Hey all
      I just stumbled upon this site today, and it almost looks too good to be true.  And you know what they say about that.

I did a search and actually the website has a pretty good customer rating (100%) and the site that I saw said that it was based in the USA and Canada and that it looked pretty good.

What do you guys think?

It's here:
http://www.wildsound.ca

Let me know what you think and if we should be using this site.  At $20.00 a pop or $50.00 for reviews, that isn't half bad.  And it seems like they have monthly events.

Like I said, it seems almost too good to be true.

Thanks
Dan

I was a finalist on this site about 4 years ago... it's pretty good, if you don't  mind waiting 4 weeks for a review.
mark

As a followup, I found that Geno Scala hates them.  He has his own site called The script Mentor.  Has anyone heard of them?  He has his own stuff for sale too (who doesn't, right?)

His site:
http://www.thescriptmentor.com/#!services/ca4p

Thanks
Dan

Quoted from irish eyes I was a finalist on this site about 4 years ago... it's pretty good, if you don't  mind waiting 4 weeks for a review. mark

Did you get a lot of spam and fake promises?  Did the story go anywhere?  I have read some pretty scary horror stories.  

and have you heard of the Script Mentor aka Geno Scala.  He hates them...

Thanks
Dan

Quoted from DanC Did you get a lot of spam and fake promises?  Did the story go anywhere?  I have read some pretty scary horror stories.

I signed up and had some shorts there years ago, but I eventually ended up asking them to be taken off their email list.

I can't remember right now what I didn't like about them, but I know it was something.  ;D

Quoted from Grandma Bear I can't remember right now what I didn't like about them, but I know it was something.  ;D

The bullshit, perchance?

Quoted from DustinBowcot The bullshit, perchance?

So, they are bad.  I know not a lot can be taken from a logline, but, I sent them the logline for free contest.  Was that a bad move?

I like my logline.  I think it's a good one.

It is:  A cop uncovers an ancient plot that would usurp God's reign on the Earth unless a champion rises up to stop it.  

You can't tell much from that...  In other words, I don't have much to be worried about, right?
Thanks
Dan

More of an educated guess. I've never dealt with them, wouldn't want to.

I gotta say Geno doesn't like that site, or this site.  Wow, really funny.  I don't know how he can lump the 2 sites together since no one pays for anything here.  I agree that it COULD be a blind leading the blind in terms of advice, but, that's why each person has choices to make.  

Here is what he wrote me:
Hi Daniel!

Sorry to hear about the physical trials you are enduring at the moment. I pray for your quick and full recovery. I have a chronic pinched nerve in my neck which affects my typing, and have switched to a voice controlled "Dragon Speak", which may be a temporary solution to your situation.

IMO, "simplyscripts" is a site very similar to WILDsound; a creation of Babz Bitella and friends as a rouse to scam new writers. It's a joke; the blind leading the blind. WILDsound is just an outright scam. Nobody- and I mean nobody- has ever been successful simply through the efforts of either of those sites. That's my opinion, but borne out by facts.

As for a review- we do offer the first ten page review. Just go to our site at http://www.thescriptmentor.com, and check under services.

As for the "group"- I'm not quite sure what group you're talking about. We have clients in TSM; they pay for screenplay assistance. I have helped over a dozen writers get representation; one now has an agent through my help. We have dozens and dozens of writers who have been successful in screenwriting competitions and such because we KNOW what type of writing style wins these comps while getting requests from producers. I have also helped a number of writers get regularly paid writing assignments, as I made six figures last year through assignments myself. What I'm most proud of is exposing the frauds and cheats in this business, protecting my fellow writers from suffering the naive and costly fate I fell victim to myself when starting off. I started The Script Mentor solely to offer newer writers solutions to their writing needs without having to break their bank in doing so.

I look forward to helping you as well!

Geno





is this Geno that good????

Quoted from DanC ...is this Geno that good????

He sounds like an ass.  Flat-out wrong on many counts as far as SimplyScripts is concerned.

And bitter to boot, talking about all the "frauds and cheats" out there -- while offering pretty much exactly the same thing haha.

You can throw your money wherever you wish, but personally, I would not give this guy a dime.

Ya, what's his beef with this site?

Its free to register and makes no promises of success. Rather, it serves as a great platform to connect with other writers and share your work. If filmmakers happen to check in and pick up scripts then so be it, all the better but the site has never tried to sell anything...at least in my 7 years as a member.

Also, its "ruse" not "rouse". Sorry, I couldn't quell my inner pedant ;)

There are some interesting websites and articles about Geno, not personally had anything to do with him but he is VERY polarising...

