I was approached by a screenwriter who's interested in putting together a treatment for an adaptation of one of my novels, which we would then partner up to pitch to studios. His resume indicates he's fresh out of Academy of Art University. He also says he and his partner have just signed with Intellectual Property Group. Since I have little screenwriting experience, would it be better for me to pitch with a screenwriter, or do studios usually have their own people they like to use, meaning I'm better off pitching alone? I'd appreciate any advice.
Screenwriting : Which is better? by Eva Pohler
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Good question. I would assume pitching it with a finished script would be better, but I'm not an expert on the subject.
Thank you, Jean-Pierre. That's the way I'm leaning.
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Eva: Do you have a literary agent for your novel? My experience has been mostly with producers and a literary agent. But I would have a script in hand before I pitch to any professional level companies. Because when you generate interest, people have short attention spans. Besides looking at someone's resume, I would read one or two of their scripts to determine if you like what they're doing. If this is a straight spec deal there are still lot's of good writers out there that might want to collaborate with you.
No literary agent. Thanks for the advice. So maybe I should talk to other screen writers before committing myself.
Right now I'm listening to a live pitch by authors without screenplays. So I'm still pondering.
Excellent advice, Lisa. Thank you.
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Thanks, Kathryn. I just listened to one of Joey's pitch sessions and will definitely reach out to him.
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Dan, I actually have several IP's, but the one these guys are interested is a teen fantasy based on Greek mythology. I do have two other projects that are thrillers, and one of them, The Purgatorium, is on the cusp of horror, though it doesn't really cross completely into that genre. It's about a suicidal teen who is sent to an island off the coast of California to an experimental facility called the Purgatorium. There are a lot of terrifying moments and the suggestion of ghosts based on the island's legends, but through the course of the story you gradually realize that the doctors are orchestrating this cathartic therapy, which though ultimately successful, crosses a lot of ethical lines.
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Will do, Dan. Thanks!
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Eva, before someone hounds you into a corner with what seems like a limited offer deal, Google them and check out their credentials.
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Wow. I've been here for a little over 24 hours and I've already received amazing advice and guidance. I initially thought this to be a big and scary place, but all I can say now is that this place rocks. I'm very excited to keep on learning. Thank you so much.
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If you have a literary property that is both published and popular, you need an agent more that a newbie screenwriter's treatment. Your published work is the real pitch and an agent can both set-up and handle these meetings. Producers will most likely, if they want your book, find their own seasoned screenwriters to create a script. If, on the other hand, you wish to write the screenplay yourself, a treatment might convince a producer that you have the necessary craft, but nothing says you can write a script like a script. If your screenwriting friend wishes to write a treatment, he or she should option your book.
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