Frequently Asked Questions
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General
Copyright
If you have any questions not listed above, feel free to contact us
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How do I know you’re not going to steal my script?
HollywoodScriptExpress.com has been providing professional script reading and editing services since 2008 and we have absolutely no interest in your material's content other than helping you improve it and advance your career.
If you are worried about infringement, please read about U.S. Copyright / WGA screenplay registration.
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What file formats do you accept for script submissions?
Our preferred file format is Adobe® PDF but other accepted formats are:
- Script Studio: (.ssp)
- Final Draft: (.fdx)
- Word: (.doc/.docx)
- Rich Text: (.rtf)
- Plain Text: (.txt)
Most script formatters have an option to save as/export to PDF or one of these formats. If your file
is not in PDF format then it will automatically be converted to this after the upload and you
will be able to verify that the conversion is acceptable.
Other requirements:
- No Security: Please ensure your file is not encrypted or secured by a password
- Mac Users: Please ensure your file has an extension i.e. myscript.pdf or myscript.doc
- Page Size: US Letter is recommended
- Maximum file size: 2MB
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Can you recommend screenwriting software to professionally format my script?
Script Studio is the most powerful cross-platform software for screenwriters that helps you outline your story, structure your narrative, develop characters
and professionally format your screenplay.
Download a free demo and give the program a whirl!
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Are your online transactions secure?
Yes, all of our online transactions are handled by Stripe and PayPal through a secure and encrypted connection. Furthermore,
when processing a payment, only you and our ecommerce provider have access to your
credit card information and as such, this information is not stored by us on or offline.
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How secure are my files once they are uploaded to your servers?
When you upload your files they are immediately encrypted and stored behind a secure firewall on our servers which are backed-up daily. Once your order is complete your script it is stored for future submissions or services but only you and our administration staff can access your material.
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How do I get an Agent, Manager or Producer to read my screenplay?
To screenwriters this is right up there with “The Meaning of Life”. Fortunately having recently climbed
to the top of the mountain and spoken to the Guru of Screenwriting, we suggest you read: How To Get An Agent
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I sent an Agency my script as they requested, but I still haven’t heard
anything back - what should I do?
Give the company some time. This is the biggest thing in your life, but to them, it’s just another day at the
office. Give them about 4 – 8 weeks before following up with a second letter or email. I wouldn’t
recommend calling until you’ve established a relationship. If you still don’t hear
anything after that, you should assume they have passed and that the material is just not right for them at the moment. Once again, don’t take rejection personally.
You have to have thick skin to survive in this cut-throat
game. Just pick up that paper and pen - alright, keyboard - and write another letter to a
different company. If the rejections start to pile up on a specific project, then consider a rewrite of the script. Perhaps write
back to one of the agents that passed and ask them for feedback. Most likely a junior agent or assistant was the one
who actually read your script and often they will send you their coverage or notes so that you can improve
your project.
Occasionally you'll find that they'll offer to read a rewrite or encourage you to contact them when you have a new
script ready to go.
Remember, never burn a bridge in Hollywood.
Your worst enemy can one day become your best
and most lucrative friend.
Tip: If you do write a new draft and take it back out to market, a good trick to improve your odds
of a re-read is to change the title of the new draft to prevent it from being flagged
by the agency’s submission log as already having been read/covered.
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If I lose my original script file can I access it via HSX?
Yes, the orginal file you uploaded is
always available to you to view, unless you choose to delete it.
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Can I update my script file after submission?
No, your uploaded file cannot be changed after your order is placed so pelase ensure you upload the correct file in the first instance. If you revise your work and wish to re-submit it, you will need to create a new order.
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How does your service differ from that of The US Copyright Office?
Although copyright protection exists at the moment of creation, only The US Copyright Office can issue a formal copyright, and
registration with the Copyright Office is required before a lawsuit can be brought. Because of this we advise all our clients to file
their work with the US Copyright office but this process can take up to six months to complete so our service exists not only to give you the added peace of mind that your work has been digitally timestamped upon
submission.
Waiting six months while your US Copyright Application is being processed is not practical so registering your work with us allows you to
market your material, safe in the knowledge that HSX has recorded the submission of your work. You should also always save all correspondence with anyone you send your work to, whether
through HSX or a third party. Even rejection letters can be important evidence in an infringement case.
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How does your service differ from that of the WGA?
We offer exactly the same protection as the Writers Guild of America's registration service. You get encrypted, secure timestamped file storage with a
unique registration number and certificate and in the event of litigation or arbitration we'll provide independent documentary evidence on your behalf for an admin fee.
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Can my registration be renewed?
Yes, you can renew for five more years within three months prior to expiration and up to one month after
expiration. The responsibility to renew a work rests with its author but we may send you an email reminder as the expiration date
approaches at which time you will be able to pay for renewal online. If you do not renew then you authorize Hollywood Script Express to
destroy your file without further notice to you on the expiration date.
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Can I update my script file after copyright registration?
No. The primary purpose of our registration service is to establish the completion date of your script. Once it is registered, the uploaded file
cannot be modified in any way since this would invalidate the original registration. In reality, new screenplay drafts only need to be registered if there have been significant and unique changes to the
content since the original registration.
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Can I upload multiple files for a single registration?
No. Each registration covers a single file/script. If you wish to register multiple scripts then you will need
to register them individually in order to receive a unique registration number and certificate for each piece of work.
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What happens if I am involved in litigation proceedings?
In the event of litigation or arbitration we will provide independent documentary evidence of your registered work on your behalf for an admin fee.
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