Hello all! I completed a screenplay adaptation for a YA novel, Walk through Cold Fire, that I optioned the rights to. I have been trying to find producers/directors that might be interested in the project. I am unsure how to get producers/directors/actors attached without first having funding. It feels like the catch 22, no funding- no attachments, no attachments- no funding. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you!
Walk through Cold Fire logline:
Unhappy with her mundane suburban life after the loss of her mother and her father’s remarriage, sixteen-year-old Desiree Valentine longs for freedom. A fateful summer vacation in Breechwater provides her with adventure and a sense of belonging when she falls in with a group known as the Outlaws and falls in love for the first time.
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It is most definitely a catch-22. Investors feel a lot better if you've already got some skin in the game. Still though, it's largely just a matter of budget and relationships, and finding an equilibrium between the two. Plus, it's always helps when people really believe in what you're trying to do. In most cases, actors care more about the role than the paycheck. If it's a good, meaty part and something they can really pour themselves into, attachments can come surprisingly easy.
Focus on building out a business plan. Leave room for marketing if you're self-producing. Get some coverage. Get a breakdown of the script. Test the social media waters. Do everything you can do to prove there's an audience, and that you've got a good handle of the money needed to make it all happen.
Hit me up. We can talk more.
Thank you! I have never written a business plan for film. I have written them for other things, though and I would imagine they are similar. Who would I go to for help and guidance with something like this?
You can come to me for starters. If we get too far into the weeds, I've got people.
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Angie - it sounds to me like you're talking about a feature length film. Give this a thought: First produce a short or trailer using whatever assets you have. This 'proof of concept' is the bait you use when fishing for Producers or Investors as most folk will watch an <5 min short but are not going to wade through 100+ pages of script from an unknown. All the best.
Hey, Angie! I’d be happy to chat with you on the phone and answer any questions you have and offer any advice for you. Email me at: rynoryder@hotmail.com