The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting

The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting is a screenwriting prize that awards 5 writers each a fellowship of $35, 000.  It is the most sought after and prestigious award for screenwriters and is run by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the same folks who bring you the Oscars).   Over the years I have entered countless screenplays (and re-writes), never able to crack the quarterfinals.   This year I entered my screenplay The Living Water and it will be competing with over 7000 entries, making the odds of even placing in the quarterfinals very slim. Nicholl has about 350 scripts that make the quarters – that’s a 5% chance a writer has of making the first cut. The odds are daunting which is why it is extremely competitive.

The Living Water is a script I’ve worked on for over a year now. In that time, I’ve had 3 professional critiques and a handful of trusted friends read it. It has gone through, since its conception, about 7 drafts. This past Monday, feeling fairly confident, I sent The Living Water off to the Nicholl Fellowships, hoping this year I’ll crack the quarters.

Writers must stay true to themselves when taking notes from others and considering re-writes on their work.   But it’s also a writer’s job to listen to criticism and be open to making changes.   The last draft of this script was difficult to write (in fact most re-writes are). I really felt the previous draft was solid. And then when I shared it with some friends, it became obvious that the script needed more work. It devastated me, mostly because I was tired and did not want to dive back in. I did not know if I had it in me to write yet another draft.

But after I dealt with my initial pitying feelings (and procrastination) I picked myself up, and pressed forward with as much perseverance I could muster. I was able to incorporate much of the varying opinions I heard (even some opinions which I did not necessarily agree with). I kept an open mind. The challenge was worth it because this last re-write is the best draft yet. Perseverance paid off.   Sometimes we don’t persevere out of stubborn pride NOT because we’re not capable of the work.   Everyone is capable if they set their mind to it, if they’re willing to climb that mountain yet again.  The ones who succeed – persevere. The ones who fail – stop.

I hope I place in Nicholl this year, but regardless of the result, the process of continuing to create, re-write and discover what I’m made of is where true strength lies. A quote I found on Quotefancy from author Jim Watkins, sums up the idea of perseverance:

Comments

  1. myrtle bahlmann says

    Romeo you are an inspiration.

  2. Jim Dell says

    Onward and upward my friend!

  3. Karen Coles says

    Well done Romeo … will enjoy seeing this screenplay someday. Linda has also captured in her comments, the very nature of procrastination and how to overcome it – by taking charge!! Inspiring me to make a habit of filing my mail as it comes in!!! I could never do the work you and other screenwriters do but we certainly enjoy the entertainment you provide us with. As you come to mind I will pray for the judges to find favour with your work.

  4. Hey Rome,
    Your “perseverance” is admirable & enlightening !
    I think that there is an important lesson for me in your blog….thanks.
    Best of luck
    Smiles & hugs

  5. Linda Lyons says

    Developing the character attributes of persistence and perseverance can begin with tackling everyday tasks which we often put off due to their mundane nature. When we conquer the proscrastination and take charge of these minor things, it can become a habit which then helps us move forward to accomplish the more challenging tasks which confront us.

    All the best with this script, Romeo. Your efforts have been rewarded in the past, so why not this time as well?

  6. Love this Rome!

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