Flesh & Blood Stories

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A Flesh & Blood Story

Preparing Your Script or Project

Industry Formats
Industry standards can vary slightly, so we’re not going to be too picky about which script format you choose. It’s perfectly acceptable to submit a stage play in a screen format, for example – we don’t care, so long as you tell us what kind of work you’re submitting. However, if you’re a stickler for tradition, there are plenty of examples of script formatting you can find online. Two very quick guides can be found (courtesy of the BBC) at https://www.bbc.co.uk/writers/documents/stage.pdf and https://www.bbc.co.uk/writers/documents/screenplay.pdf
The golden rule is, no matter which script format you use, it must be clear and consistant. So long as action, characters and dialogue are clearly indicated, pages are numbered and the title appears on each page, then you’ll be good to go.
Script-Writing Software
You don’t necessarily need to purchase specialist software (though as most experienced writers will tell you, it makes life a lot easier) as you can easily format your script in Word, Pages or other word-processing software. If you are inclined to use a dedicated script-writing package, there are now many options availalbe and some will even give you a free trial. Most, if not all, come with stage and screenplay templates and will allow you to export your work in PDF format. For a good guide (along with links) see https://www.onassemble.com/blog/the-best-free-screenwriting-software
Treatments
Treatments are traditionally associated with movie-making but we see no reason why this shouldn’t apply to theatre and/or stageplays. Typically, a treatment is a summary of a film or tv show, and is used to sell a project prior to it being turned into a script. As such, there is no industry-standard format for length or content, but a good treatment will beat out the story (in acts or scenes or beats) and sketch out the main characters whilst providing the reader with a strong indication of theme and tone.  Treatments also vary in length so we won’t be setting a limit in terms of page number. However, the more concise the treatment is, the more impact it will have. For some handy treatment-writing tips, see https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-film-treatment-in-6-steps
Outlines
If you don’t want to submit a treatment, and you’ve yet to complete a script, you can always submit an outline instead.  An outline is often used by writers as a map of their story and can include a summary of the plot, key events, characters, motivations and any other themes or elements the story explores. It should be relatively brief, (we’d prefer something around 10 pages in length) and be clear enough to get the essential story across.
Script Samples
If you do decide to submit a treatment or outline, it would be useful for you to include a sample of any script you have written (or are writing). It need not be a script extract from the story you’re submitting (though it makes much more sense to do so), but it should give us an idea of how you handle  dialogue. We suggest that you attach your script sample to the end of your Treatment or Outline (around 5 pages of script should do it), and then submit the whole thing as one complete PDF document.
Synopsis
No matter what kind of document you upload, we will asking you to complete a synopsis as part of your submission. Something around 200 words should do it and helpful guide to writing a synopsis can be found at https://literaryconsultancy.co.uk/2019/10/how-to-write-a-synopsis/ (tip 2 is especially helpful). Your synopsis should include details such as where and when the action takes place, who the main character(s) are and what situation they find themselves in. It’s quite commonplace to mention if the story is based on real events, but a good synopsis is short, punchy and gets to the point.

Making A Submission

Dealbreakers
You must be over 18 to make a submission (whether that be on behalf of yourself or someone else) and all scripts, treatments, outlines and projects must be original. Except for adaptations (see below) we will not consider new scripts written for existing shows, films, productions or characters (for example, Doctor Who, the Avengers, Rick and Morty, The Lehman Trilogy). All submissions must be written in either Welsh or English (bilingual Welsh/English scripts more than welcome) and every script, treatment and/or outline must be uploaded in PDF format. Any submitted scripts, treatments, outlines or projects that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Adaptations
We will consider adaptations, so long as the source material is either out of copyright or you own the rights to the original work (whether that be a novel, play or other existing work). If you do submit an adaptation, the first thing we will do is check is the copyright status of the work on which your submission is based.
Genre
Before you submit, you’ll be asked to broadly describe your submission in terms of the following genre catagories: ‘Comedy’, ‘Drama’, ‘Based on a True Story’ or ‘Adaptation’. Don’t worry, these catagories are just a guide for us to be able to handle your submission efficiently. What we want to know is how your script or story is weighted. (That is to say, if it’s a drama with elements of comedy, then it’s still predominately a drama; if it’s a comedy about a serious subject, then it’s still a comedy. Rest assured, we will know exactly what you’ve written when we read your submission.)
Terms & Conditions
By completing the submission form and attaching a script (or treatment or outline) and by clicking ‘Submit’ you will be agreeing to our Terms and Conditions and confirming that you have read our Privacy Notice. Please read both before making your submission, and should you any questions please contact us via our Contact Page.