Hey guys, after a grueling 6 months of pounding out content, I have completed my very first feature spec screenplay. And since I have a marketing background, and editing skills, I decided to put together a small trailer to promote it. I've submitted to a few festivals, and am just beginning the process of reaching out to directors, producers, and agents BLINDLY!!! Growing up in Chicago I was always envious of the New York trading movies, yet I knew Chicago was just as big of a trader city. I always thought there should be a Chicago version of Wall Street created. So rather than sit around wait for it to happen, I thought it would be my calling card to get into the business. So I wrote it. Filled with action, suspense, and drama, this is most certainly something I would go to the box office to watch. Like I said, I'm in Chicago so my connections are minimal. Any help, advice, and introductions to help move this forward will be greatly appreciated.
Screenwriting : Market Men | Spec Screenplay Trailer by Cyprian Francis
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No offense, bro, but I think it fails. It's all indulgent flash; doesn't give me much idea as to what's really going on/happening; and doesn't make me want to know more/see it. And I was around at that time, and had quite a few peers go down in those events at the BOE and Merc in the late 80's. I'm not biased because of that - I'm just giving you some very constructive feedback. The narrative is a good start. Obviously it was easy for you to produce the video, but it doesn't even reflect the time period you're attempting to portray And "Melmed Lewis?". Heh-heh. Leo would love that. Nice. Kudos for that. Good luck with the script - those events that happened would make for a good story.
Hi Cyprian, It's very rare that a first draft is great, let alone a first screenplay! BUT, that doesn't mean yours isn't any good. My advice is start focusing on your screenplay first. You want that, to be in the best shape in can possibly be. I'd suggest joining a local screenwriting group, using a peer review website, or getting paid coverage on your screenplay. Your enthusiasm is infectious and refreshing and I admire the effort you have gone to with your trailer, but trust me, all the networking in the world will count for nothing, if that screenplay doesn't pop. Best of luck. Eoin
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Eoin, appreciate the kind words. And here's my thought process on your comments. I've read many stories that once a screenplay is in the hands or directors/producers/studios they implement many changes, numerous versions. Rather than continuing to tweak my version. Those are the conversations I want to have. I want feedback from people who are interested in making this come to life. I want to take their ideas, suggestions, and then make changes. I don't want to wait on the sidelines. This is my movie idea. Who wants to make it with me? This is a topic I am very knowledgeable on. Trading, Chicago, the streets, etc. I studied Finance, worked in technology the past few years. But I've also picked up a camera, filmed, directed, edited, all on a whim, because I wanted to learn how to do it. This whole industry is new to me, and I'm trying to learn everything I can. Already building my network here in Chicago, and am very appreciative of the Stage32 platform, and people like yourself.
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Hi Cyprian, It's true that screenplays undergo changes, both good and bad, in both the indie and studio route. Sometimes the original spec writer is asked to makes changes and sometimes another writer is called in to make changes. All that said, you still need your screenplay in the best possible shape, so that it resonates with a producer or director. If they are not attracted by the story you are telling, if your work doesn't show craft or seems lazy, because you think they'll change it anyway, it will be a pass. Every single page, every single line, should make the person reading want more. If every spec writer out there used the logic, 'well, 'they're' gonna change it anyway', no spec would ever get sold! Put yourself in the other persons shoes. With so many screenplays out there, would you like to read an average screenplay (that you want to invest maybe MILLIONS in) or an AMAZING screenplay? I'm sure your knowledge shines through of trading and finance, but the story, characters and conflict are what will attract a producer or director. Kind Regards, Eoin