I was contacted by a producer about a spec I have floating around. He was interested in the script but wanted me to write a happy ending on the story.
The story is a tragedy (on purpose) and a happy end would feel stuck on.
He said he needed that ending for the audience he was arming to reach. He is correct.
There are two things stopping this deal.
1) I can’t see that story with a happy ending.
2) He wanted the rewrite before he purchased it.
If he had of purchased it. He could roll it up and smoked. It’s his I wouldn’t care. But I wasn’t going to rewrite it for free. Plus it is not a happy story. Making it one would be bad. He is better finding a happy story from someone else.
He likes how I write dialogue. Buy a happy script and hire me for a dialogue rewrite.
No one is wrong in this scenario. Just not right for each other.
Do others bump into this? I think it is becoming more common. People wanting changes prior to purchase, and major changes, not just a polish.
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Surely you are well within your rights to tell the guy "buy it first and I'll do what ever you want to it" or is that not the done thing? If they don't mention buying it is it not worth wasting your breath?
I explained a possible happy end with different characters not what he wanted. I also said we can discuss this as part of an option.
He is a nice guy. I believe (fear) that this may be becoming more common.
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Common indie world hustle. Folks want free, 0 financial risks. Our scripts are cache; it has value. Other thing to ask potential partners - "what is the plan to make the movie?"
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As cameras get cheaper, post production and everything else gets cheaper. The barrier to entering the film industry (cost) is disappearing. So more and more people are “giving it a go”.
They open a spreadsheet and start entering some insane ballpark figures and believe they can make Harry Potter for $10k (kids work cheap). Then they want everyone to work for free, as this is going to be a big hit and launch all types of careers.
That’s when they turn to us. Because nothing. I mean nothing happens without a script. They scratch their heads wondering why we want money. He is going to spend weeks and $10k. Why isn’t 5% making us happy, nett of course, after all the money is recovered. Sure we have already invested a year, but that is free.
The new trick is weeding not writing. Weeding out the people that are “giving it a go”.
That’s another reason all writers need to make at least one short. Not only will you learn heaps. You’ll see how hard it is. You’ll then know when you are talking to a dreamer.
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Craig: Your logic is sound.
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That has been going on for decades. They don't have any money so the only thing they bring to the table is their chair and usually nothing will get made.
Sounds like your own version of Robert Altman's "The Player"
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A 7min opening oner. I love that film.
As an update. The person has just come back and offered an outright purchase. No rewrite from me. Some negotiations on price and credit.
That is great news Craig. Congrats!
I wonder how much time it took to coordinate and choreograph that 7 minute one shot. Altman... a true Auteur. Fantastic news Craig. Congrats and Happy Easter.
Make the change - take the money and run.
Congrats Craig!!
There you go!
You're correct, Craig, that would change the story!