Screenwriting : Waiting for producers! by Denise Cruz-Castino

I know John, me too. Done all of those. Working on a new script. Just only so much patience I have left. But yet, I need more!

True John. That's definitely something I do have in spades!

When it comes to multiple projects or waiting - I'm usually on the opposite end of that scenario. I would look at your situation from a project managers point of view. Look at your timelines, your priorities, your assets (for us Assets = anything you use to accomplish a task, not necessarily money), and organize all of the above to work on additional projects while development of any other project is taking place. Hollywood for the most part doesn't run as most people think - it takes a lot of project management and operational people to get things rolling, most producers, directors and studios don't do a lot of the "running" - they try and get things organized for them to focus on their work. Call it development... While development takes place, you should have a clear idea of a time-frame or a ball park - that can allow you to work on as many other projects as possible to keep yourself, busy, lucrative, and relevant... depending on your skillsets you can take "dayplayer" work while your other big projects are developing. or you can simply keep writing : )

Hey Emanual, it's good to hear your side of it. I know all this intrinsically. And I like hearing all the things producers have to do. It helps me not be as impatient. The producer I'm working with had 7 films in the headlines in the past 2 months! He's got to be crazy busy! And I know that. But then as a writer, I'm like, "Do my film!" LOL But thank you for your feedback. It does help. The more I can wrap my brain around how busy he is, producers are, it helps.

We all have movie projects that we think are going to be the newest thing and flip some light switch in a producer's head, but of course there are 10's of 1000's of us out there trying to get our projects into the hands of maybe only 100's that could be of any service to us. This will, no doubt, cause the process to slow to a stand still, it seems.The way I deal with the waiting is to continue to develop new scripts and stories. I always have several going at the same time to keep my stable of material fresh and ready to pitch. I learned this the hard way quite a few years ago when one of my scripts crossed the desk of legendary producer Gary Kurtz (Star Wars, American Graffiti). He sent me a reply through the mail (which I still have ;-) ) that more or less said, "I like you idea but it's not exactly what we're looking for. What else do you have?" Holy crap! I spent so much energy betting on this one project, that I failed to work on anything else and spent the next 6 years kicking myself in the butt for being so narrow minded and egotistical to think I had created THE movie that would turn any head. Now, I don't have time for ego... only creating and developing as many stories as I can so that the next time a "Gary Kurtz" crosses my path and asks me if I have anything else, he'll wish he'd never asked. Stay creative, Denise, and always occupy your time with writing something. (oh yeah... and a real job wouldn't hurt if you have bills to pay in the mean time)

Well this is actually a project I'm developing WITH the producer. He picked it. He told me what he wanted to write and then we brainstormed till we stumbled upon exactly what he fell in love with. So I pitched the whole story to him and he loved even that. And then gave him the outline and now waiting for notes. And he barely changed the pitch, which means it's right on target for him. But, alas, he's just busy. But I think it's really great you got a script to Gary Kurtz! I hope you got him something else! When they say that, they mean that. That's how I got to working with the producer I'm working with because I kept sending him scripts and he liked my writing. But truth be told, unless it's exactly what they're looking for, they won't produce it. So last year I finally asked if I could just come in and pitch to him. Because I had developed a relationship over the years with him. And now we're developing something together. So I do hope that you are doing the same with Kurtz and any other producers you've sent scripts to. It rarely happens that they'll read your script and go ah! That's what I want to producer. But they will like your writing and ask what else you have. Good luck!

That's really cool and congrats. Good luck with everything.

Thanks! And good luck with all your projects too!

You just have to be patient. Even produced writers play the waiting game. Allow some time, and followup accordingly. (you don't want to come across as desperate). Then once you hear from the producer: be realistic. Many producers are pounding the pavement in an attempt to get the interest of a studio or development exec. They'll ask you for FREE rewrites. Beware.

Yes definitely don't want to be desperate. Hence why I'm looking for a full time job so I can stop obsessing. Except now I'm obsessing about jobs! LOL

I read this article a long time ago, I have stuck by the idea ever since. http://www.wordplayer.com/columns/wp44.Never.Wait.html

Thanks Dan. I've tried that. He emails me but then when I respond, I don't hear back. He's just busy. Liked the article Toby! Fun read! Believe me, I'm not "waiting" around. Just really want to work with this guy. He's a HUGE producer. Hence, why he's so busy!

All great suggestions Dan! I even did try to get the assistant to help. But he's too busy too! I think they need a bigger staff truthfully. And now I can see why! But yes, I think asking the producer to help on something else might be a good idea. My friend at FOX productions says that what usually happens when you work with a producer on one project, is if that one doesn't happen, then they put you on something else. So suggesting that would not be a bad idea at all!

Dan, it works! I love that. Glad it worked and glad you shared!!!! Kirsty, I'm glad you can share in my pain. But sad that you do!

