almost done...

[a mccuaig]

I'm almost done with my screenplay, thank god. It seemed to take forever! Anyway, now I really don't know what my next step should be, besides getting a copyright. Any suggestions?

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[FSUWriter]

First, understand that your script already has copyright.  Most people misunderstand what the term means and confuse it with registering their script; proving WHEN they had copyright and ownership of the script.  Copyright is assigned the moment you complete the work.  But you need to register it with either the Writer's Guild or with the Library of Congress (or both).  The Library of Congress registration is a bit more involved and slightly more expensive, but allows you more redress in damages if a court case results.  But both kinds of registration do not prove a case, they are only pieces of evidence to prove when you had ownership of the execution of your idea into script form (yes, that's legal speak but it is accurate).

Next... well, first you have to decide whether your script is really done or not.  If you haven't done an extensive rewrite on it, then, no, it's not done. I can say that without even reading it.

But assuming you have done extensive rewrites and it is as perfect as you can conceivably make it, then you have to decide what you WANT to do with it.  If you want to sell it you either need to make connections with the people who can get it made or with an agent who can get it to those people.

To get it to agents, start researching agents and agencies.  You're going to have to target the agent you think is best for your work and send them a query letter.  Or, if you have friends who have legitimate agents, perhaps they can recommend you (most agents are gained through referral).  Keep in mind that these agents, if you can get them on the phone, will want to know about your other scripts.  Don't have any other scripts?  Then what you do now is start writing.  They will expect you to be someone who wants to make this a career, not a hobby.  That means you are a Writer and Writers write.  Trying to sell just one script does not a writer make.  Not in the professional business of film.

And, by the way, "legitimate" is important.  You don't want an agent who is going to con you.  You DO NOT pay an agent ANYTHING!  No matter how they phrase it; office costs, overhead, postage, etc.  Doesn't matter. If you find yourself writing a check to your agent, dump him.  Your agent gets commission ONLY when you get paid for your work.  Not before.  Your agent may want you to provide copies of your script but, again, YOU make the copies, not him.  YOU control your costs.

If you want to try and get it to production companies, I would recommend going to your local video store and seeing which movies are similar in tone and genre as yours.  Look at the credits; take down the name of the production companies, director, producers and so on.  Then go online and do research.  Send them a query letter as well.

Another route is to find legitimate contests and enter your script.  Again, I have to point out that word "legitimate".  One of the fastest rising scams is the contest circuit.  Having a list of contests you have entered or won means NOTHING in this business unless it is in one of the elite contests, such as Nichols or Disney.  DO NOT JUMP AT CONTESTS unless you know full well you are getting something out of it.  They all make promises of "industry people" reading your script, but you have ever right to know who these people are before you pay your fees.  They may promise coverage, but I can get my gardener to do coverage for you if you want. Heck, I can get a first year screenwriting student to do coverage for you.  It means nothing unless the person has a lot of experience in the business (if their experience is that they have also won contests... pass... unless you want to learn how to win contests for a career).  Enter contests where your goals match the contest.  You want to break into the big time of film?  Enter contests where the judges are people who might notice your work and give you a shot.  Everything else is just scam and ego.

You might also consider having your script produced by an independent, even a local group.  There will be no money upfront, but you will have an agreement with the producer or director that states you will make money the moment the film makes money.  Make sure you get this in writing, make it legal.  And you can base it on a percentage of profits (I'd use the exact same wording as the director's contract; they rarely screw themselves).  If the film makes no money, no problem.  If it makes money, you all make money.  And NEVER sign over your rights without some sort of contract stating your profit participation.

Other than those things, you might consider that scripts make lovely placemats.