IMHO, It would be a pretty churlish writer who expected you to put in all this time and effort, and stake your reputation on their script by taking it to your contacts, and *not* take some kind of credit on it...

Scott, are entrants able to submit *additional* loglines, even after already submitting? Also, 8 bazillion thanks for this. This isn't me brown-nosing; it's such an awesome thing that you conceived of The Quest, no matter who you end up picking. That wasn't brown-nosing either.

Carlos, yes, you may submit additional loglines. That's part of the reason I'm running this Story Ideas series. Partly about providing different ways for people to think of and about ideas, and maybe inspire them to conjure up something new and magical by Friday, June 8.

I find it extraordinary that anyone would balk at your attachment, especially in light of what you are going to bring to the process. I would dearly love to put myself forward, but you have - quite rightly - been more than clear on the commitment required. I'm in that half-way house where I'm getting paid writing work I can't really turn down, whilst stil having personal projects I'd like to progress, especially in the US, but, right now, just can't clear my desk. Maybe next time. Good luck with it.

Can I also add that I am NOT Alice Barker, but, in fact, Larry Barker who has stupidly logged on via his daughters Facebook page. Sorry about that.

I, too, am surprised people are balking at the attachment. I read it as a total plus for any new writer lucky enough to be chosen. (particularly someone living outside of L.A.)

Larry, that made me laugh. I may be the only person on the face of the Earth who absolutely loathes FB. I don't consider myself dense, but it is so unuser friendly, at least to me, and they keep changing interface elements. Anyway thanks for clearing up the mystery of your identity!

I can't even fathom there being any complaints regarding this opportunity. Call me a brown-noser, don't care. For the probably 50,000 writers out there who every day work the system with queries, pitches and prayers and get no where---even with great notes from the houses, even with contest placements, even with people asking 'what else have you got'---this is an opportunity. To publically state that Scott producing is the 'dealbreaker' is ignorant. If you are doing so well on your own, why are you spending time posting comments on boards. If you knew how to generate 4-6 million to produce your own film, you certainly wouldn't be lurking on any board. If your Uncle Bert was Speilberg's assistant and confidant, you wouldn't be telling people that this opportunity isn't good enough for you because you wouldn't be sitting on your ass posting on a board. Ignorant. I'll lower my 'standards' and give this a shot. No problem.

Thanks, Alice. Yeah, I was rather surprised to hear some of the feedback I got from others who had been monitoring online chatter. One would think simply the fact that what I'm offering is a chance for a deep immersion into screenwriting theory AND a guided workshop where the participant ends up with a complete first draft of an original screenplay for FREE! -- AND the many hours of my involvement acting as a mentor -- AND access to Hollywood would seem... oh, I don't know... like a darn good deal [if Producer Scott weren't holed up in Palm Springs, he'd use some different language, I'm sure]. But perhaps this is more of a reflection of writers' collective experience with other gurus or whoever that didn't turn out well, and they're projecting that on this thing. Anyhow I hope that post cleared up things. Glad you're busy! It's always great to hear when writers are getting PAID to write!

I'll be frank, Scott: the option of having you come on board as a producer is one of the true highlights of this opportunity and I'm sure that the vast majority of your applicants will see it as such. You have proven yourself to be a great teacher through this blog and I'm certain that your vested interest in a script will only enhance what you can offer a student. You've been upfront this whole time that you see this as an opportunity both for yourself and for your potential students, so I see no conflict of interest. On something of a side note, given the staggering number of responses you've received and the strong likelihood that the best ideas might bear a passing resemblance to elements of the rejected ones, do you have any plans for insulating yourself against the inevitable cries of plagiarism, when all is said and done? I know that studios and producers are generally discouraging of unsolicited ideas for just these reasons, and you seem to be opening up a potential Pandora's Box in that regard. I'd hate to see this innovative and generous contest run into a legal quagmire on behalf of some disenchanted writer, but I know lithe of these things other than what makes the news, so maybe it's a non-issue for you. Just curious...

Awesome; thanks for the quick reply!

Thanks for your kind words, Andrius. Re your second point: I considered having everyone sign a waiver release, but just another big hassle and that might dissuade some from entering, thus shutting a door when I'm trying to open one. So I took a leap of faith. We'll see how that plays out.

I had to log in with my G+ account to join the Barker party! Now I feel so... naked. TBBB

I'm trying to log in as a Barker too but I can't get this stupid Facebook to work!

