Is it a good thing or a bad thing to have a film that either scores really high or really low on coverage? My film is a supernatural horror fantasy for context. The same split reaction happened with same script when I purchased two consultations. One manager said it was a visual spectacle and the other hated it so much, he made ME hate movies. The first manager also said there'd be no issue selling it because it was so commercially appealing while the other said there was no studio who'd ever want it. Is this a situation where I should just keep sifting through until I find someone who happens to vibe with it and signs me or should I heed the people who really hate it? I've dealt with this for a year but it's similar to the "The Haunting of..." series by Mike Flanagan where the tangible things or supernatural entities aren't as important as the story, characters, and dialogue. My exorcisms in my film aren't as action orientated as The Exorcist or The Conjuring, they're dances. Some people see the beauty between the collaboration of the characters and others just hate that idea.
Screenwriting : I appear to have a divisive script by Aja Bradley
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I think it's mostly always the case that one has to "find someone who happens to vibe with it" in order to get anywhere with a particular script. FYI, Francis Ford Coppola once said that his best work always received the most extreme reactions during development with both lovers and haters expressing themselves.
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So people have strong feelings about your screenplay? Job done. The worst thing that can happen is that the entire world is luke warm in it.
A strong opinion in any direction is better than no opinion. Being forgettable is death.
Hi Aja. My take is to believe in your story with all your heart. As the famous Gary Shusett once told me, you are the God/Goddess of your story (world). It's your dream. Your fantasy. Your make-believe. If possible, search, connect, and network to produce a very short film of it to visually see your vision manifest. JMHHO:)
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The whole industry (and entire creative arts world) is like this and it's perhaps one of the most important lessons an aspiring screenwriter can learn. You cannot write a Goldilocks script although so many are trying. You need to find allies, people who align with you on the same wavelength, while accepting many aren't going to get what you're trying to do or maybe even hate it. Most highly acclaimed artists who are now held as legends in their field went up against a load of resistance when they started. The big mistake is trying to pacify those who don't align with you.
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just cause there are no buyers doesnt mean much but can you get reads and meetings? Ask the managers. It is their job. Are they wannabe producers because that is an odd response, "easy sell." If so easy, why didnt rep sign you on the spot?
Example: a writing friend wrote a tv pilot unproducible for mainstream network but her reps sent her to general meetings, via zoom. Just last week, she is officially a rookie staff tv writer on a new network tv show. And her unproducible pilot spec is the main reason she got interviewed.
It's all about finding where you fit in. Everyone has different tastes and opinions, and you have to search out those who align with you.
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"Different strokes for different folks" - pretty much says it all.
Don't we all? You just need to find a right pair of eyes for it...
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Get used to the rejection too it is a common thing. Right time right pitch right person catching the ball you are throwing. Patience and resilience to the no's OK! You'll be just fine. Don't let anyone "make" you feel negative towards movies music or life itself. You are a creator and not everyone is gonna get your story. Welcome to Stage 32 you are gonna do well here and lots of pitch opportunities! Greets from sunny Spain! Do you!