I shot a proof of concept for a feature. A couple producers were attached at various points, but eventually lost interest as I was very green at the time. A few months ago the proof of concept won an award.
Even though the script is pretty fun, it's not where I see my creative work heading anymore. On top that, I'm no longer living where the script takes place, which would make directing it and keeping my day job impossible.
Should I try selling it off? It would be rather cheap to produce in particular if a few scenes were cut or re-worked. I'm tempted to do the re-writing myself then shoot it, but, again, it doesn't match my current artistic aims.
What should I do?
I'm not sure if this belongs in screenwriting or directing/filmmaking, but I'll post it here.
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Hi Harley. Can you explain what you mean by pawn it off? If this is something that you feel is a been there, done that kind of thing, just move on to the next!
I meant sell it to someone without attachment, meaning I'd just give it to them and walk away, not stay on as a director or associate producer like in the past.
I think it's unique enough to resonate with an audience, but it's not the type of work I personally want to direct anymore.
It’s worthless in monetary value but probably means something to your cast & crew. Upload to youtube for them to enjoy and share. Also Let them know you gave up on this idea.
I meant the script, not the proof of concept, Dan.
both have 0 monetary value now. There is no market to sell your script, with or without a proof of concept. You have to put in effort. Don’t tell folks you gave up on idea cause you lost interest. Everything out of your salespitch should be A- positive.
Start by winning over Reps and hungry Producers. Who else said your script is marketable?
Um, I never gave up on the idea. I'm interested in seeing it to the screen, but not directing it.
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Yep, your concept has serious potential. Means you did something very right. But you also did a big mistake when you outgrew it so fast. New project,. Do the same thing right, but avoid the mistake.
Wal. Fair point. I mainly put as much time and effort into it because some producers showed interest and it was not that costly. Then I moved and realized I wanted to direct other things. It was the first feature I wrote so I was surprised it gained as much traction as it did. I should be more careful in the future about starting and stopping projects. You're right.
Thanks for the concern, Laura, but I retained the rights. The proof was self-produced.