See the following for other people's views...
https://truthaboutgenoscala.wordpress.com/tag/geno-scala/
And he has come up on here before
http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Chat/m-1358619120/
For balance in a recent flame war over on Stage 32 a bunch of his supporters leapt to his defence...
https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Tar-and-Feather-2-You-enjoy-to-help-newbie-writers-Just-option-yourself-to-get-credibility

The fact that he has such a poor opinion of our beloved SimplyScripts is pretty damning IMHO...

Guess you make your own mind up on these things...

Anthony

Quoted from AnthonyCawood And he has come up on here before http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Chat/m-1358619120/

Ahh...I thought that name sounded familiar.  Good eye, sir.

Quoted from AnthonyCawood The fact that he has such a poor opinion of our beloved SimplyScripts is pretty damning IMHO...

Indeed.  Blacklisted for life.  And not the good Black List, either  :)

I didn't read the whole thing, but came across this.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Geno-Scala-/internet/Geno-Scala-The-Script-Mentor-Shark-Eating-Man-Productions-Eugene-Scalanbsp-Fraud-Sc-1147495

Just re-read Dans earlier note...

I don't personally consider this community to be the blind leading the blind given we have some very good, and produced, writers on here who offer advice and support for free.

As everyone else has stated, SS and STS has never asked for any money for the fantastic exposure they've given to my scripts... thanks to a couple of sales they've actually made me money!

So Dan, I guess its up to you re Woldsound, if you do use them please let us know what your experience is.

As for any Mentor or Script Consultant, if they have that attitude towards SS then they're off my list.

Dan, hopefully, the above posts have opened your eyes and you cease and desist with this A-Hole.

How does simplyscripts.com scam? I don't get that dude.

I write stuff, post stuff, give some feedback, take part in OWC ect.

Don't really see much wrong with the site, it's a great little community here.

I joined in 2009 and have been lurking for a fair bit until I decided to become active again.  I've never seen anybody get scammed here, or tricked.

Quoted from DanC Did you get a lot of spam and fake promises?  Did the story go anywhere?  I have read some pretty scary horror stories. and have you heard of the Script Mentor aka Geno Scala.  He hates them...

I didn't get any spam or fake promises... I think the winner got read by a bunch of actors on stage (Canadian I think)

As far as Geno Scala... never heard of him, but as he speaks bad of SS... I'll hunt him down ;D

I would like to see some evidence for his claims.

If he had some screenshots of maybe, Pia charging individuals £1000 per read, then maybe I'd be inclined to take him at more than just his word.

And even then, she's accountable for her own actions, SS as a body and as a platform ain't scamming nobody.

Ditto to what Anthony said. The reason for this guy's negativity towards SS is of course because he wants people coming to him and paying him. SS is free so of course he wouldn't like that - he wants money - and if the material contained in the link Pia posted is anything to go by, I'd give this guy a wide berth.

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Just re-read Dans earlier note... I don't personally consider this community to be the blind leading the blind given we have some very good, and produced, writers on here who offer advice and support for free. As everyone else has stated, SS and STS has never asked for any money for the fantastic exposure they've given to my scripts... thanks to a couple of sales they've actually made me money! So Dan, I guess its up to you re Woldsound, if you do use them please let us know what your experience is. As for any Mentor or Script Consultant, if they have that attitude towards SS then they're off my list.

I wanted to clear up something.  By blind leading the blind, I meant that we don't know anything about hollywood.  We don't know anything about agents, or a person taking our calls or emails.  We hope the fringe people respond.  There are some incredible stories here, including yours Anthony, but, b/c we don't know anything about getting to the "promised land", we are stuck with bad filmmakers.

I think I read that Pia's one script was so good, but, the director was awful.  That's like my biggest concern b/c we can't control that.  

So, it isn't the advice that I was talking about.  It's the getting to the promised land.

So, I am sorry that I didn't state that clearly enough.

I don't plan to use either one.  No way no how.  I read some bad stuff about Geno.  I read some bad stuff about the other site.  So, I will not use them.

Again, I am really sorry if I accidentally insulted anyone.  I didn't mean it.

Dan

Dan, I don't think any of us thought you were saying anything negative - I thought the 'blind' comment was actually one of his... You asked for feedback on this particular mob/person and you got opinions. It's good to pass on info that might be useful to SS community.

Re the 'promised land', agents, contacts etc. you'll hopefully get to know more about that too, just through making contacts, networking, (God, I hate that latter word) comps, and getting your material out there. A lot of it is hard slog you have to do yourself.