I so want to cyber-slap the people who are balking. I feel disheartened by it -- because I think what you are choosing to do is so unique, so rare. There really are not many people who choose to give back -- and yes, he is giving back. I feel the more backlash against people who give back the less new people will step up to the plate and do the same. Be strong Scott. And big thanks. joke 'em if they can't take a fu--!

Actually I do have concerns, Scott. That even if I was lucky enough to be chosen, you wouldn't like to attach yourself to my script as a producer. I read the debate in those forums. I'm a member in them too. But I found it not worth replying. Their concerns were so ridiculous I couldn't help but to laugh at them. Seriously? You are worried that Scott will attache himself to your script? Wait a second, didn't Scott said that this Quest is for aspiring writers. The ones who are not WGA members or any established writers? If you're worried that Scott will be an obstacle in the way of success of your great script, why are you here in the first place. It's for ASPIRING writers, good God. And for people who judge others by how many titles they got in their IMDB profile, I want you to check the profile of who was hired as a director for 3.2 m dollar script "Snow white and the huntsman." If I ever break into Hollywood, I'll give you , Scott, the right to attach yourself to any of my scripts, if you want too. Just to show those people how stupid it's to worry about these stuff. And I'm a man of my word. Even though this promise doesn't hold any value at the moment since I'm no body now. But I'm will be...one day...soon Thanks for this wonderful opportunity, sir, for this blog, and for the time you're spending to help struggling writers like us. I believe that the 500 submission you already received are a louder response than any "Thank you" in this comments, or any reply in "those forums." One question: Why are you talking on behalf of producer Scott? Let him defend himself since he's the one concerned. I want to hear him addressing "those people's concerns." It would be an article to watch for. ;)

I can tell from reading your blog and interacting with you in comments that Scott the producer has a shit load of potential to become a major film producer. He just needs material. If a producer could get intimate and develop writers like you do he'd have to build more fireplaces to show off all his oscars. You're dangerous, dude. The business is undergoing epic change. You're running the writers room of the new frontier. You have amassed an army of Davids that are eager to work with you. But why only Hollywood? Why steer all the material to insiders there? Unless you're holding the next AVATAR the main business of the studio is distributing something that has been financed by private equity. Private equity takes all the risk these days. Isn't the BLACK LIST comprised of scripts that execs like? Don't execs vote on those scripts? And haven't some execs literally conceived the scripts and then hired a writer to draft it, only to vote it onto the list? (Abduction) That seems totally at odds with what producer Scott is up to. You know what would be amazing? Scotts List. Make these Quest screenplays available to ANYONE with financing and not just someone who might buy and develop it forever and ever. What I'm saying is I'd like to see someone's movie get made out of this. Maybe a GITS KIckstarter page... But if money is what the young writer is after - by all means - straight to Hollywood. "The Will Be Money"

Unfortunately -- or perhaps fortunately -- as I noted elsewhere, producer Scott is off chasing widows in Palm Springs. I expect him back early next week. Unless he lands a billionaire.

Michael, ever since I graduated from Divinity School and instead of pursuing a doctorate, like I had been planning on doing for several years, and running off to see if I could succeed as a singer/songwriter, I have lived my life pretty much by the 'spirit of the spec': create content, put it out there, see what happens. Same thing with The Quest. I have no idea if it will work, no idea where it will go, but we shall see. Maybe you're right. Maybe it does represent a new way of doing things. Maybe it will point to a new path. We'll see...

I usually don't comment on these kinds of issues because they're mostly too freakin' stupid. But this one demands some kind of voice. Anyone who's worried about Scott being attached as a producer isn't going to come up with an idea worth shit anyway. If you're such a numb nuts that you think that someone like Scott, much less Scott himself, would put himself out there and it would be a detriment to you, "Mister/Missus I ain't done squat but I think I'm great" you need a reality check. Consider the alternative: Scott pitches a script and then says, Oh, yeah I've put in all this goddamn time and sweated bullets getting the script to work and I love it, but, hey I don't want any part of this. C'mon, people, shut the bleep up and get thinking about great loglines.

Quick question Scott... Can I submit loglines myself, and then separately submit loglines with a writing partner?

Yes.

