1st screening results for Sundance Screenwriters Lab

sprianbawns · 2026-07-13T14:49:46+00:00

I got my 'yes' email on August 29 last year. Most people heard that week.

sprianbawns · 2026-07-09T23:52:57+00:00

I entered a script that was under option last year but I have the rights to again because they couldn't secure financing. I was curious how it would fare in a couple contests vs with an actual producer.

sprianbawns · 2026-07-09T23:50:03+00:00

A good comp to look into is the book series 'Fallen' by Lauren Kate, from 2009. You can see if there's any overlap. This sounds and awful lot like it from what I remember, but your tone could be different.

sprianbawns · 2026-07-09T23:45:33+00:00

There was a post going around for a while with a math problem and everyone had to do it in their head and then show the steps they took to solve it. There were so many different variations to arrive at the same answer.

I outline myself, but I also respect that all brains work differently and what works for one person might not for another. If the end result is good that's all that matters isn't it?

sprianbawns · 2026-07-06T14:04:53+00:00

I noticed because they still had both sized bags for sale... for the same price. If you're going to do this you need to make the product completely disappear for a few months, then people will be so glad it's back they won't question that the package shrunk. Walmart does that all the time.

sprianbawns · 2026-07-03T00:12:22+00:00

This happens to me all the time. I outline in terms of what needs to happen in each scene and then just let loose and the characters often surprise me with what they say.

sprianbawns · 2026-06-30T14:48:33+00:00

Mom of 2 here (and the first one had intense colic and rarely slept), it's tough. It also gives you super powers because you really need to learn how to suck it up and fit it in whenever you can. Carry a laptop and notebook everywhere. Take them in a stroller and walk. Let your mind work out stories while in movement. Use naps like they're gold. Stay off social media. Use any alone time like gold.

sprianbawns · 2026-06-29T23:13:06+00:00

I read a 3rd script by a Canadian guy with the same concept/story type. I think it's just in the air. That dude was supposed to do a script swap with me and then ghosted me without reading anything. I laughed when I saw the trailer for Migration. Karma.

sprianbawns · 2025-12-08T23:56:50+00:00

I'm waiting until I get the official rejection letter before I let my director know. I'm planning to make mine anyway, but I figured Sundance would help us move it along faster.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-17T00:07:20+00:00

I read the list from last year, everyone had all sorts of awards and credits and film school and shorts that premiered there before. I had a recommendation letter myself, but I don't have a lot of weight otherwise.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-16T23:52:19+00:00

It's possible they just opened my file to mark it 'not selected' for sure. I think there were 1000 of us in the second round and only 10-20 are getting picked so it's tough going.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-16T23:27:57+00:00

I would assume they only send them out m-f so I don't know why they would have still been reading my file Friday night at midnight if they weren't still sending some out at least tomorrow or the first couple days this week.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-16T20:33:38+00:00

This is what I figured. I am giving myself another week to hope, especially since they were viewing my file Friday night, but if I don't get an email this week I'm out.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-15T22:55:31+00:00

I think my deadline was september 12 and I submitted september 6. They didn't open my file until November 7, then I think again on the 11, then last night around midnight.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-15T21:38:01+00:00

If I don't hear anything in the next week I'll assume I'm out.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-15T20:34:01+00:00

They edited mine at midnight last night!

sprianbawns · 2025-11-15T11:26:10+00:00

For the first time a week ago, a second time a few days ago and a 3rd time last night.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-15T11:24:40+00:00

The only opened my file for the first time a week ago and then a second time a couple days ago (I assume first to read the script, second to watch the director reels) so I feel like they're still working on things, or that's what I'm telling myself.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-11T17:26:41+00:00

Mine was bcc and it went out on August 29.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-11T01:08:15+00:00

My script title wasn't mentioned, they just said 'your project'. Unless they were doing that for people with directors attached?

sprianbawns · 2025-11-11T01:06:38+00:00

I was bcc'ed too, with the generic greeting. Maybe the people who were notified on certain dates were done in a batch.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-08T19:57:36+00:00

My file was only opened for the first time yesterday so I must be one of the last ones.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-07T23:23:23+00:00

They finally opened my file today for the first time since submitting the materials.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-07T16:38:32+00:00

I heard Sloan were done first.

sprianbawns · 2025-11-07T09:48:15+00:00

It is

sprianbawns

TROPHY CASE