Launched as a virtual marketplace, The Black List (blcklst.com) allows screenwriters to host their scripts and pay for evaluations from professional readers. The goal is to provide a platform for emerging writers to get their work seen by industry professionals (agents, managers, producers) who use the site to discover new talent. While distinct from the annual Hollywood “Black List”, a script receiving high scores on the website can sometimes lead to increased industry attention and, in rare cases, a spot on the coveted annual list.
How Does the Black List Website Work for Screenwriters?
The blcklst.com platform operates on a paid-service model with a clear goal: connect promising scripts with industry professionals.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Hosting Your Script: To use the website, you must host your screenplay or pilot on the platform. This typically costs $30 per month for non-guild members (WGA members often receive a discount). Hosting allows your script to be discoverable in their database.
Purchasing Evaluations: To get your script read and rated, you need to purchase an evaluation. For feature scripts and one-hour pilots, this usually costs $75, while half-hour pilots are around $50.
The Rating System: Once an evaluation is purchased, your script is sent to one of the Black List’s professional readers. They assess your script and provide a score from 1-10 across various categories (Premise, Plot, Character, Dialogue, Setting) and an overall rating. An “8” or higher is generally considered excellent and can generate significant attention.
Visibility and Industry Access: High-scoring scripts (typically 8 and above) get featured in weekly industry emails, increasing their visibility to the thousands of registered industry members who use the site to scout for material. The higher your average score from multiple evaluations, the more prominently your script is displayed on “Top Lists” (weekly, monthly, quarterly).
Free Months and Evaluations: If your script consistently scores high (e.g., multiple 8s), The Black List may reward you with free months of hosting and additional free evaluations, incentivizing quality and further exposure.
Writer Retention of Rights: Importantly, writers retain all rights to their work throughout their time on The Black List website.
Benefits of Using The Black List Website
Exposure to Industry Professionals: This is arguably the primary benefit. The platform provides a direct conduit to agents, managers, and producers who are actively looking for new material and talent.
Objective Feedback: While subjective, the evaluations offer unbiased feedback from experienced readers. This can be invaluable for identifying strengths and weaknesses in your script and guiding your rewrites.
Validation and Confidence: A high score can be a significant confidence booster and validation of your writing.
Structured Feedback Loop: The system encourages a cycle of writing, getting feedback, rewriting, and re-evaluating, which is essential for improving your craft.
Networking Opportunities (Indirect): While not direct networking, gaining industry attention through a high-scoring script can lead to representation and, subsequently, networking opportunities.
Access to Labs and Programs: The Black List also runs highly selective labs (e.g., Writers Lab, Projects Lab, Episodic Lab) that offer intensive workshops, mentorship, and career development. High scores on the platform can be a pathway to being invited to apply for these programs.
Disadvantages and Considerations
Cost: Hosting and evaluations can add up, especially if you pursue multiple evaluations or keep your script hosted for an extended period. It’s an investment with no guaranteed return.
Subjectivity of Evaluations: While professional, reader feedback is inherently subjective. A low score doesn’t necessarily mean your script is “bad,” and different readers may have different interpretations. Some writers have reported vague or unhelpful feedback.
High Bar for Success: Achieving an 8 or higher is challenging. The readers evaluate scripts against professional industry standards, meaning newer writers might find it difficult to get high scores initially.
No Guarantee of Success: Even with high scores, there’s no guarantee of landing representation, getting your script produced, or making the annual Black List. The industry remains highly competitive.
“Gaming the System” Concerns: Some speculate that established reps might have ways to influence votes for the annual list, though The Black List itself emphasizes merit.
Strategies for Maximizing Your Black List Experience
Polish Your Script Relentlessly: Do not submit a first or even second draft. Get extensive feedback from trusted peers, mentors, or even other coverage services before paying for a Black List evaluation. Your script needs to be the absolute best version of itself.
Understand the Target Audience: The Black List readers are looking for scripts with strong concepts, compelling characters, and engaging plots that meet industry standards.
Consider Multiple Evaluations: To mitigate the subjectivity of a single reader, consider purchasing two or more evaluations. This can provide a more balanced perspective and, if scores are consistently high, further elevate your script’s visibility.
Utilize Feedback for Rewrites: Don’t just dismiss negative feedback. Use it constructively to identify areas for improvement and rewrite your script. The Black List allows you to upload new drafts and reset your score (while keeping old evaluations private if you wish).
Be Patient and Persistent: Breaking into Hollywood is a marathon, not a sprint. Even with a highly-rated script, it can take time to gain traction.
Explore Other Avenues: The Black List is a valuable tool, but it’s not the only tool. Continue networking, entering other reputable screenwriting contests (like the Nicholl Fellowship, Austin Film Festival, Sundance Lab), and building your craft.
Conclusion
The Black List, particularly its website, has democratized access to Hollywood to a degree, offering a data-driven approach to script discovery. For screenwriters serious about their craft and willing to invest in their work, it provides a legitimate avenue for feedback and potential exposure. While it’s not a magic bullet, understanding its mechanics, managing expectations, and approaching it strategically can make it a powerful tool in your screenwriting journey. Ultimately, the quality of your script will always be the most crucial factor in whether you gain the attention you seek.