2006 Winner, Young Kim, shares BlueCat experience...

What BlueCat Screenplay Contest has meant to me:

About twelve months ago, I was facing a similar decision that many of you are facing now. Should I enter my screenplay into the Bluecat Screenplay Contest?

At that time, I had just completed my tenth draft of Hyung's Overture over the holidays. I had exhausted my network of friends who could give me fresh feedback on the script. I certainly didn't have a manager or an agent who could give me notes on it (or give it to their story department for coverage).

I decided to enter the Bluecat Screenplay Contest because my friend, Ryan David Jahn, was a finalist the previous year. His script, Break-In, was chosen for a staged reading in Rochester. What sold me on the contest was that you get written feedback. Ryan showed me the feedback he got. He disagreed with some of the comments and agreed with a few. Overall, I thought that the notes were worth the cost of the entry fee. Plus the chance to get a staged reading seemed really cool. (To this day, I never had anyone read any of my scripts aloud.)

I entered the contest in mid-February and completely forgot about it. This isn't to downplay this contest or any other contest. I think too many people hope for too much from screenwriting contests. And when expectations are too high, you're bound for a disappointment. Within the next few months, I entered three more contests and promptly forgot about them, too.

On July 1st, I got an email from Bluecat saying that I was among the sixteen semi-finalists. Fifteen days later, I found out that I was one of six finalists. On August 1st, Gordy called to inform me that I was the winner. I never made a dime in screenwriting before. And on that day, I found myself $10,000 richer. Later that night, Gordy called me again to say that I was in Variety.

Over the next two weeks, I found out that I won two other screenwriting contests. Each of these contests helped me a great deal in where I am today. Each contest had great prizes but money was never a factor in my decision. What I liked about each contest I entered (even Nicholl, the one contest that I didn't advance in) was the support for its winners and finalists, the track record of past winners, and the mission of the contest.

What I appreciate most about my Bluecat experience is the friendship I have forged with Gordy Hoffman and Heather Schor because that lasted longer than the $10,000 check I already spent. They have been my biggest fans and provided great guidance.

Should you enter Bluecat Screenplay Contest? Why the heck not? Enter the contest and forget about it. Don't bank your entire Hollywood fortunes on one contest. Start a new script. Rewrite an old one. Fill out a treatment or index cards. If you get an email in July telling you that you are a semi-finalist, jump for joy. Otherwise, wait for the written feedback. Use that 750-1000 word analysis to improve your script.

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