Screenwriting : What about this IP strategy? by Joseph Follansbee

Here's my input ... scripts to book was a fad about 8 years ago. It's up to you on doing this. Studios and others will look at book sales. The more there is the better the odds are they'll take a look. In the end, and from first hand experience, just tell a good story that's commercial and marketable, and they'll take a look at it.

Agreed Lindbergh E Hollingsworth. Other than a script based on successful IP having a built-in audience, I don't fully understand it. A crappy "re-telling" will flop with or without IP; so I believe part of the issue is Wall Street now owns the major studios and production houses. Knowing nothing about filmmaking, these sugar daddies think in $$$ only and believe IP means success based on Avengers, Harry Potter, Rings, Thrones, etc... and the like. But they're wrong and it may take a while for them to let go of that misinformation.

And one note: I find it hard to believe that any production house will value a spec more because the writer self-published their script in a novelized form; so maybe they should start calling it "popular, successful IP" because all they're looking for is a committed fan- base before they invest in a property.

If Hollywood becomes all about AI and IP, they're doomed. Hopefully they'll recognize the trajectory and adjust their attitude sooner rather than later. Otherwise, we may be looking at AI creating all IP and all of it becoming AI generated mush ;-)

Ppl tried this Strategy with comic books when comics were booming in 2000-10; it cost a lot of money & time & talent to publish a comic book. I think screenwriter Max Landis tried this.

If you just want to make your own movies, be a producer-writer. Spend your time learning to make movies. Self-publishing a book to just sell movie rights to a buyer seems a long-winded doomed plan.

I'm on the comic book train. Kickstarter provides a great vehicle to find backers and finance your comics.

Of course, novels represents a lower cost option. However, a novel that no one reads will not do much for developing your IP.

I've ada[ted a lot of novels. Write one if you want but the odds of selling the screenplay as a result is a real long shot at best unless the book becomes a best seller and that also it a long shot. Just write a good screenplay and call people on the phone. The odds of selling a screenplay on the phone are about ten times better than just doing whatever every other screenwriter is doing.

The two highest grossing films in the specialty (indie) market the last two weeks were original screenplays. Take a look on the streamers and see how many films lately have been made from original screenplays. The studios are one thing, the indies another.

Yeah... similar to other replies, certainly write it if you want to write it but I wouldn't bank on it as a solid strategy. I've done it, but moreso cherished what I got out of it, story-wise/character-wise. But in the interests of efficiency, I dedicated a far smaller percentage of time to it than say the marketing of the screen version or development of other screen projects. Also, from my chats with producers, story quality (original or IP-based) ranked higher (unless based on a best-seller).

I've had producers say they want to see book numbers and others who say they don't care - just tell a good story. It matters who you talk to. But both Dan and RB are right - become your own producer - learn the business. Talk to people. What fits one person doesn't necessarily fit another.

Yeah, that's where I'm at, creating some comics, and building an audience on Instagram. Just started a YouTube channel, eventually a novel.

https://www.youtube.com/@5DLight

Getting some physical stuff out there, trying to build an audience, etc.

https://www.instagram.com/5dlightcomics/

This is one of the many reasons I suggest all screenwriters take producing webinars and classes. Even if you don't want to produce yourself, the ability to think like a producer and understand various processes is invaluable. Combine that with a knowledge of the marketplace by reading the trades every day and you have a competitive advantage over the majority of screenwriters out there.

Couldn't agree more with the notion of being your own producer. It helps you protect yourself and navigate this process in an informed and confident manner.

If you are trying to make your screenplay more marketable you would have more luck attaching a director to it. I adapted a lot of novels but the only to I managed to option to production companies had known directors attached. A good director can attract other talent.