My name is Anne MacIver, and I was the First Place winner of the 2007 IndieProducer.net screenwriting contest.  The prizes offered are meaningful, numerous, and cover all bases of interest to a newbie writer trying to break in.  THEY PROMISE A LOT... AND THEN OVER-DELIVER.  These amazing folks set me up with no less than 11 meetings in one week(!), to promote me and my script.  They promised 1 manager, but set me up with 3.  They promised 1 agent, but set me up with 3.  They set me up with a lawyer, a screenwriter and a studio exec.  They then threw in two significant TV-related meetings as a bonus.  All of this unsolicited.  Perhaps the best example of the quality of meetings delivered was the one-on-one with a working screenwriter to critique my winning screenplay.  That meeting turned out to be an hour-long sit-down with Oscar-nominated drama writer, Stephen Rivele (ALI, NIXON, COPYING BEETHOVEN).  Mr. Rivele made time for that meeting despite a grueling schedule on a non-public project with one of Hollywood’s marquee directing legends.   This was a tremendous opportunity, and virtually unimaginable for someone in my position.   I can’t say enough about Kerry David, Jon Gunn, and Alethea Avramis at Lucky Crow Films. They are genuine and committed filmmakers who are truly supportive of emerging talent.  Kerry’s ability to arrange so many meetings in one week for an unknown writer from the Midwest is a testament to the strength and reach of her industry relationships.  Not only that, but the people at Lucky Crow never give up.  A number of the meetings had to be rescheduled in the course of the week, and Kerry and Jon pulled out all the stops to make sure they happened nonetheless.  All meetings happened but one, and that was rescheduled for a future date.  Because of the disappointment, however, Kerry improvised a brand-new meeting with a terrific television production company (and the former head of MGM Television) that hadn’t even been on the radar screen when I arrived in Los Angeles.  This is indicative of the kind of selfless commitment put forth by the people running this contest.  They promise a significant list of prizes, then before you even accept, they voluntarily triple it. - Anne MacIver - (Winner of 5th Annual IP Screenwriting Contest 2007).

When my script John Doe V. Butler Hunt placed 2nd this year, (2007) IP Founder, Kerry David, and her partner Jon Gunn made me feel like I'd won the lottery. They were so incredibly generous with their time, their energy, and their contacts.  As part of my prize, I was promised a meeting with a manager and an agent. Once I booked my trip to LA, they went well beyond that promise. They not only set up a meeting with an agent and a manager, they set up meetings with 3 managers, 2 agents, a production company and 2 studios. 8 meetings!  And because I was walking in with Kerry and Jon's endorsement, the meetings were stress free, fun and are now proving to be very productive.  They also gave me a free marketing session with Stephanie Palmer (Good in a room) which was incredibly helpful. Most important was the encouragement they gave me. Expressing how much they believed in the script and how much one of the judges believed in the script, has fueled my writing tremendously. Julie Lynch - (2nd Place Winner of 5th Annual IP Screenwriting Contest 2007).

"On behalf of my wife, and myself, I would like to thank you again for allowing us to take part in last Friday’s IP Gala. The people we met couldn’t have been more gracious. Thank you so much for your hospitality and your enthusiasm. Financial rewards and trophies pale in comparison to the encouragement that you give new writers. Please pass along my sincere appreciation to all those who worked to make the IP Gala a truly unforgettable experience." - Jerry Johnson (Winner of our 4th Annual IP Screenwriting Contest)

“Thank you and IndieProducer for a wonderful evening [the IP Gala]. Terrified though I was -- native Oregonians are terrified of most things not Oregon -- I found several minutes of comfort among those who make their livings with words and pictures. I’m always surprised that there are other people out there who don't feel guilty about writing. Pleasantly. I appreciate IndieProducer's recognition of my story and the posting of AT THE POINT OF A SWORD on the website. Thanks again.” - Patrick Vala-Haynes (3rd Place Winner of this year's IP Screenwriting Contest)

