Curious about which industry professionals could potentially read your script in this year’s competition? We’re excited to announce the first group of confirmed judges who will be tasked with evaluating this year’s top scripts. Past entrants have signed with major agencies and had their scripts optioned, acquired and produced by signatory production companies. AFF judges include professional writers and representatives from major studios and companies. Here’s the first wave of confirmed judges:
- Lloyd Chrein – President, Chrein.com LLC
- Aaron Cruze – Producer, Cruze & Company
- Ryan Cunninghan – Literary Manager and Producer, Madhouse Entertainment
- Andrea Dimity – Producer and Literary Manager, Pannon Entertainment, Inc.
- Daniela Garcia-Brcek – Literary Manager, Circle of Confusion
- Lindsay Goffman – Co-Executive Producer, The Good Doctor
- Chayah Masters – Producer, Rumination Films LLC
- Casey Minella – Film Coordinator, Circle of Confusion
- Hannah Ozer – Manager, Kaplan Perrone Entertainment
- Joe Pirro – Head of Production, Symbolic Exchange
- Jeff Portnoy – Literary Manager, Bellevue Productions
- Brian Price – Creative Executive, Village Roadshow Pictures
- Chad Snopek – Manager and Producer, Chad Snopek Management
- Rebecca Windsor – Director, Television Workshop, Warner Bros. Television
Need some advice with your writing before submitting? Here’s what some of our judges have to share:
Chayah Masters – Producer, Rumination Films LLC
- What do you look for in a script?: “Stellar writing, characters with organic motivations, crisp dialogue, rich subtext, a plot that’s unpredictable, a hero’s journey I can’t resist going on…”
- Common mistakes in scripts?: “On-the-nose dialogue, exposition, contrived circumstances or actions, characters do nothing to move a plot forward, tone is not defined, characters are not driven by organic motivations.”
- Advice?: “Hone your screenwriting craft before trying to get anyone to read your script. read scripts of great screenwriters and study how they achieved excellence in their story-telling abilities.”
Chad Snopek – Manager and Producer, Chad Snopek Management
What do you look for in a script?: “Characters and dialogue first. Originality second. Take me on an emotional journey or a ride I have never been on before & I will be hooked.”
Common mistakes in scripts?: “A few I see often: Length (lack of self-editing). Showing a script before it is ready. Lack of distinct voice for individual characters in a script.”
Advice?: “Write something that pushes boundaries. Find a different way to tell stories in order to stand out. The marketplace is extremely crowded. If you can find a way to tell a story differently, you will get noticed. Also, never stop writing. The day you finish your script should be the same day you start working on the next one. Your only assets in this business are your ideas and your time. Use them both wisely.”
Rebecca Windsor – Director, Television Workshop, Warner Bros. Television
- What do you look for in a script?: “Voice above all. Structure can be taught but a point of view, a perspective on telling a familiar story in a new way, is the most important aspect for me. And if it’s a comedy, it has to be funny.”
- Common mistakes in scripts?: “TYPOS. I hate them and they show a lack of rigor. Have as many people as necessary proofread before submitting.”
- Advice?: “Write what only you can write. Don’t try to hit a target or follow a trend. I want to know what makes you special above all the other writers I’ve read and that only comes from staying true to what you are passionate about writing.”