As far as getting your script/s into the right hands re talented directors/producers and the final product - this is a risk we all take, and in fact it's a part of this business. You have to get used to the fact the finished product might only faintly resemble the original product by the time it's been shopped about, re-written etc.  Hopefully you'll get some financial compensation for that happening.

Btw, I had a guy wanted to take out the scooter in Scooter, take out the hill, take out the love interest etc. Wasn't going to be much of my original script left. Left me thinking...So which part did you like?  ;D

Quoted from LC Dan, I don't think any of us thought you were saying anything negative - I thought the 'blind' comment was actually one of his... You asked for feedback on this particular mob/person and you got opinions. It's good to pass on info that might be useful to SS community. Re the 'promised land', agents, contacts etc. you'll hopefully get to know more about that too, just through making contacts, networking, (God, I hate that latter word) comps, and getting your material out there. A lot of it is hard slog you have to do yourself. As far as getting your script/s into the right hands re talented directors/producers and the final product - this is a risk we all take, and in fact it's a part of this business. You have to get used to the fact the finished product might only faintly resemble the original product by the time it's been shopped about, re-written etc.  Hopefully you'll get some financial compensation for that happening. Btw, I had a guy wanted to take out the scooter in Scooter, take out the hill, take out the love interest etc. Wasn't going to be much of my original script left. Left me thinking...So which part did you like?  ;D

Wow, Libby, you're right, what part did they like?  So, I'm gonna go on a limb and guess that you said no.  Don't you have to be careful not to offend anyone by saying no?  I've read horror stories about people getting blacklisted for saying no.  I'm sure this wasn't a hollywood guy, but, he might have had some connections to other directors/producers.

I am glad that everyone mostly knew I'd never speak back of this site.  I will state it again, joining this site has been the best move i have made in years.  I've met some amazing people.  

Regarding the promised land of agents and big paydays and whatnot, I wish there was a person out there that came here looking for new blood to represent.  Find the next big thing before they get big, and get a better contract from them.  I wish it was easier.

I have read some amazing scripts on here and I feel awful for people who's producers and directors aren't half as talented as the writers on here.  They get work, in their craft, and get paid, and you guys don't.  I don't include myself in that group yet b/c i know I'm not good enough yet.  That's why I haven't said one word about my scripts.  I want others to promote worthy work that should get done.

I get angry when the writer gets blamed for the faults of the idiots that did it wrong.  I know when I shot my thesis in Grad School, my teacher, who has had some Hollywood cred, said that there were 3 spots in my movie that made him feel something, and he came away very impressed.  His name was Fred Keller.  Really nice guy.  Lost touch with him decades ago sadly.  He was probably my one way in...

So, again, sorry if I accidentally offended anyone...

Dan

Ps, and yes, both sites should be blacklisted by this site.  They are not worthy.  I don't plan to have any other dealings with either site.

Typical scammer confidence trick. They tell you how bad everyone else is while selling you their own snake oil.

Quoted from DanC Wow, Libby, you're right, what part did they like?  So, I'm gonna go on a limb and guess that you said no.  Don't you have to be careful not to offend anyone by saying no?  I've read horror stories about people getting blacklisted for saying no.

Dan, I did indeed say no. I am simplifying things quite a bit though - the film-maker really loved the story, but he was just starting out and there were a few other obstacles standing in the way of it being a success for him, let alone me.

Filmmakers can run the gamut of being a kid with an iPhone, to film students, to quite experienced and already produced filmmakers. If you're ever at a point where some bigwig wants to option your feature length script then you'd be wise to obtain the appropriate pro advice as I'm sure you're aware. Oh, to be between a rock and hard place where people are fighting over your script for real money - that'd be fun, wouldn't it.  :D

I am weary of any site that wants you to part with your money.  From my review of the site along with some Google research it seems that, unlike SS, they will be asking you for cash sooner or later.

The derision of SS is unwarranted and, IMO, speaks to their motives.

I have danced around several script writing sites and have seen none better. This site is for writers, by writers. It is an excellent spot for answers on formatting and technical issues and is an almost guaranteed spot to get a free and competent review (s) of any short you have written. Best of all, it is absolutely free. IMO, the only place where SS lacks for me personally are:

* There is limited interest in Rom/Coms and Comedies (my favorite genres). Most members lean to Horror, Sci Fi - etc.
* Unlike Shorts, one will not get much in reviews on a Feature (quite understandable given the time it takes to read one).

Otherwise - SS is my go to site and if reps from another site are bashing it - I immediately write them off as unreliable.