“Thank you for putting on a wonderful event [IP Gala]. Dave Foley was great as the MC, and the Keynote speech by John Herzfeld was truly inspirational. I can't wait to see the winning shorts and read the winning screenplays when they become available on line. Keep up the great work, and we'll see you at the next IP event.” - Zachary Lindsey (Guest at this year's IP Gala)

"Last Friday night was, without a doubt, one of the most exciting moments of my life. I walked into the Writers Guild Theatre amidst dozens of photographers and celebrities -- and staggered out with the first place IP Award for Screenwriting...Since the awards ceremony, four agents have requested copies of my script, and over the next few months I’ll be meeting with several more literary agents and other industry professionals. Best of all, during the next few weeks I’ll have the opportunity to work on my script with one of the most talented screenwriters in the industry, Stephen J. Rivele, who presented me with this beautiful trophy. To say that I am grateful is an understatement. I am stunned, thrilled, and deeply honored. Once again, my heartfelt thanks to Kerry David, Jon Gunn, and everybody at IndieProducer for this wonderful award." - Kristin Overn (Winner of the 1st Annual Screenwriting Contest)

"Just wanted to extend my thanks again to you and everyone at IndieProducer for the opportunity at the IP Awards Gala. I really enjoyed the night and it was encouraging to hear the speeches of people working in the industry. The evening was inspiring not only because of the success stories but also because of the anecdotes of people's failures. It hammered home the point to those of us who are still fighting to get our scripts made that determination, resolve and an independent approach are absolutely essential qualities to bringing our scripts from the page to the screen." - Thomas Dunn

"I wanted to take a minute to say thank you for your extraordinarily well-produced IP Awards Gala the other night. Unlike other organizations ostensibly dedicated to indie producers, IndieProducer actually supports indie producers! How refreshing!! I got so much out of Alec Sokolow’s talk – from hearing about what he’s gone through in his pursuing a life of the “Hollywood Screenwriter”. And Ron Livingston’s introduction of Jon Favreau was both poignant and poetic. And hearing Jon Favreau speak about what he’s gone through and seeing his clips – it was all very inspiring. As far as the fact that my short was included, well, that was the icing on the cake. Thank you so very much. As I said to you that night, not only is IndieProducer’s mission statement remarkably altruistic, but their actions are true to their words – quite noteworthy." - Jimmy Dodson (Winner of the 2nd Annual Short Film Contest)

“I just wanted to let you know how exciting it was to be a part of your Gala this year. My twin brother, Jerry Johnson, was the first place winner for his screenplay, Anderson County. I wanted to thank you myself for this great opportunity. I, along with my family and his many friends know of his extreme talent for writing. This is such a great opportunity for him, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have given him great hope and encouragement to believe in what he loves to do.
God Bless You.” - Jan Taylor.

“We really enjoyed the IP Gala at the WGA, great to see so many talented young artists. Excellent networking event, and the film clips were amazing...” – Leo from MySpace

"I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the IP Gala, awards and the evening in general. It was inspiring, educating and a lot fun to look at the beautiful people. I learned things I didn't know, confirmed
things I did but needed to hear again, and I will definitely include your organization in my strategies as a producer in the future. The array of contacts possible is impressive, almost overwhelming. I am
working on projects at different levels of development, and I can imagine using your resources on any of them. Thanks again.” - Reuben Freed

Hi Kerry, I thought I would email you and let both you and Jon know what an awesome time we had at your event last night.  We got to get in touch many different people and we loved the setup.  James and I also enjoyed meeting you both and we look forward to helping out and volunteering in any of the future IndieProducer events that you guys may have.  Tony Adam (Schmoozefest)

"Dear Kerry, iIt was great talking to you on Thursday night.  I had a wonderful time at the event, and I made some excellent connections.  Being a finalist in the IP contest has certainly opened doors for me, and I appreciate it."   Sincerely, Justin Brewer  (Schmoozefest)

"Speaking with Dee Wallace at the Indie Producers event alone was worth the price of admission.  Her candor about the business in terms of approach, intention, and thought-blocks were wonderfully vivid, and the individual examples made it abundantly clear.  I study so much about Law of Attraction and Deliberate Creation in terms of career, but her personal conversation hit the spot that night.  At that point, I knew why I was there".  Jennifer Austin (Schmoozefest)

