ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

4 years, 2 months ago - Kirk Sylvester

Hello Buppha,

Sorry to read about you unpleasant experiences, I have also had my share of shady characters.

Moving forwards it might be better to have some sort of NDA signed to protect your script, in the event of it being stolen and claimed as their own.

https://nondisclosureagreement.com/film-movie.html
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-disclosure-agreements

You should follow them up atleast once in a professional matter; like asking them what they thought etc...

If this keeps happening reassess your approach and adjust.

Hope this helps

4 years, 2 months ago - graeme holmes

Okay I have been keeping out of this sort of debate for years, but have been secretly resentful that whole time!
There is some sort of disease on Shooting People. I have never come across any film - television arena in which so many people fail in the most basic courtesy of acknowledging and responding to an application for a job or a collaboration etc.
What is the cause? Inexperience? Immaturity ? Arrogance ?
It can't be a "lack of time" as it only takes a few seconds to reply and then everyone knows where they stand re: your project. Simple. Plus it gives you the opportunity to THANK someone for showing interest in your work. Then who knows, in the future, you might get to work with some of these people and they won't have such a shit impression of you, will they?
Jeremy Bolt at 'Impact Pictures' has had a fairly busy and successful career ['Shopping' 'Event Horizon' 'Resident Evils' etc] and I remember him saying "I treat everyone as though they are going to win an Academy Award next year." It's just a question of respect and it will serve you well.

4 years, 2 months ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt

Hi guys, thank you very much for your advice and the NDA link form Kirk, which is quite useful. I have never thought about it before. I'm going to use this approach from now on. Some people are just strange, just to respond with a simple thing that they don't like the script, and are therefore no longer interested in the project. How difficult could that be?

4 years, 2 months ago - Huw Wahl

It's rude and depressing. Sadly it's the norm. Best to just move on, find people who act like humans, and ignore the rest!

4 years, 2 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren

I personally don't think that what you describe are unscrupulous people. Maybe, but not the majority.

I'm going to offer some insights here on this topic and some people may find it somewhat controversial.

A good producer, someone able to get a project over the line and into production, is a rather rare creature. They are in high demand, normally unavailable well into the future due to existing work lined up, and don't come for free or cheap.

If a filmmaker does manage to make a positive connection with one and they ask for info about the project, like logline, synopsis, script etc etc, then they expect delivery to be made professionally and timely. If they don't receive what is expected, or the quality isn't high enough, this can annoy the producer because of their time being wasted.

From personal experience, I've had many experiences of filmmakers sending absolute tosh to me and declaring how amazing it all is. One of the first things I do is review the script. And normally, within half a dozen or so pages, I'm able to identify the level of experience of the filmmaker. Also, a filmmaker with an ambitious script and little experience needs to be able to put some of their own cash in to be able to further develop the script to at least a realistic minimum level for it to become commercially viable. Simply, don't rock up to a producer with a £20m sci-fi script that's never had coverage, you've not made anything before and YOU HAVE NO MONEY TO PAY THE PRODUCER TO DEVELOP THE SCRIPT FURTHER.

I'm not suggesting that you fit the above criteria of any of the above. But realise, if the person to who you are sending your script to is a reasonably successful producer, they are likely to have an overflowing inbox of similar enquiries from other filmmakers (your competitors don't forget). And there are only so many hours in a day. If your script is sh*t, poorly written, underdeveloped, too expensive to produce, not the producer's typical genre, unprofessionally presented (too much or too little info), then even if it does get read, it could end up in the bin.

If it ends up in the bin, then that's probably why you didn't receive a reply.

Here are some tips to think about prior to engaging with ANY above the line person (ie director or producer):

1. Complete your script - no WIP or first drafts

2. Get professional feedback on your script - detailed coverage/notes

3. Re-write your script based on the professional coverage

4. Copyright your script

5. Write your logline

6. Write a short and long synopsis

7. Get permission from the person you wish to send your project to BEFORE SENDING ANYTHING

8. Research the person to ensure they could be a good fit for your project

9. After permission is granted, ask the obvious question: What specifically do you want me to send you?

10. Compile all the required documents and ensure they are professionally produced and contain all the industry-standard detailed information and data

11. Final review these requested documents for any errors

12. Email documents using tracking for receipt and opening by the recipient

The controversial bit!

Most people fail, not due to projects concept or idea, but because of an inept presentation and delivery.

If you are unsure how to present or deliver, then you're not ready to proceed.

Learn.... learn..... and learn some more till you're at the top of your game.

I've had first-time filmmakers tell me that their script is amazing and they don't need feedback or coverage. They argue with me that their script needs further development. Some have even sent me scripts with no proper formatting, or it's been written prose style, or no descriptions only dialogue.... you get my point.

