HOW GOOD ARE YOU?
And, How To Use The Black List To Find Out.
The following is an excerpt from an excellent article by Mohummad Humza Elahi, originally posted on scriptfella.com called “WHAT I LEARNED FROM THE TOP TEN BLACK LIST SCRIPTS”
Created by Franklin Leonard in 2005, The Black List is an annual compilation of screenplays that are “most liked” by over 370 film executives in Hollywood. These screenplays can sometimes have attachments, be available, optioned, or sold - but all are currently unproduced. Although most writers on the list have representation, there are always a few that make the list without any managers or agents.
So, why the hubbub? Chances are you’re reading this because you’re already writing screenplays, are interested in the craft or just want to see what all the fuss is about. Although lots of lessons can be gleaned from the list itself, from what sells to what topics are “totally hot right now”, the key one is this – The Black List is this year’s benchmark for those looking to break in. That is to say when the annual list is published, it says to the aspiring screenwriters, “This the standard and quality of script getting attention right now. Are you matching it?”
Change is both permanent and inevitable. The standard and quality can vary each year but the fluctuations are impossible to predict. However, the level of craft remains remarkably consistent. So let’s dive into what we can learn from this year’s list.