I'm not big on commenting either but.....WTF is wrong with somebody who has to piss and moan about the fact that somebody is asking for just a small thing in return for a HUGE amount of work they put in? I can't believe people are giving you any kinda grief over this Scott, just know (and you probably already do) that most of us are grateful for this opportunity. Thanks bunches man. And just know Producer Scott, I'm gonna send ya a logline that'll singe your ball hairs. ;)

What Andrius said. Scott as producer is the gigantic cherry on top of an already sweet deal. Anyone that says otherwise obviously hasn't read much of GITS. I look forward to EVERY post about the Quest because it is truly an inspiring gesture. Someone says, "Hey, I'll take you under my wing, teach you everything I know about the process and THEN, I'm going to make sure I do everything in my power to get your movie made." Come on. When does that HAPPEN in real life? Its movie magic. I can't wait to see who you work with and benefit from their experience through the journal entries. And should I be one of the lucky few, expect nothing but a lot of hard work and thanks. Humble, humble thanks.

Chance to have someone with actual Hollywood connections work with me for six months and then possibly vouch for my work and work ethic to the aforementioned connections ... how is this bad in anyone's eyes? I'd be bummed at the end if you did NOT want to be associated with my work at the end of it. If you were doing this and the prize for you was being able to act in the lead role? That would be different -- I see no acting credits on your IMDb page. ;)

And por favor, blame my English problems on the fact that the clock just struck midnight here.

Ok mommyfollows said it better with fewer words, but I'll post my comment anyway. Scott, I want to echo some of the comments already made. The (possibly) four writers who have a chance to work with you will be very fortunate. If someone doesn’t think so, then they shouldn’t participate in The Quest. It is mind boggling that someone would consider you being attached to their script a negative. To those who think having “Producer Scott” attached to the script is a negative, think about this: the script wouldn’t be good enough to pass around Hollywood if Scott hadn’t been involved in the first place. By the time that occurs, Scott would have already spent half a year helping to developing the script. It is a very long road from “I like your script” to opening night and I personally would be grateful to have a mentor (i.e Producer) explain to me where I’m suppose to stand and what I need to do next. If you can write a brilliant script without Scott’s help, then don’t waste your time participating in The Quest. Find another producer and get that movie made! All the best! For me personally, I read some of the scripts on the Black List (which I didn’t know wasn’t you) and was humbled. My stuffs not that good. One day it will be, but it ain’t now. If Scott is willing to teach me skills that will help me succeed as a professional writer and can help me make the jump from a 9-to-5 job writing software to 9:05 meeting with some exec in Hollywood, he can attach himself however he wants. I'll be greatful to have the help. Scott, I agree with what was said earlier. The Quest and other programs like it are the new paradigm for how great scripts are going to get from the page to the screen. And when it succeeds, and I believe it will, it will become the new normal. I’m looking forward to see it happen and I hope to be a part of it.

Refraining from posting... While... Drinking... Scotch... Motherfuckers... (Actually, I'd be interested to hear the real criticisms. I must've missed the pooh-poohers.) Anyhow, FUCK THEM.

At the risk of being unoriginal: Assuming I am good enough to be one of the four and the script at the end was worth it, I would be totally delighted to have someone with your knowledge as a Producer. Of course I want to be a producer too because I'd want to make it happen - and I have a little experience at that game (it's fun) :-)

Agreed with everything said here. This whole endeavour is uncommonly kind of you. I was shocked and delighted when I read that you were doing it. It's crazy generous and I thank you.

Yay, you did it, you unleashed the dragon, Scott. Let the action begin. Act one, scene two, time to stock up on ammo, zip up that bullet proof vest, put on that helmet with the ear cushions. And keep some of those atomic waste barrels handy to collect all that dragon goo to throw it out the air lock, one batch every week or so. Make it part of your weekly after dragon taming clean up routine and don't look after it as it flies out. Brings bad luck. It's not you or the the quest or the conditions or the stuff you included or the stuff you didn't include. The amount of accumulating dragon goo increases proportional to the amount of media attention. It's a laws of physics. Right next to "the apple always falls down" and "you better duck when an arrow comes your way". Barrel it, eject it, forget about it.

It seems to me that these negative comments are being made by those writers who aren’t regulars of this blog. As Scott has already mentioned, they’re probably basing their assumptions on previous experiences with so called gurus. I’d be shocked if any of these comments were being generated by anyone from the GITS community. I have every reason to believe The Quest will be nothing short of spectacular success. And when it is, perhaps these naysayers will at last recognise this as the golden opportunity it quite obviously is and become less cynical as a result. Hell, they may even become devout members of the GITS community.

