Lee Jessup
@leejessup.bsky.social
Career coach, adjunct screenwriting professor, author, heartbroken Israeli, wife, mom, daughter, rescue dog owner... all the things
If you're looking for reps, most ill want to see at least a couple to know they can trust the quality and establish you as a generator though some reps will say that one great actionable script is all you need. Producers are all about the script so it's just getting them one that's right 4 them!
May 31, 2025 at 7:43 PM
If you're looking for reps, most ill want to see at least a couple to know they can trust the quality and establish you as a generator though some reps will say that one great actionable script is all you need. Producers are all about the script so it's just getting them one that's right 4 them!
So unfortunately I got the following clarification from someone very much in the know: Of the 2,500 scripts entered into The Nicholl through The Black List, TBL will recommend 25 scripts in total. Other programs such as film schools and festivals will be invited to recommend 2 scripts in total.
May 6, 2025 at 11:39 PM
So unfortunately I got the following clarification from someone very much in the know: Of the 2,500 scripts entered into The Nicholl through The Black List, TBL will recommend 25 scripts in total. Other programs such as film schools and festivals will be invited to recommend 2 scripts in total.
strange times indeed.
May 6, 2025 at 8:16 PM
strange times indeed.
There are still plenty of other worthy competitions and platforms out there: Final Draft's Big Break contest. Script Pipeline. Austin Film Fest. There are others that have already closed. Also, ISA and other platforms and organizations that can help your work get noticed.
May 6, 2025 at 8:16 PM
There are still plenty of other worthy competitions and platforms out there: Final Draft's Big Break contest. Script Pipeline. Austin Film Fest. There are others that have already closed. Also, ISA and other platforms and organizations that can help your work get noticed.
That would be... incredibly disappointing. It would also mean that if The Nicholl is taking 25 scripts from TBL, and 2 scripts from schools and fests, they have effectively eliminated the quarterfinals and are judging from a pool of... 100 scripts? I sincerely hope that's not the case!
May 6, 2025 at 8:15 PM
That would be... incredibly disappointing. It would also mean that if The Nicholl is taking 25 scripts from TBL, and 2 scripts from schools and fests, they have effectively eliminated the quarterfinals and are judging from a pool of... 100 scripts? I sincerely hope that's not the case!
Unfortunately, I have no insight into how decisions were made. I do hope that they're listening to the "writer on the street" and opening up their bubble a bit, if there was one.
May 6, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Unfortunately, I have no insight into how decisions were made. I do hope that they're listening to the "writer on the street" and opening up their bubble a bit, if there was one.
Honestly, I feel terrible! There are writers reaching out to me for answers, and I wish I had more to give them! We are all just trying to read the tealeaves; I also tend to be an optimist, so here's hoping that our worst suspicions do not come true!
May 6, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Honestly, I feel terrible! There are writers reaching out to me for answers, and I wish I had more to give them! We are all just trying to read the tealeaves; I also tend to be an optimist, so here's hoping that our worst suspicions do not come true!
I think that the 25 are in addition to the initial 2500? If I'm reading it right, there are 2,500 submissions and then 25 recommendations from The Black List? Or... so I hope?
May 5, 2025 at 10:13 PM
I think that the 25 are in addition to the initial 2500? If I'm reading it right, there are 2,500 submissions and then 25 recommendations from The Black List? Or... so I hope?
Much appreciated! Happy to share and and all information that will provide further clarity and help the dust settle.
March 28, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Much appreciated! Happy to share and and all information that will provide further clarity and help the dust settle.
Thank you so much for chiming in and providing these clarifications!
March 28, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Thank you so much for chiming in and providing these clarifications!
it's a challenge, for sure. It seems that now you have to qualify to submit to the Nicholl where before, as with every other competition, you could just submit to the Nicholl.
March 27, 2025 at 7:54 PM
it's a challenge, for sure. It seems that now you have to qualify to submit to the Nicholl where before, as with every other competition, you could just submit to the Nicholl.