What happens when a repped writer uploads his script to the Black List

Bob Sáenz is in the enertainmen business. Check out his IMDB page here. Several acting credits. Some writing credits. Been working in Hollywood for over a decade. As a writer, he’s managed by John McGalliard of Chaotik Management.

Bottom line: Bob is someone inside the system. And yet, he did this:

End of September 2013, I decided to try the Black List. Although I am represented and a multiple film produced writer, I wanted to see for myself if the Black List could be another viable outlet for getting my scripts in front of decision makers. I placed my big commercial caper/romantic comedy “BAGGAGE” on the site, bought two reviews, and kind of forgot about it. Then a couple of weeks or so or later, I got my first email saying I had a review. It was an 8 and the reviewer had some very complementary things to say and some honest negative feedback about one thing in particular, a character flaw in my Protagonist. Still, made me happy. This time I paid more attention as I waited for the second review. It was a 7, with a lot of 8’s in the mix, including an 8 for Premise. The 7 was for the same negative thing the first reviewer didn’t like, same character flaw. It got me in the email blast and made me think.

So… I rewrote the script based on the specific criticism I got from both reviewers, posted the new version, and bought another review. Bingo. Another 8 and nothing about the previous character flaw problem. Made the email blast again. Got a couple more 8’s and a 9 from pros who downloaded the script and made it near the top of the list for over a month. Lots of downloads. Lots of views. And then…. an email and a phone call from a Production Company that has produced eight films in the last three years, all distributed, some very successful. They wanted to option Baggage. My manager stepped in for negotiations and a month later, in December, I signed the option agreement. Not only did the Black List get my script in front of a real honest to goodness production entity, but the thorough reviews gave me an opportunity to improve it to the point of getting optioned. Thank you.

The Black List works. It is what it claims to be. A new vehicle to get scripts out, seen, and maybe sold. No one can guarantee anything, but the Black List guarantees the chance and they make good on that promise.

Bob Saenz

Writers in Hollywood care about a lot of things, but perhaps the most fundamental concern is employment. Obviously you want to sell projects and land writing assignments yourself. But because you know what it’s like to not be employed, and you don’t wish that stressful fate on other writers.

Speaking personally, whenever I talk with a writer who sold something or landed a gig, l am genuinely happy for them, not only for the creative opportunity they have, but also the financial pressure on them is eased at least for a while.

So here is Bob Saenz, who I do not know personally, but I could not be more pleased by this latest turn of events. He took matters into his own hands by posting his script on the Black List website. He revised the script per feedback he received there. Eventually he set up the project.

And the reality is that deal would almost assuredly never come to fruition had it not been for the Black List website.

Is it any wonder that the Black List is the only platform of its type to be in partnership with both the Writers Guild of America, East and the Writers Guild of America, West? The WGA is a labor union, it represents writers looking for work. The Black List, as Bob Sáenz’s story demonstrates, provides yet another opportunity for writers, even those positioned inside the business, to get noticed and sell a script or land a gig. The fact over 20 writers outside the system broke in last year using the Black List website speaks to the breadth of possibilities the service offers.

Inside the business. Outside it. Living in Los Angeles. Living elsewhere, even Europe. The Black List website offers a direct conduit to the buyers. All you need to do is nail a script. The rest takes care of itself.

As I’ve stated all along, I do not make a dime off the Black List. My endorsement of it is based on many factors, not the least of which is it can lead to employment and generate revenue for writers… like Bob Sáenz.

On one highly pragmatic level, that’s pretty much what the craft is all about.

Thanks to Bob for sharing his story. You may follow his blog here.

For more information on the Black List, go here.

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