Hello everyone, I hope you all are doing well. I just wanted to ask being a scriptwriter from India, I pour my heart into stories deeply rooted in my country's culture, and I know that Indian narratives have a global impact. While I have written and worked on scripts that people enjoy, I still haven’t found the right opportunity to showcase my work to the world.
Coming from a middle-class background with no industry connections, my only assets are my scripts, my words, my emotions, and the stories I create. However, I often see people asking for payment to take my script forward, which i can't afford so there is no place for me in this industry? Is this a common practice, or How do emerging writers without financial backing break into the industry? Please let me know your honest answers
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Hello. This forum seems to be in agreement. It's networking.
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Alright Sir but what do you think about my question?
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This question arises with some regularity.
Can't speak to the Indian industry where deals might be struck differently, but in the US those who ask for money to "take a script forward" are scammers to be avoided at all costs. Writers get paid, not vice versa.
Otherwise, keep plugging.
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Thanks! Well, in the Indian industry, things work both ways. However, you're right scammers are everywhere. I've encountered many but never fallen for them.
Recently, on the Script 32 platform, some renowned directors from the USA showed interest in my work. They appreciated my writing and saw its potential to have a strong voice globally. But when they asked for fees and a certain amount for the agreement, it made me pause. It wasn’t feasible for me, and I knew it wasn’t the right path.
So, I’m doing my best to sell my script through the right channels and make the most of my work.
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Hi, Chirayu Writer. Great to meet you. Hope you're doing well too. Some producers ask writers to pay a fee to produce their scripts, but it shouldn't be that way. Don't pay the fee. There are other ways to get your scripts sold and produced.
You can network with producers, directors, and other industry professionals all over the world on Stage 32. Here are blogs on networking: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41
I suggest posting your scripts on your profile. Producers search profiles on here for projects. Click the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner and select “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu. Scroll down to “Loglines” and click “Add/edit loglines” to the right of “Loglines.” You can also post your scripts on your profile this way: www.stage32.com/loglines (near the top where it says “Add a Logline”)
You could also enter a Stage 32 contest (www.stage32.com/scriptservices/contests). If you win a contest or place as a Finalist, Stage 32 will send your work to agents and literary managers who are seeking new talent. If you don't see contests that fit your projects, keep an eye on the Contest Page. Stage 32 will be adding more contests.
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Turn your film ideas into comic books!
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A person who asks for cash is not a "...renowned director(s) from the USA..."
Good luck. Sounds like your question is answered.
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Definitely thanks a lot truly helpful
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Thanks for your advice, Maurice! I truly appreciate it. You're absolutely right writers shouldn’t have to pay a fee to get their scripts produced. It’s reassuring to know there are other ways to get my work noticed and sold.
I’ll definitely explore networking opportunities on Stage 32 and check out the blogs you shared. Posting my scripts on my profile and adding loglines sounds like a great way to gain visibility among producers.
I’ll also keep an eye on the Stage 32 contests winning or even being a finalist could open some great doors. Thanks again for your guidance! I’ll try out these approaches and see where they lead.
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@Preston Poulter thanks for your advice what i think My script is written for the big screen, and anyone who reads it will undoubtedly connect with its deep, homey emotions and heartfelt feelings. It captures a universal experience one that we’ve all lived at some point in our lives. Because of this, I don’t think a comic approach would do it justice.
You're welcome, Chirayu Writer.
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Contact your local group with no-budget filmmakers. Create a short film together with them. Will show others what talent you have. Or write a play for your local amateaur theatre. Again, it will show others what you can do.
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@Göran Johansson Thank you so much, Sir! And yes, you're absolutely right. I've been in this field for almost 10 years now, and I'm aiming for something big. My script has great potential!
@Dan MaxXx Exactly! This is what I want to achieve, but I don’t know anyone in the industry. The people I’m trying to connect with mostly turn out the same way, which leaves me confused. Yet, at the same time, it gives me clarity as I dive deeper into this field.
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Nice that you liked what I wrote. Create something, which other persons will actually see.