Oh - p.s. - on SS you need to adapt - many writers fail to use American English :)))

SS....best free site....end of.

I can't express what i have learnt here. I'm very happy to be pointed towards other sites, but for us lot, this is it. The best.

Which reminds me. Lets not forget our host.

I'm not pushing anything now, but the reality, as seen with Movie poet and others, is that without an all conquering God - Don - this place fails.

I think this place should have an annual donation day. Leave it for now, lets consider that later, but we would all - probably - give something.

When i think back, my heart said write - in conflict with my brain - but my history, failed english exams etc, said not. Why should you write? You failed, you know noting. Simply, you are not a writer.

After a decade of trying to get the courage, I decided I wanted to give film scripts a try. SS was my beginning.

I really couldn't say how much i owe it, its huge.

I owe Don so much.

I agree with Bill on the annual donation thing.  I've paid for coverage, contests, and an ex-wife and would definitely contribute to this site where, I too, have learned so much.  Maybe we can do it "silently".  Count me in.  Send me a PM when you're ready!  This place is the best!

I'm new and get very little money, just social security, and I'd give Don something.  This site is awesome and you're right, without Don, we have nothing.

Thank you Don.

We should get that going.  Don deserves it.

Quoted from Jeremiah Johnson I agree with Bill on the annual donation thing.  I've paid for coverage, contests, and an ex-wife and would definitely contribute to this site where, I too, have learned so much.  Maybe we can do it "silently".  Count me in.  Send me a PM when you're ready!  This place is the best!

Concur with these sentiments

I thought Dena mentioned some time back a 'donate' button for SS, but for the life of me I cannot find it. ?? I have very good reason to give, just has this place has given me.  :D

Love the comment on the ex-wife, JJ. Made me laugh.

Quoted from LC I thought Dena mentioned some time back a 'donate' button for SS, but for the life of me I cannot find it. ??

If you scroll down to half way down on the SS home page, you'll see a modest donation button on the left.  :)

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=gzplf8-xJnRNgHcrJibM6mWja4Z43qYQ5cVpLL4ObWa6rBhlxZbibgbh398&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9b61f737ba21b081985c750cb9736179f5c8aadc95fab80c37

Quoted from Grandma Bear If you scroll down to half way down on the SS home page, you'll see a modest donation button on the left.  :) https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=gzplf8-xJnRNgHcrJibM6mWja4Z43qYQ5cVpLL4ObWa6rBhlxZbibgbh398&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9b61f737ba21b081985c750cb9736179f5c8aadc95fab80c37

I'll be damned!  Thanks Pia!  Consider it done.  I hardly go to the home page any more.  And I will go there often now.

Thanks Pia. Got it!

Ah.. nice, donation imminent!

....

Done

Regarding donations... I've suggested to Don that he makes it a little bit more visible and on a few more pages...

But promted me to think about my donation and donations going forward... so one of my specific plans is to donate 10% of any money generated from script sales from SS/STS... they re afterall kinda like a proxy agent!

Just a thought,

How well known is this Geno character?

Quoted from Max How well known is this Geno character?

I only know very little.

Max 2 things:
1.  Where do you get your avatar photos?  The last 2 have been quite attractive.

2.  Who were the last 2 avatars you have used?

As for Geno, I don't care who he is.  More then a few have said he has no production credits at all.  So, he's useless.  He's one of those "I'm not good enough to create, but, I can make yours better" fake healer-type crap.  

He preys on people like us, but, luckily, we have people on this site that are very vocal and good folks.

Dan

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Regarding donations... I've suggested to Don that he makes it a little bit more visible and on a few more pages... But promted me to think about my donation and donations going forward... so one of my specific plans is to donate 10% of any money generated from script sales from SS/STS... they re afterall kinda like a proxy agent! Just a thought,

I love that idea Anthony.  Giving 10% of everything we make to Don for making it all possible.

Quoted from DanC I only know very little. Max 2 things: 1.  Where do you get your avatar photos?  The last 2 have been quite attractive. 2.  Who were the last 2 avatars you have used? As for Geno, I don't care who he is.  More then a few have said he has no production credits at all.  So, he's useless.  He's one of those "I'm not good enough to create, but, I can make yours better" fake healer-type crap.   He preys on people like us, but, luckily, we have people on this site that are very vocal and good folks. Dan

1. GOOGLE SEARCH - I search for what I want, set search to 150x150

2. Paige from WWE.  She's a 2x WWE Divas Champion, and the inaugural WWE NXT Women's Champion.