I write novels, but spent most of my life being a Real Estate developer,so I am at the semi-retired stage. One novel became really popular and a screenwriter did the script for it. It is posted here but so far it has not been picked up. It is disappointing but when you are like me and not dependent on the income from it it is not too bad. I see a lot of crappy movies, I mean even ones they spend millions on. My degree is in Kiinesiology, and I study a lot of science. The scifi part of the industry is very far fetched. I thought the Huger Games was a joke, all that worked good was the promotions. To answer your question, well really I think you know the answers to them. You need more love and some adventure!.

Yeah John Harman, good story does not equate produced movie. And John Samano, not sure I have the credentials yet to teach. Wish I did! I've taught advertising writing before. Chris, I wish it was that easy. Doesn't matter if you have an agreement or not. You're still stuck waiting for notes. All my friends deal with this. It's why they always say, keep writing something else. Which I'm doing. In fact, two projects! But still, want this one because it's definitely my big break. So hard not to be excited about it.

It's an interesting time for producers. This is not the 80's and 90's where they would have studio cash on hand to PAY the writer for rewrites before packaging the deal. Many producers today have to pay out of pocket in their scramble to secure funding for a project. Thus the FREE rewrite dance that is occurring for many writers -- sometimes sanctioned by managers and agents?!?!? UGH!

Chuck you are so right. It's not uncommon to ask writers to do things on spec any more. Which used to be unheard of!

My writing partner and I just keep churning out projects to keep us busy.

It's a good thought too. We'll see! I think I'd love to teach screenwriting. More than advertising writing even. Because screenwriting is my passion!

If you were to teach screenwriting, where would you do it, how would you tackle the lesson plan(s) and what would you charge?

I got tired waiting and started producing. You learn alot that way. Mostly you learn to rewrite that expensive shot into something within a realistic budget. Also it teaches you when producers are giving you a bunch of bullshit about your project. Life is learning.

Yeah Michael I've thought of that myself. Was going to produce something with a producer friend of mine. But she seems to be back pedaling. My problem is I find I tend to have more passion for this industry than most people I meet. I know eventually as I "break" in and start working with people with as much passion as me, that won't always be the case. But I can't wait for that day!

I do not wait. I pitch my thing and move on. If they like it, they will come and if not, I am already busy with the next thing. I am flexible enough to adapt, but I will not be dragged down. The only time I am really waiting, is on a paid option, because then I get paid for waiting. But waiting does not mean wasting time either. If there is some time to do stuff, do stuff. The reason why we feel time flying by more and more as we grow older, is because we retain less and less memorable events, as we have lived through many similar ones already and our brain does not waste time or space on things already experienced. So staying fresh and living long is just a thing of new and novel memories. If you got time use it in the most enjoy- and memorable way. Don't let anyone deprive you of time, even if you think it is really important...

Denise - your comment: "I tend to have more passion for this industry than most people I meet" struck home. I feel the same way -- and like what you've experienced, once you start collaborating, you don't get the same enthusiasm from others. There is a cynicism for the industry that I hope isn't shared by most people.

Well I feel like the lack of passion comes from people not in the industry. I think once you're collaborating with people who are successful, they're there because they are passionate. My frustration is the people who say they want to be in the business but won't work hard to get anywhere. Is that your feeling too?

I hate the wait whilst one company or another assesses your piece, I'm also a very impatient person when it comes to these things so for me, I find that circulating ideas and working on my next Story helps with the time! I also like to have a bit of fun with my own work and with friends we tend to photoshoot scenes to get a storyboard in place :)

Sometimes you go into a situation believing the writer is just as ready and passionate as you are only to discover when it's time to produce pages, the other writer doesn't deliver. Very frustrating. Writers write. Writing is hard -- rewarding when you complete pages but -- hard. Denise do you collaborate? If so do you get samples from the other writer? -- This might be saved for another discussion from what you posted.

Yeah I guess that must happen. But I'm so not like that. When a producer asks to see pages from me, I turn it around lightning fast. The first indie producer I worked with, I got her outline and finished script in two weeks because she said that was her deadline. When I reached it, she was like, wow you met the deadline. I was like, well, you told me that's when you needed it. She was like, I'm working with you again! And the producer I'm working with now, wanted from a pitch to outline in 4 days. And I delivered right when he asked. Of course he was too busy to do anything with it. But that's not the point, he saw I could deliver. I think that's what producers want to see. I do collaborate sometimes with other writers. Right now I'm working with someone on a sitcom spec. And yes, before we decided, I got his other specs to see his style. Was that your question?

Yes and sorry I went on a bit of a tangent from your post so I'll try to close the loop :-) As a writer you get and embrace the process because: a. you're a professional and b. you simply have a passion for the craft. With that passion comes some frustrations: -the waiting game especially after you've delivered really good pages on deadline. -investing your time in a writer's group only to realize you're not gaining anything because of the group' s inability to give or receive constructive criticism. -and as I've added, I've experienced these same frustrations with the collaborative process. Whew. Did I summarize?

