Screenwriting : Making a product no one wants to buy by Ray Sparkles Rupp

Hey Dude, I was reading your post and was wanting to chime on on this, if I may. First off, when creating something new, whether TV or film, it has been my experience that the more you love what you are working on, the more you'll put your heart into it. That's why we do what we do. Not to make money and get success, but because we love telling stories and creating. It shows up in your work and conveys that energy to producers when you are pitching. And, if you hit that mark, the money and success comes later. Now, having said that, the general outlook that I have towards writing is that, no matter what the project, I try to make whatever it is mine. That way, you're putting a part of yourself into the story. I recently optioned a script to a producer who quickly returned with story-altering notes. I know most people hate notes, thinking that it squelches the storytelling process. But I look at this as I am being challenged to come up with something laced with a mixture of relevance and awesomeness that will leave him\her excited. Also, keep in mind that, whatever your project is, with the evolution of cable, the internet, Netflix and Amazon, there are a hell of a lot of new arenas for projects that are odd and hard to classify. So, whatever it is that your concept is, knock it out of the park. Throw yourself into it and, when it gets into your blood, it resonates from you into them when meeting time comes. Hope this helps you out. Let me know if there's anything else.

Thanks, Byron. It sounds like good advice. I enjoy writing because 1) they're the stories I want to tell and 2) they're the stories I have wanted but no one else made. At the same time I'm wary of Funke Syndrome (Obtuse belief in self leading to a series of bad decisions based on reckless optimism) so I'd like to write something that is commercially viable as well. You point out, though, that there are a lot more options open now. I'll keep looking into those. I think maybe it's a good time to be in a niche audience. Thank you.

Yes. Just remember that you have to find the right fit. Someone who not only "likes" what you do, but loves it. I've been getting that a lot lately. Lotta likes, no loves. What I've been doing is finding someone who's made things similar to what I'm doing. Then sending it out and, if they're interested, jazz it up with a really strong pitch bible. Just have as much planned out for the show. The more you know, the more you will be involved. Also, thanks for the network invite. I'm new to social networking and thought I'd give this site a try. Have tried a few others in the past, but haven't had much luck. Let's hope this one pans out.

So far 'networking' has turned out to be odd. I have 39 people in my network, but I couldn't tell you for the life of me what any of them write, their style, or anything. I should probably be more persistent in actually getting to know my fellow writers. It's just a bit off putting because of the trust issue. Who can I discuss specifics of story with, and who will take my idea and get it to market before I do? I think the difference between 'like' and 'love' comes down to the market. I "like" plenty of comics, but I "love" Red Lanterns because I have a social market for it (I have friends who also read it, I can use it as a point of conversation). From what I've researched, a script has a much better chance at success if it creates a sort of Jungian shared experience. That's why high concept sells. Not everyone has served in the military, but Army movies sell because the well written ones key in on themes of courage in the face of unknown consequences, brotherhood, and operating in a moral grey area. Most people I know aren't Clairvoyant, they have "family" they aren't related to, and they've had to make tough choices. I think it's important that a story have some element where viewers can look to the people they're sitting with and share that understanding of the story. I think it's bad storytelling to try to do something so niche that only the writer themselves can relate.

I understand how you feel about networking. It is an odd beast, especially on-line. You do have to keep your guard up, and watch for the trolls. I used to have a Facebook Page, but honestly it never went anywhere. I either got the hateful political views, or just angry rudeness from people who want to use the internet to growl and vent. So, I closed my page. When I make it big (noticed I said 'When') then I'll start up another one for branding purposes. I think the best thing to do is try to get to know these people and trust your instincts. I love talking about writing and have enough of my own projects to take from anyone else. Plus, it's wrong. Also, it helps to register everything that you do. So here is more about me: My favorite color is black, I like long walks on the beach and . . . Oops wrong posting. . . 8o) I tend to write horror and action myself. I have been published in some smaller graphic novels many, many years ago (I am an old man, by Hollywood's standards). I have optioned an action/revenge script to the producer that I had spoken about earlier, who is also shopping around a fantasy miniseries. I am working on a supernatural\action ongoing series and a ongoing drama. I also have six scripts down the pike, while tweaking a horror novel. As far as the "like and love" thing goes: It does matter whether or not the content is marketable. But I also believe that, as a writer, almost any concept can be made sell-able if you take the right approach. The main question I always ask with my main characters is "why?" Why does he do the things he does? Why does this happen? Usually that helps me define the character and therefore, drive the situations that they get themselves into. TV right now is a writers market, with concepts really striving to become fresh and original, which is why I'm now leaning toward the small screen. So now you have an idea of what I do and a know a little bit about me. Oh yeah, I can be a bit long-winded, too (I know you couldn't tell that by my posts). 8o).

First Draft My favorite thing about certain media is the ability to be longwinded. Sometimes an idea takes more than 25 words to convey and I like being able to just go into it, point out what I see as nuances, and really tackle the issue. I think that longwinded is something I see in a lot of my writing friends. Edit 1 I think most writers are longwinded; concepts shouldn't always be boiled down to a few statements. Edit 2 Yup.

Hello Lyse, I really like your reply on this string. It makes sense and covers both the love aspect and marketability concerns.

Well, since I'm still a newbie (been only here a week 8o)) I've mostly seen good people trying to work collectively to further themselves (there have been one or two dysfunctional types, which I ignore). People here are genuinely trying to help each other out. So, I'll hang a while and see what happens. I really appreciate the network add and hope to enjoy stimulating and informative talks with everyone here.