ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

13 years, 1 month ago - Dan Selakovich

Forget the agent. Find out who the agent's assistant is, and send it to THEM. Production company? Make sure they handle the genre you're script is about. Im fucking serious. If they make small films about alternative lifestyles, don't send them your action movie. Find out who the "lessors" are at the production company and send it to THEM. The point is, assistants want to move up. They move up by discovering great talent (that's you). BTW, is your screenplay fucking perfect? I mean perfect! How many people have read it? If 10 friends read it, and all have a problem with the same bit, it's not perfect. You only have one shot. Don't blow it. If all else fails, turn the script into a novel and publish it. If it sells relatively well, that will go a long way into making the movie version. Good luck! Just so you know, I've optioned 2 scripts this way.

13 years, 1 month ago - Tom Kerevan

Research. Research. Research. Find as many films in the last ten years that are similar to yours, either in genre, setting, budget, characters etc. Then track down the production companies and/or producers and, as Dan says, send it to their assistants if they have one. But I would never send it to them cold, always call first. You need to have a 25 word logline ready to pitch over the phone. They are busy people, so make sure it's one sentence. Then ask if you can send them a synopsis (so you'll need to have a kick-ass one page synopsis ready). They may say "No, send me the script" in which case great, but the synopsis is there to tease them in. After a cold phone call where they heard a logline they liked, they are more likely to read a one page synopsis than a screenplay because it's easier. If they like the the synopsis and request the screenplay, I have found it gets read quicker.

But to reiterate Dan, none of this is relevant if the screenplay isn't absolutely God-damn perfect. And I mean every single word is pulling its weight. I made this mistake and you don't get a second chance. If you haven't already, send it to a professional script consultant for notes. It can be expensive, but it's worth it. I'd recommend these guys: http://www.facebook.com/lovesmenotfilms

And most importantly, remember that every 'no' is taking you one step closer to that 'YES!' So don't give up. If this screenplay doesn't make it, start work on the next one...

Good luck and happy pitching :-)

Tom

13 years, 1 month ago - Cherry Bennet

All of what you said except the lawyer. Also having a rehearsed reading with actor helps you to see if it works. It also gives your script a life. Actors are very good at spotting holes and helping with character development. It might cost a little money but it's worth it for the confidence it gives your work, and feel like you belong to a team.

13 years, 1 month ago - Michael Tabb

First, make sure it's ready. Have three film goers of at least above average intelligence read it (needn't be industry professionals). They will catch the overall problems a general audience would want to see in your film. Then rewrite- take the notes you feel are in line with the story you want to tell. Second, have three screenwriters read it to make sure everything works structurally, from plot points to act breaks. Then find your most anal retentive friend and let them mark it up from an editors perspective.

You do not want attention for a premature script. It gets one chance for a big break, so be sure it's ready. Once its ready you can throw scripts on backyards or windshields of Mercedes' in the studio parking lots. :) j/k. Next you set your sights on making entertainment business friends who a professionals in hopes they will recommend your script to worthy representation. Production company execs who know agents are ideal for this, because they know which agents are good at their job.

13 years, 1 month ago - Camille DeBiase

Thank you Dan, Tom, Cherry and Michael! Your comments are insightful, encouraging and very much appreciated. I will take all your advices and run with it. Best of Luck to all of you in your respective careers. Thank you again. Camille : )

13 years, 1 month ago - Chris Michael Fretwell

Get it professionally consulted...brace yourself, this is the first rung of the professional writing ladder, if you get any other advice ignore it. Industrial Scripts are very good.