I’m a newer writer in the industry and I’m really excited—I recently got a request for one of my short scripts! It’s about 60 pages and I’m still polishing it up and expanding it to a feature (debating between two endings). The exec mentioned he usually doesn’t consider shorts, but said the premise was interesting enough to take a look, which felt like such a win already.
I’m curious—has anyone else here gotten an offer or opportunity from a short script? What were your next steps?
Also, I know responses can take time, but it’s been about two months since I sent it (I’ve heard it can take up to three). Do you think no news could still be good news, or is it usually a pass if I haven’t heard back yet? I’m working on my patience, but I’d love to hear your experiences.
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Congratulations! I haven't gotten anything from my one short script as of yet so sadly I can't comment. And it's hard to say about the wait time. No news could very well still be good news since execs are quite busy. I was sure one of my pitch submissions was going to be a pass since it was 2 1/2 weeks into the turnaround time but it ended up being a request. I'd say just wait it out.
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Congratulations on getting your first request, Kendall Helton!
I've gotten script requests for shorts and sold shorts (four to a producer I met on Stage 32). I also use short scripts as writing samples when I apply for jobs.
No news could still be good news. I've heard back about scripts and jobs months later (more than 2 and 3 months).
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thank you guys! I’m remaining hopeful!
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You're welcome, Kendall Helton!
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You're welcome, Kendall Helton. Hope you hear back soon and it's good news!
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Kendall Helton, congratulations! I wish you every success. I see that you live in Boone. I remember Tweetsie Railroad. I also remember the Land of Oz back when it was orignally open. Great memories.
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Congratulations, Kendall Helton!
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You can absolutely hear back further out than 2 or even 3 months from someone that wants to work with you and use your talent. My opinion and how I approach these things is: The best thing to do is forget about it and keep grinding. If you hear back, great! If not, oh well... The vast majority of times you put yourself out there it's going to result in rejection. Don't waste your time dwelling or waiting around for anyone. Keep grinding, make it better, film a short, write a new script. Have even more cool stuff to show them if you do hear back and keep grinding and opening new doors in the meantime.
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Congratulations Kendall, may the rest be in your favor. <3
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Dear Kendall,
Congratulations on your latest milestone! Your work is clearly striking a chord—where did this exciting outreach come from?
I’m curious: do you fling open the doors to your scripts for all to see, or are you like me, guarding them with the ferocity of a dragon hoarding gold? I tend to lock mine behind passwords tighter than a cosmic vault. After all, a writer’s script is their universe—unique, untamed, and not meant for every wandering eye. Embrace your creations with pride, Kendall. Your work is a reflection of your spirit, not a checklist for someone else’s standards. As writers, we’re not here to churn out cookie-cutter tales; we’re here to dance with the absurd, flirt with the profound, and occasionally trip over our own metaphors. Standards? Pfft. We’re the philosophers of the page, the jesters of the human condition, crafting stories that defy the ordinary. So, hold fast to your script’s heart. Let it be gloriously, unapologetically you. Keep weaving those words, and may your pen always outwit the temptation to conform.
Greetings Yvonne Padmos
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How exciting!!! That rush you get from a positive take on your work is not anything I have yet found from other substances hahaha!
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Congratulations that’s exciting!, when you’re ready, I’d love to design your costumes
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Congratulations on getting your first request, Kendall Helton
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Darrell Pennington you will get that rush before you know it!
Yvonne Padmos I’m definitely the type to overshare at times. I like to flirt with different ideas but I also love feedback-good and bad! My mind is very scattered at times-thinking of all the ways to end or twist my script.
A huge thank you to everyone for your support and I’m so glad to be a part of such a helpful community!
Wyman Brent yes-Tweetsie is a place of so many memories with my grandparents that I’ll cherish forever!
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Good luck on the journey! :)
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Response times can really vary, even when a producer shows interest. The key is to be proactive after a certain amount of time has passed. I would definitely reach out after two months. Keep it positive, but active. Good luck!
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congrats Kendall Helton Sooo amazing to see and hear this happening around us! Happiness and success is a frequency, and we flow, and just deliver form our heart, after months, years, it all starts to happen. I agree with so many other comments here, just keep moving, keep knocking on other doors, with that same energy, and it's all happening! The right people, aligned with you and the project, will come at the right time.
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Gratulálok
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I’d also consider the response—whatever it eventually leads to—a win in itself.
If waiting is holding you back from moving forward, I think it’s perfectly fine to reach out politely. The fact that the exec saw potential in your premise is already a great sign, and developing it into a feature feels like the right move.
Most people in the industry aren’t interested in short scripts since they’re rarely commercially viable. Also, at around 60 pages, it sounds more like a one-hour TV script than a traditional short—so expanding it into a full feature definitely makes sense - in my opinion.
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Thank you, Thomas, I really appreciate your perspective.
I completely understand why a feature is often the more viable format, but my vision for this project has always been as a series. The scope of the story and the character arcs are designed to unfold across multiple episodes, and I believe it works best that way.
That said, I’m always open to learning and improving my craft, so your advice is still very valuable to me.