You tag-teaming those widows down in Palm Springs with Producer Scott?

Scott, I'm flabbergasted that there is an undercurrent of stupid, yes, STUPID ingrates who think they are so special that they would question having you attach yourself as a producer on a project/script that would probably not get developed or see the light of day without your involvement and help. I refrain from reading these writing boards, and frankly, I don't have the time to read such things. Maybe these people should be spending more time writing instead of bitching on writing boards. I only go to true source blogs like yours that offer actual information and advice. As an alum of some of your more intensive SMC classes I am still working from the the detailed and copious notes and feedback you've given me. The time you've put in with my classes is unparalleled to any other script program/class, and as a graduate of the UCLA feature film certificate program, I do know what I'm talking about. I've never worked with any other instructor who has put so much time and effort into helping me become a better writer as I have with you. You are the GOLD STANDARD. You are a mentor, not just an instructor, and that is a huge difference. If you were ever wanting to attach yourself to a script of mine, it would be the greatest honor ever, and it would help generate real heat to get my script read and moved through the quagmire of development. People are very STUPID to question your motivations. You will be doing hard work, putting in lots of hours, and you rightfully deserve the producer credit should their project move forward. Shocked at the crazy stirring amongst those who are looking a gift horse in the mouth. People, this is a generous gift, and if you can't figure that out, time to take a step back before you submit a logline to Scott for entry into a rare and golden opportunity. Perhaps these people who are complaining can't grasp the amount of work this will entail for both the writer and you, the mentor. Damn it people. This Quest could change your life and you'd have a producer on your side who would go to bat for you. *Shaking my head in total disbelief* - Rant off.

I am fairly new to this blog, but I saw the whole attachment thing as a good thing. I would actually insist on it. :) Still, when pioneering something (which I believe The Quest is), there's always someone...

You are welcome to attach yourself to any of my projects, Quest related or no. The information on this site has been worth more to me than any producer's fee you could ever receive without regard to how many projects you attached yourself to. THANK YOU from the everything. The Quest is just icing on the cake.

Hi Scott, It is difficult to believe that people are suspicious of your motives. You give your life to helping writers and for that I am so very grateful. Maybe the negative people are missing the point of writing for films. It is a collaborative process - Homer Simpson would say DOH! Happy Reading - Liz S

Hi, Scott, thanks for such a great opportunity for newcomers. I do have one question though. In intend to submit a logline for a script that I have currently sent out to some agents seeking representation. If the situation came where I was lucky enough to be selected as a participant on "Quest" and during the process an agent that I queried happens to sign me up and wants to market that script, what would happen to our arrangement? Also I was wondering if it would still be possible to attach you as a producer? Thanks again, Scott.

"A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses." --Chinese proverb I'm guessing this is also true for the hand that gives crap... or types crap on message boards. ;)

This boils down to: Do I trust Scott? The answer is, I trust Scott. I mean, what kind of question is that? One of the handful of people who gave me my screenwriting and movie business education through writing online? Of course I trust him. What angle is there NOT to trust Scott? What underhanded motive could he have for this? If he's giving away The Quest for free to promote it to paying customers, my gosh, that's underhanded?! I wish every producer, writer, reader, director would give away this much as a promotion! In fact, if Scott's written the blog entirely as a promotion, he must have a ratio of 99% promotion to 1% return - if that. How could I not trust a man who gives and gives, consistently and honestly? And for the nasty corner of the mind that says, what if it goes wrong? What's the worst that will happen if it goes wrong? So one script of mine goes down the drain? Because so many of my scripts are creating a Hollywood rush, right? Let's call it an experiment, and flush that nasty thought. And Producer Scott would never give up movies. If he found a billionaire, he'd spend the money making movies. The crusty guy loves movies, although he'll never admit it.

Okay, fellow GITS scribes, we must IMMEDIATELY rethink our objective here. I, too, was outraged at the idiocy of the idea that Scott attached as producer was a bad idea. I, too, spewed my outrage right here in these comments. Curious, though, I went back to the original board where the comment was made and experienced the bittersweet reality: It was just a schmuck or two who felt this way, the others are coming over here faster than you can refresh this page. Our competition is rising to outrageous numbers! We must stop the madness! I, for one, understand Scott's true desire. He told me personally that he only wants found footage slasher movies with a lot of musical breaks; think Texas Chainsaw massacre meets Ferris Bueller ala Blair Witch Project. Really, this is what he said he's looking for. So don't waste your time with those clever loglines if they don't fall into these three realms. He'll toss them. P.S.--I hear he's an absolute ass to work with. Drinks a great deal, brings his kids to work, makes you sit down and color with them while he's trolling online porn sites, leaning in real close to the desk. A real nightmare. Good luck everyone! ; )

You're probably right about the source of such comments being from another site or from people who aren't regulars of GITS. Then I'd say to them, do your homework. Know who people are before you start complaining about them. One of the keys to success as a screenwriter is to know the industry it to know the players.

