Another post about reaching your writing goals in 2024
And yes we can help you with that
Hello Messies! And Happy New Year!
We missed you all with no January party, but also we are still recovering from Christmas.
As the new year starts, we’ve been thinking about our writing goals. Having a career as a freelance writer, particularly if you lack representation or have yet to have a work go into production, can feel like an exercise in futility. What’s the point of finishing work, going out with it, if the people you need to make it aren’t paying attention?
But even if it feels like you’re banging your fists at the door and the gatekeepers are resolutely ignoring you, we still think having goals for your own practice can be helpful. A lot of things in TV/Film (development budgets, commissioning briefs, whether an agent has room on their list) aren’t in our control, but what we can control is our dedication to our own work. As long as you know your writing is improving who cares about the gatekeepers! Sometimes it just takes a while for the industry to notice.
With that in mind, we’ve filled this email with resources and dates for your diary that might help you open Final Draft, hide your phone, and start that screenplay.
First - what do you want from Messy Collective in 2024?
Not all resolutions are made yet. Reply to this email letting us know! Tell us what we do that you love, and why. Tell us what you hate or what you found less useful. Tell us what we can add or change or run. Are we missing a trick? We love you and want to hear from you!
1 - BOOTCAMP IS BACK, BABY
Starting Jan 31st with a kick-off call, we’re relaunching a brand new 8-week Bootcamp (and adding some extra special things for people who want to use this for a rewrite sprint!) so whether you have done Bootcamp before or not, we’re here for you!
For those new to the concept, Bootcamp is an eight-week guided structure to get you from an outline to finished idea, with zoom sessions, e-mails, and a peer group to lend accountability. We’re keeping spots super limited to avoid overwhelm, so make sure you sign up early!
2 - WEEKLY WRITUALS AT THE GLITCH
Bring your laptop or your notepad and join other Messy Writers at The Glitch in Waterloo every Saturday morning. Surrounded by other writers, you'll have the accountability to get your weekend words done early.
Tickets are free but limited so RSVP early!
3 - FEBRUARY PARTY
Let’s all hang out again! Come find us and other writers/directors/producers at Vout-O-Reenee's (E1 8BB) to live, laugh, love and engage in Saltburn discourse (is it good? do we now want an eyebrow piercing? TBD!). Technically, this could be called “networking” but we’d rather burst into flames than attend a networking event so let’s just call it “a good time”.
Finally, here are some upcoming deadlines you might find helpful
RESOURCES - upcoming deadlines
Edinburgh TV Festival New Voice Awards
Deadline: JanuaryBAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Competition: TV Comedy
Deadline: January
Runs every 2 years – 2022, 2024The Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
Deadline: May
Screenplays 90-120pp.International Emmys: Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award
Deadline: June
Submit 30-60 minute television drama script. Applicants must be under 30 and non-US residents.BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Competition: Film
Deadline: July
Runs every 2 years – 2022, 20244Screenwriting
Deadline: September
Accepting screenplays (film or tv), stage plays and radio plays. Open to residents of UK and Ireland. Applicants must be available to attend the course in London on specified dates. In association with Channel Four Television.BBC Writersroom Open Call
Deadline: December
Scripts over 30′ in length for tv, film, radio, stage or online. UK and Republic of Ireland residents only.
And finally…
We are launching Messy Membership SOON - this will get you free access to parties, free access to our online Q&As (monthly) and lots more. Watch this space.