Anyone Ever Written A Screenplay?
Discussion
And if so, did anything come of it?
I've just finished a screenplay that I've had stewing for some time. From looking at agents and firms they don't appear to accept unsolicited work; all screenplays have to be accompanied by a cover letter from someone within the industry, which is understandable.
I've just finished a screenplay that I've had stewing for some time. From looking at agents and firms they don't appear to accept unsolicited work; all screenplays have to be accompanied by a cover letter from someone within the industry, which is understandable.
I've been writing a movie for about 8 years. I've not got very far... a overall story arc, a few characters, and only 4 separate scenes.
I doubt I'll ever finish it. The idea I had, which was strong in my mind at the time, seems very much watered down these days... as though my inspiration has waned.
I doubt I'll ever finish it. The idea I had, which was strong in my mind at the time, seems very much watered down these days... as though my inspiration has waned.
Mars said:
I've been writing a movie for about 8 years. I've not got very far... a overall story arc, a few characters, and only 4 separate scenes.
I doubt I'll ever finish it. The idea I had, which was strong in my mind at the time, seems very much watered down these days... as though my inspiration has waned.
The thing is all literary and screen agents don't take unsolicited work either so what do I do?? I was thinking of making it into a novel as well as the screenplay has given me the structure, key scenes and dialogue. I doubt I'll ever finish it. The idea I had, which was strong in my mind at the time, seems very much watered down these days... as though my inspiration has waned.
My plan was to get a friend to storyboard it - he's a fabulous cartoon artist. I'd share the credits with him on that basis because it'd take him at least as long to do his part as it would have taken me to write the words.
Then, if I couldn't get any interest from anyone in the industry, I was going to have a go at filming some of the more exciting scenes with a digital video camera - I know someone with one of those almost-broadcast-quality Sony cameras (I haven't asked if he'd lend it to me though), and then pitch it at the industry again.
If that failed, I would either try to gain investment and become a film maker (of a film no-one would probably want to watch), or we'd package up the storyboard and sell it as a book (most likely).
Or fail completely.
Then, if I couldn't get any interest from anyone in the industry, I was going to have a go at filming some of the more exciting scenes with a digital video camera - I know someone with one of those almost-broadcast-quality Sony cameras (I haven't asked if he'd lend it to me though), and then pitch it at the industry again.
If that failed, I would either try to gain investment and become a film maker (of a film no-one would probably want to watch), or we'd package up the storyboard and sell it as a book (most likely).
Or fail completely.
Mars said:
My plan was to get a friend to storyboard it - he's a fabulous cartoon artist. I'd share the credits with him on that basis because it'd take him at least as long to do his part as it would have taken me to write the words.
Then, if I couldn't get any interest from anyone in the industry, I was going to have a go at filming some of the more exciting scenes with a digital video camera - I know someone with one of those almost-broadcast-quality Sony cameras (I haven't asked if he'd lend it to me though), and then pitch it at the industry again.
If that failed, I would either try to gain investment and become a film maker (of a film no-one would probably want to watch), or we'd package up the storyboard and sell it as a book (most likely).
Or fail completely.
I like the initiative! I heard there's a directory you can buy with all the U.S. agents out there for around $100. I'm not 100% sure though, you'd think they'd at least like to see a brief synopsis of the work; I have faith in my story and they bloody well should too!Then, if I couldn't get any interest from anyone in the industry, I was going to have a go at filming some of the more exciting scenes with a digital video camera - I know someone with one of those almost-broadcast-quality Sony cameras (I haven't asked if he'd lend it to me though), and then pitch it at the industry again.
If that failed, I would either try to gain investment and become a film maker (of a film no-one would probably want to watch), or we'd package up the storyboard and sell it as a book (most likely).
Or fail completely.
Its catch 22, many of the companies have no wish to speak with you via an agent or otherwise unless you have the financial backing in place to make it.
Many have no interest unless talent is attached.
Talent does not want to work with you on a play basis as your unknown, only on pay basis.