Scott, Thank you for the opportunity you are giving us and for all that you do. /ProducerOn Also fuck those other guys. Haters have to hate. /ProducerOff

After five or six classes with SMC...I know Scott well enough to say he's a good guy. Any criticism is from those who do not know him, and should be taken as such. I recall the Apostle John's disciple, Polycarp, getting a bucket of goo dumped on them from a balcony on purpose as they passed by. The disciple was incensed, but Polycarp said, "They hate the people they think we are, not who we truly are." Any disturbance in The Force will result in a sequel. Pioneers always get the arrows.

Wow, Scott! Finally, I figured out how to log in and comment! My fellow GITS readers have echoed my feelings exactly: all I can say is you give us new writers a voice and you have been a fantastic mentor! You have certainly helped me become a better writer and after years of struggling with my writing, you gave me this humongous motivation and encouragement in a matter of weeks! Writing is hard enough as it is and every writer passionate about their craft needs a mentor to guide them and you by far would be the best that I have come across, atleast. Anyway, the quest is a terrific idea, as one of my fellow bloggers said, ' a huge gift' and an honor. The competition's a bit scary though!

Jay, straight up, I would make sure to get completely out of the way if that's what you wanted or needed. If your reps wanted you to continue with The Quest, great. If not, not a problem. One technical note: For any people with loglines selected for "The Quest" that have a script completed or near completion, they have to agree to go back to square one in re-developing it. It may end up being quite the same or considerably changed, who knows. But "The Quest" is at its core a workshop, and participants will be developing and writing [and or rewriting from scratch] a script.

It's a blessing! Anyone who wants to do the grunt work of producing is a hero in my book. On top of that, we retain the rights to our material. I don't see what people are complaining about. It is the best of both worlds.

I've been sort of following this whole "Producer" debate here, and looked up what the message boards had to say. There are some important points to consider about the Producer attachment and what it means. Who really is a Producer? I think even the Producer's Guild of America is trying to get industry consensus on that term. To me, someone, who has written-produced-directed a feature, which was released, a Producer is someone or a group of people who do different things, and one of the key things (the first thing really) is developing material. Yes, you have to "make" the movie, but those guys are guns for hire anyway a lot of the time. After having thought very carefully about the pros and cons, I think Scott is asking for a fair deal, because what he really is doing is being a Manager-Coach-Mentor, and a ball busting teacher. Anyone with a great script can be a Producer, but first you have to have a great script! That overrides all other points. It's not like a film has only ONE producer. Most managers, expect an Executive Producer credit and fees on a project they help set up. What Scott is offering is beyond producing, it's really Management. And let me also say this - who are managers? They are guys/gals who "develop" writers, give them notes, and help in the business decision making. But mainly, they are guys/gals who work with writers to weed out the crap and hopefully get agents/money-producers excited about their "clients." And. If you've read Gavin Palone's article about getting your script read in Hollywood, it isn't easy, even if you have an agent / manager. And very few of those people will give you solid notes, and work with you to really tear inside the material to dig out your voice. Contacts and connections are all great add-ons. Scott, I would say that you may revise your end of the bargain by saying you would be an Executive Producer, which puts you squarely at par with being a manager. That's just my unsolicited opinion, but I've gone through all this and I think it may get those sitting on the fence to jump in to The Quest. God speed, sir.

nayan1875, thanks for taking the time to do that analysis. And getting to your last point first, I have no problem taking an Executive Producer credit a la managers. Because, as you point out, in effect I'm doing something similar to their function with respect to (a) developing the material and (b) developing the writer. In my view, I'm doing both of these in a unique, more intensive with "The Quest" because of the Core theory immersion, actual screenwriting education, and working so hands on in a workshop environment as a mentor. But it's up to each individual to decide if they're interested or not. Thanks again for your cogent assessment. Aligns very much with where I ended up and why I decided it was a fair and reasonable stipulation for "The Quest."