike. I received 10-12 e-mails asking to see the script from prodcos, management firms and a couple of agencies, but everything went on hold because of the strike.

In the spring, it was hip-pocketed and shopped by an agent. Although it didn't sell, it helped build a network of development execs who asked to see future work.

The historical biopic, even though it placed much higher, triggered only half as many requests -- no more than 5-6. The genre is a tough sell, next to impossible with no attachments and a newb writer.

Among those requests was a manager, who liked the writing, asked to see my other scripts, and ended up signing me. She's used the biopic as a writing sample, and just recently turned up a potential writing assignment from a producer who's optioned a book with parallel themes.

In terms of advice for this year's finalists, what I've heard, learned and picked up along the way...

- Don't be shy about using the Nicholl placement as the second sentence of your 2-sentence e-mail pitches. It has clout.
- If you're unrepped, target the top management firms that are a good fit, as well as second-tier and reputable boutique agencies.
- Hit the production companies you've scoped out as being aligned with your spec's genre, scale and thematics.
- Don't wait for the list to come out. Greg Beal, who runs the contest, consistently advises entrants to stay active in marketing their scripts throughout the late summer and fall.
- Lastly, get in whatever rewrites, polishes and proofing are needed before the list goes out this fall. You'll be fielding requests, absolutely.

Congrats to all who made the cut this year -- a tough one, with a record number of entries!

@John: Terrific comment. Do you mind if I copy this in its entirety for a follow-up GITS post tomorrow? You offer some really solid and insightful advice for people who do well in the Nicholl.

Shutout again. Also got a p.s. about being in the top %10.

I wonder if they do that just so I'll enter again?

Who am I kidding. I'll take whatever breadcrumbs they drop me.

Scott - whatever you feel is useful to share, you bet...

Thanks, John.

I somehow scraped through to the QFs with a historic/biopic on Vikings and the founding of England.

Thanks for the tips John - I doubt my genre (wrong choce as a newby writer I know) will get many managers / agents excited but it should be good as a spec I'm hoping.

Great site, Scott,
Cheers
Blaise

Even a QF from the Nicholl is a meaningful achievement, so as I said, congrats. Please keep in touch about what transpires.