Ultimately the hardest industry to crack. Be cheaky and pursue them with or without agent, hopefully it will drop on the right persons desk
Many have no interest unless talent is attached.
Talent does not want to work with you on a play basis as your unknown, only on pay basis.
Ultimately the hardest industry to crack. Be cheaky and pursue them with or without agent, hopefully it will drop on the right persons desk
RJDM3 said:
Its catch 22, many of the companies have no wish to speak with you via an agent or otherwise unless you have the financial backing in place to make it.
Been working with a chap for the past three years on a screenplay/story/concept for a children's animated film series (TV). It's going to pilot and being produced. The budget for two, 5 min shows is £250,000, of which, he has had to put in over £40,000.StevieBee said:
RJDM3 said:
Its catch 22, many of the companies have no wish to speak with you via an agent or otherwise unless you have the financial backing in place to make it.
Been working with a chap for the past three years on a screenplay/story/concept for a children's animated film series (TV). It's going to pilot and being produced. The budget for two, 5 min shows is £250,000, of which, he has had to put in over £40,000.daveco said:
How did you get the screenplay read Steve? I have zero contacts in the industry
Targeting!Did some research and found those production companies that specialise in the theme rather than scatter gun everybody.
From these, we were able to narrow down those most appropriate and basically nag them into submission!
We were lucky in that we got some very good early feedback from one the biggest players in the sector and they pointed us in the right direction.
My buddy's project is very specific (pre-school cartoon stuff) so easier to target than a major feature but still shows a targeted approach is a better bet.
Get your self a copy of the Artists and Writer's Yearbook and also sign up to http://www.imdb.com/
You need to find someone in the biz...its very "who you know". I've done a few Tv scripts and very few places take scripts from "nobodies".
Start asking round.....i went from thinking i knew no one to telling mates what i was doing and within 6 months i had spoken to an agent of a massive comedy star, oscar winning actor, ex head of bbc comedy, current TV writer, etc. You find doors open far easier when you are introduced by someone from the inside.
(this is TV comedy.....i assume the same applies to film though)
Start asking round.....i went from thinking i knew no one to telling mates what i was doing and within 6 months i had spoken to an agent of a massive comedy star, oscar winning actor, ex head of bbc comedy, current TV writer, etc. You find doors open far easier when you are introduced by someone from the inside.
(this is TV comedy.....i assume the same applies to film though)
I'd really like to get things moving before I start on yet another draft.I was trying to write a book that would make a good screenplay/film. But the plot got so complicated I just ended up getting confused and gave up.
Think love actually but undercover police and drug dealers (and other agencies) - Working title was "actually" it didnt help that it had 6 main characters of which 2 get killed half way through (both are undercover and kill the other to stop their cover getting blown, I was trying to create a couple of WTF moments as the reader doesnt find out until after the event the they both work for different agencies (neither does anyone else in the book, this is supposed to be the penny dropping moment for the reader and the other 4 characters), but it just didnt come across realistically), and it starts of with 1 main character who you think is a good guy but isnt but is..
It got far too complicated far too quickly, I might have another look at it, do some more work to it too thin it out to flesh it out again but just cant be bothered at the moment.
I have a good idea for an ending but its a struggle getting it where I want it too go.
Think love actually but undercover police and drug dealers (and other agencies) - Working title was "actually" it didnt help that it had 6 main characters of which 2 get killed half way through (both are undercover and kill the other to stop their cover getting blown, I was trying to create a couple of WTF moments as the reader doesnt find out until after the event the they both work for different agencies (neither does anyone else in the book, this is supposed to be the penny dropping moment for the reader and the other 4 characters), but it just didnt come across realistically), and it starts of with 1 main character who you think is a good guy but isnt but is..
It got far too complicated far too quickly, I might have another look at it, do some more work to it too thin it out to flesh it out again but just cant be bothered at the moment.
I have a good idea for an ending but its a struggle getting it where I want it too go.
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