"Hey Kerry, Once again you guys pulled off a very informal setting with a very productive format. I met one gentleman that is looking for a writing partner so we'll see what happens.  I'll keep you posted but you'll probably be able to hear my hubby cheering if I get a job that brings in a paycheck for screenwriting."  Maggie Franks (Schmoozefest)

"Kerry & Jon,   I met you on Thursday night at the Schmoozefest (along with 200 other people!).  It was my first event and I thought it was a fabulously warm environment.  So thank you". Rainy Kerwin

"I just wanted to tell you that on a whim I went to your Schmoozefest and I was truly impressed by the way it was run and the way it was set up with the mentors. This is definitely an organization I believe in. I just wanted you to know that I was extremely impressed with the ease at which the speaking to the mentors was set up. Thanks for your hard work, it was a great experience, keep up the good work. " Scott Cushing

"I just moved to L.A. to continue my education as well as attempting to sell and produce scripts. Schmoozefest is a great idea long needed." - Geoff Collymore

" I just wanted you to convey a thank you to whomever it was that did the coverage report on KING CON. Nobody takes criticism very well, even constructive criticism. I'm no exception, especially as I'm a Type A personality, but I also know that if I ever get the opportunity to work from the inside, flexibility is all. Anyhow, without getting into detail, I've been at a roadblock on how to implement some of the changes, but I had a eureka moment earlier this evening, and I now actually believe one of the key recommendations was top notch! Just tell the critiquer I said thanks a lot for the "Batman and Robin" call, he or she will know what I mean. In retrospect, that one recommendation was worth the price of admissio.nI really think the changes to KING CON in that direction are going to make the story infinitely better and funnier, which, of course, greatly increase my chances to see you all again at next year's Awards Gala when I send it in next month (the things people will do just to get at an open bar - HA!) Thank you all so much once again. " - Johnny Simpson

"After placing finalist in the 3rd Annual Screenwriting Contest, I am sending two entries for this year-- a historical drama, set in India during WWII, and a sports drama about an injured black football player who wants to become the Yokozuna, the sumo champion. Looking forward to see how they fare in IP. Your valuable forum got me in touch with a top notch screenwriter who gives me notes on my scripts as well as an agent who at least reads my emails! The people I met at the Gala were genuinely interested in writers and their projects. Thanks for a superbly run, meaningful contest." - Nitin Kulkarni

"Thank you again for a fantastic evening! Your event and guest speakers were incredible. I was incredibly honored to be one of the finalists in your Short Film Contest . I know IP is just going to get bigger and brighter every year. Kudos!" - Jeff Rector

"In February 2004 I received Honorable Mention in IndieProducer’s 2nd Annual Screenwriting Contest. As a screenwriter in Canada this recognition helped open doors for me in a number of countries outside of Canada, including the United States, UK, and Spain. The conspiracy thriller ‘The Invisible Messenger’ screenplay continues to be a script that is under active consideration for development and is now used for educational purposes at a University in the United States. I have since completed a second award winning comedy screenplay ‘Matt and the Garden of Eva’ and am currently working on an MOW in a writer/producer capacity. I also have been approached to assist in story development and script development. I value IndieProducer’s screenwriting contest as a avenue for “test driving” scripts, as a resource to independent writer/producers and do believe the recognition I received in 2004 helped me get established." - Harold L. Brown

"Hi! I just wanted to write you guys and let you know that I had a great time at the Schmoozefest. I was nervous about meeting the industry pros in person, but the setting was so intimate and non-intimidating that I was able to just be myself instead of reading prepared questions. I am looking forward to next months get together and more networking opportunities. Thanks again for putting this together." - Maria Petros

"Indieproducer has contributed greatly to my current option situation re: LUDWIG. As far as I'm concerned, nothing is too good for you. Once again, thank you all so very much. I know I wouldn't be in this situation today were it not for your phenomenal inspiration. Gotta run now! Best, Johnny Simpson."