Hello writers! I am Francesco from Rome. I have just finished my full-length script, and since I am a novice in this field I would like to get some help from you experts :) This is my 3rd script, but I believe it is the most professional one, and I am very proud of it.
The story is about a Boogeyman who loses his memory and he will be helped by 3 teenagers. It has an '80-90s style, between The Goonies and Stranger Things, and it is placed in 1992 so I tried to re-create that world. The genre is a melting pot of horror, adventure and comedy with very peculiar characters, several subplots and catchy dialogues. At least, this is what I think of my work :D
It would be great if you can suggest to me how and where to propose a script like this. Thanks in advance.
Francesco
That is the question of the century.
Send it to contests.
If I send it to contests, can I sell the script in the meanwhile? How does it work?
A script is not a commodity sold from manufacturer to end user, it is a service rendered. Regardless of who writes them, screenplays are ultimately the fluid result of a collaborative effort. So someone who buys your story needs to be interested in you as a team member and not merely the value of your screenplay. Which is all to say, why should someone hire you to write their movie? What value are you able to add to a film production?
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Hey, Francesco, some contests disqualify you if you sell it before the awards announcement, but others say that if it wasn't sold before you enter, you're okay. They're all different. Be sure to read the contest rules.
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Pitch, contest, sell, promote yourself - do whatever it takes.
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Stephen Floyd some folks and companies buy concepts and get rid of the original creator. The idea is King.
I've seen it personally behind company doors - unknown writer sells a screenplay for above WGA minimum, buys a condo apartment, but the Producers- the new Owners who know how to make movies - become Multi-Millionaires off this one concept, buy mansions, become Players in the Industry.
Dan's correct...It's a cut throat BUSINESS.
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Just get it if front of people. If it is great it will find a path to someone.
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@Dan and @Doug are correct about it being a cut throat industry. Art meets any degradation possible, stemming from other peoples want of funds. A kind of heaven and hell in the same mix. Do NOT let that deter you. Tons of writers have agents for their scripts but if you're just starting out it is an up hill climb to get one sign you, However you do not have to go that particular route immediately. Start now. Get it out there. Put it on Script Revolution run by our very own CJ, which is a free service. Go to screenwriting festivals. They have both paid and free pitch slots. As @Dan states. "Idea is King." A cool idea will get the sharks to bite but they might also run off with the accolades. Keep writing. Keep getting it out there, aiming eventually for an agent with a good track record or a one to one private pitch with executive in the script genre.
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Hi Francesco,
That's a pretty cool concept. I'd watch something like that - as long as it kept my interest, of course.
Assuming your script is really "market-ready"....seek out the types of producers who are making that type of film, and pitch them. It's not hard to find them - you can look at the "Script Services" link at the top of this page, and click on the "Pitch Sessions". There's a few for you to pitch right there. You can follow the trades (Variety, Hollywood Reporter, etc.), and keep up on the biz, and keep track of producers who are making those types of films. You can check on IMDB to see who has made those types of films. You can list your script on Inktip, or the Script Revolution. You can attend face-to-face pitching sessions, too. Winning or placing in reputable contests opens doors, too.
The key is having the right script for the right person at the right time. That, of course, requires you to find those folks. It's not that hard, once you know how to find them. The hard part, of course, is having the right script for the right person at the right time - and maybe you will. And even if they don't buy your script, but like your writing skills, then they might hire you for a future assignment. Many producers already know what they want to make, and hire writers to do just that. I hope you find success in either scenario.
Migliori fortune in your creative endeavors, Francesco!
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Basically, you want to explore every avenue. BUT, you have to GET OUT THERE - such as attending Film Festivals (and they are everywhere, even Rome and other places in Italy), Meet-Ups and other Networking Events and pitch and network, network, network! Most Studios and Production Companies won't read an unsolicited script, but if you get a 'Yes' go for it! Put it in script contests and don't worry about being disqualified. If you made a sale, I don't think you'll complain. But, remember, Martin Scorsese said - and I am paraphrasing - making a movie is like attacking a giant monolith. The same can be said for selling, optioning or making a script. But, like anything else, if you put in the time and put your HEART and your MIND to it, it can be done. GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! <3 ;) <3
Thank you guys for your honest and precious advice! Have a good day!