Screenwriting : Where do we find the screenplay we are looking for? by Bryce Gardner

Bryce Gardner

Where do we find the screenplay we are looking for?

My artistic partner and I are on our current draft of our comedy web series. After that is done, we've reached the realization that we'd rather not do all the writing for upcoming projects. We'd like to focus on the film making aspect, and use a ready made script to find funding and distribution for. Simple idea, right? The challenge we've run into is this: besides being micro/low budget, it has to be a wacky full length tongue-in-cheek horror film. Unfortunately, when I say this, most people think we're talking animal flicks such as snakes, leeches, giant rabbits, etc. or Godzilla, Mothra type of things. Nope. Sometimes people understand better what I'm talking about when I use examples such as Jack Frost the Killer Snowman, or mannequins that somehow come to life. In general, think of the storyline as some ridiculous animated prop/thing causes some murderous chaos, and a group of friends has to deal with it type of thing. Just a fun movie. This is what my film team wants to be known for. These types of movies. However we just can't find these scripts. Any ideas where to look? Help?

Preston Poulter

You might try working with Joey on the Happy Writers team and be very specific on the types of pitches you want to hear.

JD Glasscock

Are u paying people? If your not paying people, whch there is nothing wrong with that, that could be your difficulty, most highly skilled writers would not turn over a script in the hopes you garner money to fund it, not enough details in you post.....to answer your question

Bryce Gardner

Thanks Preston. JD, That indeed may be part of the challenge. Low/micro means not much money to spread around as you know. We're not looking to win an Oscar. Just create a fun movie that a certain audience likes to watch. It may be easier just for us to get a team of writers together where we are.

Denise Cruz-Castino

Have you posted in the screenwriting jobs section?

Bryce Gardner

LOL bonks head on table Denise, I am so used to hunting for everything on the web for my film stuff, I totally forgot there was a job section here. I'll try that. Thanks. :)

Preston Poulter

Denise also has a good idea. Of course then you'd need to be offering to the writer. Failing that, you might try inktip.com. Where you can search for scripts that meet your criteria.

Denise Cruz-Castino

haha Bryce! No worries. It happens. You're right Preston, inktip would be a good idea too. I've had lots of writers friends who have met great success there.

Bryce Gardner

We've looked at inktip, but none meet our criteria. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Preston Poulter

If you want a specific concept, you're going to need to commission someone.

Bryce Gardner

I'm starting to realize that now...

Bryce Gardner

I come from a theatre background where you look and find a script written. heh Film is much different.

Philip Sedgwick

@Bryce. Sent you a network request. Will PM following.

Bryce Gardner

Thanks Philip. Always interested in networking. :)

Philip Sedgwick

Thanks, Bryce. PM sent.

Beth Fox Heisinger

Perhaps post in the JOBS section, found in the upper menu bar. You can specify if it's paid or not; what you're looking for; et cetera. Screenwriters peruse that section for script submission possibilities. :)

Regina Lee

You can also search screenplay contests, look at winning loglines, and inquire about the rights.

Tron Griffin

Bryce I have a 63 page low budget script called "The House of Murders" that might fit what you're looking for in a script. I know 63 pages is a little low considering all my other scripts run 90-115 pages. I just think the actual film would probably run longer than 63 minutes. Plus the only think you would need is six locations a kitchen, bedroom, police interrogation room, garage, and two living rooms. Also, you would only need 13 actors and no background actors. If interested email me: sol15g@yahoo.com

Janet Hetherington

Hi Bryce, I've got a horror comedy, INFECTIOUS, which is about an infection on a college campus that makes people act like zombies but at the same time, act out their wildest dreams. It was actually the first feature I wrote, so its needs some love (meaning rewriting), but let me know if it might interest you. Cheers, Janet Check me at IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1900415/

Bob Kiely

Sound like a nice genre niche that may work well as a web series. If I develop any ideas along these lines I'll drop you an email. Good luck!

Bryce Gardner

OKay, so placed a post in the jobs section. I had to use Olympia Fields, IL for the location because there is no section for "anywhere." That was a little frustrating since this is something that could be done via technology. Oh well. As always, thanks yet again for some great advice. :)

Beth Fox Heisinger

Bryce, we (Stage 32) prefer forums to be for topic discussion only and not wanted ads or requests for submissions. Most members understand that and do peruse the JOBS section regularly. It really should not make a difference that you had to allocate a physical location. This search of yours will still be done via technology. In the commentary portion you can easily clarify that one does not need to live in the area you listed to submit. Perhaps you could also communicate that in the way you title the job -- that submissions can come from anywhere. :) The JOBS section is setup to support and accommodate all job parameters in the industry. Many placements like film crew or acting are location specific. Anyway, I wish you the best with your project!

Bryce Gardner

Thank you, Beth. To be honest, I totally forgot about the job section until a couple members here told me via this thread. The whole thread started with asking about advice on where to find our type of scripts on the web because we were frustrated. LOL

Preston Poulter

This proposal is muddy. Are you going to select one writer? If so, when? What do they need to produce for the crowd funding? A trailer or an entire screenplay? How much will they get if you hit what levels?

Bryce Gardner

Hi Preston. I've already been told to keep this kind of traffic off the thread, but I'll be glad to respond via pm on any tips you can give.

William Martell

I think you should be looking for a partner. A writer rather than a script. Since at this budget range there is no money to buy the script, and you're going to make more movies, right?

Sallie I. Chaney

Bryce I would love to submit several scripts , also available for formatting your ideas into screenplays. s.india46@yahoo.com/ Can also submit my trailer of "House of Slaves" published by Tate publishers 2014.

Bryce Gardner

William, you may be right. We're going to try it this way first though. Thanks. :-)

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