So, take a big look inside yourself and ask, "have I done enough before I send this out?"

Wozy

4 years, 1 month ago - Simon Thomas

Hi Wozy. I wouldn't say controversial but true and sobering. Thanks for your clear tips. Simon

4 years, 1 month ago - Ivan Francis Clements

I think in the end you just have to be pragmatic and ignore non-responses. No point in taking it personally. And plagiarism is rare as there is a plethora of material around. If you're paranoid, register your script with WGA and plaster the reg number on the title page. I'm sure you love your script, but nobody steals short film scripts.
Scripts come in two categories. It's either amazing, wonderful and EVERYBODY wants to buy it, in which case it's so unique it would be hard to plagerise....or it stinks.
Don't get hung up, get on with making it.
All the best.
Ivan

4 years, 1 month ago - Jackie Sheppard

Hi Wozy - lots of good points there. Buppha - I don't think an NDA is your answer. Some producers just find them frustrating - we're not all out there trying to pinch other people's ideas! It is just time can be precious. And, as Wozy says, sometimes the material received doesn't match the level of expectation built up in the approach. As I try to always give feedback if I've specifically asked for material it can sometimes take a while to find a constructive way to say that the script needs work.

Having said that, I've often dropped private emails to people who have asked for advice on a topic ... and it is rare to receive a response. Jackie

4 years, 1 month ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt

Hello Wozy, thank you very much for your advice. It's very useful, indeed. That's what I plan to do which is to send my screenplay to various competitions, just to get professional feedback. I will also give it to friends to read. then, I will re-write my script based on the comments I receive. Then, I will be more confident to produce my own film from that screenplay or just sell it. I have many unique film ideas and concepts. So, I just need time to turn them into screenplays.

Just to be clear, those who never get back to me are the people who have specifically requested my script to be sent to them. So, it's not like I send them my script on my own without them asking for it. Therefore I think when you ask someone for a script because you're curious and want to read it, then it doesn't matter if you like it or not, but you should at least let that person know what you think of it since you're the one who asks for it in the first place. That what I would do.

Thank you to everyone as well for your input.

Regards,
Buppha

4 years, 1 month ago - David Hughes

Pitch-perfect response, Wozy. Applauded and seconded.

Also:

"Or, they may modify a little bit of my script and use it as their own to produce the film with other director instead."

Has this actually happened to you? I sincerely doubt it. If it has, would you care to share details? I presume you have receipts.

4 years, 1 month ago - Peter Spencer

NDA is not the answer, nor is registering your script with the WGA., There's an urban myth that registering a script with the WGA is copyright or protection - it is not. It is useful when establishing chain-of-title in WGA arbitration. Registering with the The US Copyright Office actually is copyright. Yes, the majority of time you will not hear back, sadly that is the truth. Far better, in my opinion, to turn up for events, festivals etc, meet people socially, build alliances and friendships rather than 'networking'. I 'send and forget' - don't waste any time stewing over awaiting a reply. But that's just what works for me.

4 years, 1 month ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt

Hi David, Yes. It has happened to me before. A while ago, I posted my short script in various places including here on SP looking for cast & crew for my short film. Then, about a few months later, I saw a post looking for a lead female role for a short film on a website for actor (it's a reputable website), which I'm also a member of, I then read the short summary of the script since I wanted to apply for it myself. After I read it, I got goosebumps since the story was very similar to mine even the name of the lead actress was also the exact same name as mine. Since then, I stopped posting my script on any websites.

4 years, 1 month ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt

I mean, even the name of the main character was also the exact same name as mine.

4 years, 1 month ago - Andrew Ionides

Hi Buppha, sorry to hear about your experiences. I actually posted something very similar a couple of months ago as I've had similar experience. I suggested that SP create a tracking system between writers and producers.

https://shootingpeople.org/discuss/view/cdee91dd7d60a0f3f4a5e29f

To be fair, I think the responses above have been more realistic and professional than my solution. But I totally understand where you're coming from.

4 years, 1 month ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren

Personally, I don't think that sending a script to various competitions for feedback is the best way forward. It's one way forward for sure, but not the best.

There are lots of services specific to providing professional feedback, just google them. Obviously, there are fees to be paid and the more in-depth the service/feedback, the more the cost. This should be simply considered a standard out of pocket expense. Some people may say that you don't need coverage on a script. Personally, I'd say that they either A) have no idea what they are talking about, or B) no experience whatsoever writing screenplays, or C) an already successfully credited writer.

Writing is quite often a lonely job. You need external, professional feedback to hone your craft. Without it, most will never perfect the skills necessary to improve and master this type of work.

4 years, 1 month ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt

Hi Andrew, I totally understand you. I think many screenwriters do face the same issue. It's quite common.