Yes you did summarize! And hit the nail on the head. Definitely feeling frustrations from writing group. Some feedback is just not even acknowledging the story I'm telling. Hate more than life when another writer tries to get you to tell their story instead of the one you're telling. It's like, hello, who's writing this??? And you're right. I guess if I have the passion for the craft, then the frustrations will come with. I guess, no I know, it's better to have the passions though. So I will have to take the frustrations.

And the fact that you "get it" and are not intimidated by the process. Writing pages is challenging, however you still deliver. You're a producer's writer. You listen to their notes, set ego aside, take a breath... redeliver pages... and so on... I think that's why some writers drop out because of this process. Doesn't work for everyone. Now you need that manager or agent to recognize this and get you assignments already! Enough of this waiting game.

I actually love working with producers! They give such better notes than other writers. Writer's are too nit picky in my opinion. Producers don't have time to waste. So they give the notes that they need and move on! Just the way I want it. Yes, for sure need that manager or agent. Another reason I was hoping I'd start on this script for the producer. Because he knows only the A-list people and would surely hook me up. But in due time. Plus getting a spec to a creator of a sitcom now. So who knows. Maybe that will happen first?

Yes you can tell the difference between notes from another writer: "maybe your story should be about this..." script consultant: "you need to take out the "ings" " producer: "can your protagonist be a chimpanzee instead?" yes in due time but don't get taken ... free rewrites gets old real fast.

LOL love the difference in notes. Yeah, hoping this is a paid gig with producer.

I would search out Marc Zicree from www.spacecommandmovie.com and https://www.facebook.com/spacecommandmovie. He's been in the business for YEARS. He's done shows like Sliders, Star Trek, Smurfs, and Battlestar Galactica. He's knee deep in his current movie, but he is very responsive. He's a GREAT connection to have!

Justin, is he someone you've connected with yourself? I've definitely heard from him. But I can't imagine he's willing to help out every person that comes his way. But if you've heard otherwise, by all means, I'm interested in hearing.

Yes, yes, all great advice. I agree. It's hard when he is this amazing producer who I really want to work with. But, I do have another great opportunity that has popped up in my life so going that way now. Plus working on other stuff. So I am definitely not "bugging" said producer any more. Giving him some breathing room. But it's hard when you know it's the most amazing opportunity that's come your way. But that's ok. I'm handling it now. Focusing elsewhere for now.

Waiting is never a good thing -- when it comes to becoming a filmmaker. There's Youtube! Make something. Take a camera out with a few actors and shoot a trailer -- just begin ...

Oh, yeah. I agree with Vic. I deal between jobs with Youtube. I also write random query letters pitching several movies and a couple of tv shows all at once simply to amuse myself. Sometimes it helps to write down what your actually thinking. "Dear ...whomever you are, I have 3 completed films, time travel, rom com, drama and 2 series, sci-fi, drama. All are absolutely excellent. Stop wasting my time and greenlight it already. They'll be hits ...I promise." ;) Cheers, and good luck!

Hiking and Coffee. And my reps do a pretty good job of calming nerves.

Continue with your life, keep working . Producers have a lot of projects in the pipe line at different stages. If they believe in your project, they are working on it and if they don't. Soon you will hear from them " We like your story But ". Don't worry continue working, keep looking. Please copyright everything before giving "your great story" to anyone. Keep trying , you will get there but if you stop, you won't.

I commit suicide every day, run the dog, and golf.

J/R yeah hiking helps for me too. Coffee would make it worse!!! Reps, yeah, well. That's what this producer was going to help me get. Or shall help, but just not yet. Richard, I hear ya. I was about to produce a film with a friend but things stopped us that were out of our hands. Then mostly because her passion wasn't there as much as mine. Vic and Julie, I agree on youtube. I even have a hubby who's a producer/videographer editor! I just can't decide what i want to film. So just keep writing new scripts. Which is fine too.

I don't know Marc Zicree personally, but he does organize workshops. He may be a bit on the busy side right now as he will be filming in a week or two. He's not a stan-offish person. And he is "the guy" who has the answers, as he is an accomplished writer. Search him out on YouTube. He may be able to answer your questions there. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_guxhvaQ4y0 or http://marczicree.com/ Denise, go straight to the source. Learn from the best. Cheers!

Denise... The best advice you have gotten is to keep writing and to be patient. You have a small advantage in that the producer asked you to write this. So sending a, "Hi. Just wanted to see what's going on." email every couple of weeks or so isn't a horrible thing. My question is.... do you have a written agreement already? If he rejects your script, can he claim a piece of it if you sell it to another producer or is it yours? Even if you write something on spec for someone, you need a writer's agreement that YOU own whatever you have written if it is rejected. And as a reminder to anyone writing on spec for anyone (other than yourself) you need to know that when you choose to not be an investment to someone, you make it easier for them to ignore you. When someone has invested money (even a little) in what you are creating, they are much more motivated to see you succeed.

don't wait. ACT. Get together with some like-minded and passionate creatives and DIY - find some inspiration at http://www.wheresthedrama.com/thefandependentfilm.htm

keep writing. In case someone asks what other ideas you have. Always want to have something extra.