Steve on Screenwriting: Screenwriting Websites

There are many websites these days that offer different kinds of information for screenwriters. Some are worthwhile and others are lacking. Below are the five best websites I have found for screenwriters.

IMDB.com – The Internet Movie Database has become the bible of the film and television business. In addition to providing valuable information on box office numbers, it gives abbreviated movie and television reviews going back decades. It leads the pack over other websites because you can look up any production and find its cast, crew and every element of its production including actors, writers, producers and directors.

Stage32.com – This site has evolved into the Facebook for the creative community spanning across the United States and the world. It has over 90,000 members in over seventy five countries. It is emerging as the premier social network for film, television and theater. You can build your network by connecting with a cast, crew and industry executives. You can attract funding to get your project off the ground as well as showcasing your finished projects. You can also see who’s hiring in your area and get in touch with producers and casting directors.

DoneDealPro.com – This website is known for reporting daily on what material is being sold in Hollywood, who the buyers are, and who the principals are that made the deal. It also offers information on scriptwriting contests on a national level and offers valuable samples of legal contracts and forms that are helpful to writers.

Mandy.com – This site is a production directory for the television and film industry. You can find out what projects are currently in production and where it’s being made. After you register on the site, you can access postings for individuals who are looking for screenwriters or scripts. They also feature requests and listings for other industry positions such as casts and technical crews.

Moviebytes.com – This site shines for writers looking for screenwriting contests to enter. It breaks down contests into categories such as upcoming, free, most significant, etc. It also showcases ads from producers seeking material, agencies looking for clients, and producers searching for writers.

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Read Steve on Screenwriting by Steve Kaire the first Thursday of the month on Write On! Online. Kaire is a screenwriter/pitchman who’s sold eight projects to the major studios on spec without representation. For more from Steve Kaire, check out his CD: “High Concept-How to Create, Pitch & Sell to Hollywood” and website: High Concept Screenwriting.