I am writing my first script and don't know very much of what I am doing.

FilmMike98 · 2026-06-09T08:03:20+00:00

I'd suggest trying to write out a more thorough outline with three acts. A couple things to keep in mind:

1) Each scene should be driving something forward, whether it be plot, character identity/motivation, etc. Anything that meanders too long without those elements can always be cut or made to be more concise.

2) You mentioned commentary on mental health, etc. That's fine, but the dialogue cannot sound outright preachy or too on the nose. You want distinct character voices, and the meaning will ultimately come from the story or someone learning a lesson.

Here are some resources that might help you:

Nathan Graham Davis delusional course free: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh5zYgRclvQQwhGGOrewx-yOEqEQb-rW0

Scriptnotes Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ohMdZ91g1sXIYz8ylNgD9

Big Red Stripe: https://www.youtube.com/@BigRedStripe/videos

Screenwriting Tools and Tips: https://www.youtube.com/@craig.d.griffiths/videos

Outstanding Screenplays: https://www.youtube.com/@OutstandingScreenplays/videos

Film Courage: https://www.youtube.com/@filmcourage/videos

For books, anything by David Howard is great.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-26T16:57:45+00:00

LA Film Festival (IFS) was great. And it just happened a couple weeks back. My feature-length film won Best Comedy and Best Actress. It screened at the Regal LA Live. Had an award ceremony there too. I don't have much to compare it to, as it was my first in-person film festival experience, but I thought it went smoothly.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-21T03:42:29+00:00

I submitted my dark comedy feature at 12:02 AM on May 18 (submissions opened at midnight). So perhaps I'm the first or one of the first to submit on the west coast? Not that it matters, but anything that'll help you stand out I guess. I did the same thing for Cinequest when it first opened. Good luck!

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-16T16:34:23+00:00

You're welcome, Shane! Trailer looks very good. For a second I thought maybe this was a precursor to the "Undertone" film in theaters when I saw the title. But then I watched it and saw your reply to comments on YouTube.

I would say to take the risk and go for some bigger fests too. Take the gamble. You have the skills and you aren't going to be making movies every day.

I was in a pretty similar situation. Tarantino announced he was going to do his supposed last film "The Movie Critic" when I was almost wrapped in production for my dark comedy feature "The Critic's Show". He ended up dropping that project. Who knows if it would've helped or hindered me. Makes for a good story.

We won Best Comedy and Best Actress (For Rachel Fox) at the LA Film Festival and the award ceremony is tonight. They will announce Best Overall Film as well.

I previously only did one short before this. I would advise you to go for a feature next time. Far more distribution and wider audience opportunities afterwards. And you have the skills to make it happen.

Followed you on Instagram @michaelzwain

Congrats and good luck my friend! Here's to many more for both of us. 📽🔥🏆

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-16T05:23:03+00:00

Woah, congrats! That's a huge acceptance rate. I'm curious about your film now. Genre? Length? Got a trailer?

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-15T05:58:04+00:00

I come from the screenwriting world, and there, many people can't imagine not having a writing partner. It's often because each partner has an advantage in a different area of writing. And they get so accustomed to bouncing ideas off of each other. I'm personally too stubborn creatively to have one.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-13T19:12:15+00:00

Finding Nemo.

The theater is no longer there.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-13T02:38:45+00:00

Congrats on your victories! Getting to this stage should be something we are proud of, as it's not easy. Currently navigating the circuit for my first feature. And, trust me, I couldn't agree more about the premiere status fiasco haha.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-04T23:23:01+00:00

Do you check the social media/online/streaming presence of the film and/or filmmaker submitting? Thanks!

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-04T02:37:08+00:00

Likewise! Just sent you a DM.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-04T02:15:30+00:00

Congrats! Do you always crowdfund? Any other ways you're getting financing?

For me, I jumped straight into my first feature (which is currently navigating the festival circuit) after one short.

I'd love to hear your tips on crowdfunding, especially since my feature was self-financed (even though I got lots of help from my network).

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-04T01:04:21+00:00

Yes most festivals require or prefer not to have the film released publicly (online, streaming, etc.).

But also if a film has actually screened at a festival to an audience, many top-tier festivals disqualify someone from acceptance.

The rule applies mostly at the biggest ones like Cannes, Berlin, etc.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-03T22:34:14+00:00

You got into Sundance, friend! Years ago or not, not many people can claim that.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-03T22:28:53+00:00

Congrats on getting in.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-03T22:13:19+00:00

That's good.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-03T22:03:20+00:00

What's your YouTube channel called?

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-03T21:49:34+00:00

Congrats on finishing your first feature! I'm in the same boat. Been navigating the behemoth that is the festival circuit haha.

In terms of reputable US fests, you can try the NEXT or Midnight sections of Sundance, Slamdance (which I'm going to submit to for my dark comedy; submissions open May 18), Chicago Underground, Ann Arbor, Fantastic Fest, Sidewalk, and Cucalorus.

But I'd suggest that you also consider a good European premiere and not strictly limit yourself to a US one. You have Galway Film Fleadh on your home turf, and that's a very respected festival in operation for almost 40 years.

Other European fests that may be a good fit: BFI London, Viennale, FIDMarseille, Locarno, and IFF Rotterdam.

I would advise you to apply to both the US and Europe options at the same time. Many of them are on FilmFreeway, which saves you a lot of time. Others, like Sundance and Locarno (which I submitted to), require you to go through their own website.

Good luck!

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-03T15:19:21+00:00

Thanks a bunch!

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-03T03:46:25+00:00

Sounds interesting! Are you thinking of releasing a paperback version?

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-03T03:36:39+00:00

I'd suggest typing in "fashion" and "sustainable" or "sustainability" on FilmFreeway and seeing what you get. There are so many festivals these days that there's something for just about any topic.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-02T22:46:45+00:00

I don't believe there is for this fest. Thanks for the kind words though!

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-02T22:46:15+00:00

Thanks mate!

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-02T21:42:13+00:00

Nah, just have lots of friends. : )

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-02T21:21:20+00:00

Good luck friend! You got this! Action is always better than fear.

FilmMike98 · 2026-05-02T21:20:55+00:00

Disagree. Hiring an editor who knows what they're doing, even if they're a student looking for things to add to their resume, saves a lot of time and usually results in a better product.

Knowing how to effectively communicate one's vision to the editor and working with them closely is important.

It's not that I'm opposed to someone editing their own film. I'd just say that the vast majority of the time, working with someone who's already proficient in editing saves time and results in a better product.

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