I'm a writer with a script about two drafts from being ready to be read. As I'm about to embark in the world of seeking a producer to bring this to life I'm looking for advice as to what I should have prepared to show a producer and what questions I should ask. I'm aware of the rejection (writer here), I'm aware of how much I will get knocked down, I'm aware the harsh reality, so please no comments about the negative part of this world. If I weren't prepared to take on the uncertainty of writing, I wouldn't be here. Thank you!
Anything Goes : Writer looking for producer advice by Endless Meghan Warner
Other topics in Anything Goes:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
1 person likes this
Do you want to sell the script? Do you want a producer to join you as a partner in the production?
For this I want someone to join me.
1 person likes this
In that case you need (obviously) an excellent script that will inspire a producer to work without pay until they raise the money. There isn’t much else you can show a producer. Talent attachment would be a huge help - if you can do that. Very few writers have those connections. Do you? It couldn’t hurt for you to do a simple breakdown to give a potential partner a budget range. What do you see your role in this partnership? Writer and co-producer?
I don't have connections, though I have started to breakdown the budget, I would like to be a co-producer, but in the end the most important thing is to see this project made properly and if that means I would have to step down, so be it, but ideally I would like to be involved int he producing as well.
If they are to join you, what experience (ie value) do you bring by being a producer? You're asking someone to hire you, source money, produce the whole project, and give you a cut. Doesn't sound like a winning deal. What is more likely is getting a producer to option your script, then buy it if he/she can get a director, star and funding together. In that case you just need an excellent script, and then to network and shop it around, or work through an agent.
2 people like this
You have many options open to you and - as you know - many challenges. It is more likely that an interested producer will have questions for you instead of you needing to know what questions to ask a producer. Since you would like to be involved in the producing then you should begin that aspect of the production as you are looking for a producer. Breakdown, budget, day out of days, realistic cast list, director options; that kind of thing. Put together a nice package to present to a producer.
3 people like this
I would have two other pitches ready for different stories when you go into the meeting, even if you haven't written those scripts yet. There's an excellent chance the producer will ask what else you have, so you'll want an answer to that question.