Quoted from BarryJohn Back on Lon... ...Strange thing is I've sent my 9 shorts to 33 SMALL PRODUCTION COMPANIES... the one's that concentrate mainly on shorts. And I got no reply - not even fuc-off your work sucks! Shit maybe it does... (Lol) Maybe just bad timeing to the wrong companies? Maybe one day...

There could be any number of reasons, but the primary is likely that you're sending them unsolicited. Unsolicited means you didn't query and ask their permission to send it to them first. A prodco gets a script in their inbox they didn't request or approve to be sent, chances are they're going to dismiss it. It's mostly for CYA purposes -- they don't want some unknown writer from Buttlick, Indiana trying to sue them for stealing their idea, when they never even asked or approved the writer to send it in the first place.

Until you've reached a level of success where producers are begging you for your scripts, always query first.

Quoted from Lon There could be any number of reasons, but the primary is likely that you're sending them unsolicited. Unsolicited means you didn't query and ask their permission to send it to them first. A prodco gets a script in their inbox they didn't request or approve to be sent, chances are they're going to dismiss it. It's mostly for CYA purposes -- they don't want some unknown writer from Buttlick, Indiana trying to sue them for stealing their idea, when they never even asked or approved the writer to send it in the first place. Until you've reached a level of success where producers are begging you for your scripts, always query first.

Concur with this for sure

Also... many production companies don't really have an interest in shorts, listed prod cos on IMDB etc tend to be interested in features or TV... ones specialising in shorts are very unusual - I don't know any.

Quoted from BarryJohn Back on Lon... ...Strange thing is I've sent my 9 shorts to 33 SMALL PRODUCTION COMPANIES... the one's that concentrate mainly on shorts. And I got no reply - not even fuc-off your work sucks! Shit maybe it does... (Lol) Maybe just bad timeing to the wrong companies? Maybe one day...

No replies are common. Another common thing which is so annoying and common in this industry is Ghosting. That is, you've had some form of communication with a director, producer and sent a script, then they just vanish and they don't reply to emails.

To go back to your original question, yes. I've had the most enquiries from SimplyScripts and I've hosted my scripts on other sites as well, but by far I've had the most here. I had one yesterday from India, a chap asking me for specific features but, alas, I didn't have what he required in that instance.

I currently have two short films in production, both from scripts found on this website, and in both instances the filmmaker paid me for the scripts.

One thing to add. I've been a member here since...blimey I don't quite recall but it's at least 6 years and I've been regularly taking part on the site. For the first couple of years at least I had nothing, no inquiries. These things take time and work I'm afraid.

Oh yes, get ready for the ghosting. A regular thing in my world.

As are requests like this:

I just love your coming of age script Scooter and I'd like permission to produce a short film based on it.
Would it be okay if I change the scooter to a bike, set it in a different era, change the gender of the main character and have him ten years older?

Uh-huh.  

My fave ghosting was when the Assistant Director of Sharknado (I kid you not) wanted one of my scripts, we had a video chat, he was gonna fly me to LA, he was going to buy it - tomorrow... two weeks later he'd done the invisible man impression.

Wow, Ant! That story's a beauty.

Tx Libby - just wish it'd have had a better ending!

Quoted from AnthonyCawood My fave ghosting was when the Assistant Director of Sharknado (I kid you not) wanted one of my scripts, we had a video chat, he was gonna fly me to LA, he was going to buy it - tomorrow... two weeks later he'd done the invisible man impression.

Maybe he really did want the script. Maybe he was in the parking lot talking to his agent about setting up a flight only to be eaten by a giant Sharknado!

I can only hope that's what happened Mark

Markit Zero

I think you have a great idea for your next script?  
...Maybe he really did want the script. Maybe he was in the parking lot talking to his agent about setting up a flight only to be eaten by a giant Sharknado!

From all the comments hereto... I take out - Patience and keep writing... keep writing.

Thanks to you all for your advice / comments.

Also, Barry, it is not advisable to submit your scripts to the production houses. Not only they don't read the script for the possibility of the writer suing them(as Lon said), but there is a higher chance of you been blocked by them. Meaning they will block your mail id and since they have network among themselves(obviously), they can even spread a word about you and altogether block you. In your case, it is very likely since you mailed 30 something production houses.  

A more plausible way is to -take your time, enhance your writing skills, gather enough experience, and then start submitting your scripts to some reputable screenwriting competitions. Competitions like ScreenCraft, BlueCat, Slamdance, Scriptlab, and if possible go to Nicholl too.

But mind you these competitions are extremely tough if not less. Not only quality-wise but quantity-wise also. Above mentioned competitions almost always get more than 1000 script submissions easily. And since Scriptab hosts 'free screenwriting contest', their number goes as high as 10,000. Almost 60% of them are from veteran writers. Yep, it's that tough.

But if your pearl shines(even halfway through), you will the part of an amazing network of fellow writers and producers. It will surely add to your writer's bio.  

So don't lose hope bro. Take your time and find your style of writing a story. Everything else will surely follow.

Good luck.  

Ye, Hi Yuvraj.

QUOTE:
In your case, it is very likely since you mailed 30 something production houses.  

I know of this. These 30 are the small guys, I sent only my shorts to. I'd never approach the BIG guys with shorts, as I'm aware of what you say re- they block - SPAM your email address, etc... The BIG guys I leave for when I'm ready with a "BIG PICTURE"

As Lon and Mark said above. be patient... all in good time.

Nope. Barry, that's wrong way around.

A professional approach goes the same for every production house. Don't just underestimate a small production value. Works of small indie production houses will awe you as much as a big dog does.

To get your name under the writer's credit of a BIG PICTURE is not at all easy.

There are steps to your destiny and you can't just skip or undermine the value of that step. And please don't go with the tag of BIG or SMALL. It vitiates the art.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw No replies are common. Another common thing which is so annoying and common in this industry is Ghosting. That is, you've had some form of communication with a director, producer and sent a script, then they just vanish and they don't reply to emails. To go back to your original question, yes. I've had the most enquiries from SimplyScripts and I've hosted my scripts on other sites as well, but by far I've had the most here. I had one yesterday from India, a chap asking me for specific features but, alas, I didn't have what he required in that instance. I currently have two short films in production, both from scripts found on this website, and in both instances the filmmaker paid me for the scripts. One thing to add. I've been a member here since...blimey I don't quite recall but it's at least 6 years and I've been regularly taking part on the site. For the first couple of years at least I had nothing, no inquiries. These things take time and work I'm afraid.

I effing hate the ghosting!!! It almost takes zero effort to respond to someone.

My one personal favorite was this one:

Had a featured optioned. Budget set, director on Board - they were still working for money. They finally found in -won't name names - but all the financier wanted was me to add a dog to the script because he had a dog that loved dearly and he wanted the dog to be  in the movie. Keep in mind right up to this point communications were daily - sometimes twice a day.

So, I re-write the script adding the effing dog. Send it in - THEY LOVE IT - perfect. We are on the cusp. THEN - ghost........................

I finally found out from an intern three levels down what had happened was that the beloved dog died just three days after I finished the re-write and the heartbroken financier backed out. No more dog - no more money. Of course, they told the actors, directors, technicians etc, right away - just not me. Why - because the option period had not run out and they were hoping that the money guy would get a new effing dog.

That was my seminole moment dealing with people in this industry.