Screenwriting : Features vs Pilots? by Andrew Man

Some prodcos do only film, others only TV, still others a mixed bag. You've got to do your research on who does what. One way is to look at similar shows already on TV and find out who produced (not distributed) them, then give those folks a ring.

Thanks Shelly, I guessed it was more complicated. So if Joey's post says 'features only' the prodco is not looking for pilot scripts like mine?

Absolutely not. They want to make a movie.

Thanks, at least that's clear!

Thanks Joey, its best for me to pitch to those companies interested in a TV series, but then a series of films like 'Harry Potter' or 'Divergent' would also be great! I will be signing up for Ms Bishop this Friday.

Hey Andrew, I get the free Inktip newsletter and in the latest one (today) there was a production company looking for Sci-Fi pilots to be submitted. It might be worth signing up and submitting - since it is specifically requested Sci-Fi Pilots they want (not features). I can send the you link - but I think you will need to sign up (at least for the free newsletter)

Great send me the link and I will see if I can find the prodco :) Many thanks

Here is the request from InkTip - Sci-Fi PILOT script. "Company G" We are looking for completed sci-fi, horror or action/thriller pilot scripts. Material submitted should be the sort one might find on Hulu or Amazon. Material should appeal to a young female audience. We are open to material adapted from (and adaptable back to) TV pilots or feature films, but please only submit if an actual pilot is ready to be read. Budget will not exceed $1million. WGA and Non-WGA writers may submit. To get access & submit your script, sign up here: http://www.InkTip.com/pnews.php

Thanks Alle and your comments are not only useful but reflect the reality of the market. The problem with a complicated plot is to simplify it. We use the Pilot as the Intro to a production series, which leaves just six chapters of the book, so we only need six script writers to cover the story? I'm sure Stage 32, with some help from Joey can find six Sci Fi writers, interested to take one chapter each and pool the scripts together to make the full screenplay series. I cacn't do this because I'm the author of the book "Forces of Retribution" (http://amzn.to/1t54Yf1) and need to finish a third book by year end - this would make a second screenplay series - asuming the first is sucessful? The key to doing this is finding an experienced film exec to keep track of of the production process. Probably needs someone in the U.S because that's the biggest production market and best source of funding? I'm thinking of someone like Rob Thomas, who put together the latest Veronica Mars movie and Crowd funded it for over $5m, but anyone with drive and energy could do it! Let's ask Joey what he thinks, as I'm sure it must have been done before, Thanks agaain for your comment :)

Thanks Ammie, for your InkTip link, I'm going to check this out over the w/e. It's another option, although the budget is a bit low, my Pilot is already registered with the WGA :)

What's worked for me so far is putting together a bible for the series. Map out character descriptions and have an idea as to where the series is going (first season episodes, future storylines, etc.) The more that you know as to where it is going, the more that you will be involved in the show if it gets picked up.

Alle, for the last time, stop saying the law changed. The law did not change. I have proven this to you over and over. Why do you ignore me? Also, you have copyright protection regardless– registration is necessary to bring a case. This too I have said over and over, and it can be easily verified: http://copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html Every time you talk about your imaginary “new law” I will do this, until you stop.

Yes Alle I can read and the WGA registry clearly states an expiration date: 8/7/2019 - so what? If you don't like the WGA you can register with Script Vault in London where the courts may look different, but you still have to prove your case? For 12 quid you get a certificate of the date your script was logged, which is then stored for 10 years - this looks quite long enough for me! Thanks Rachel for your imput, it's a good link.

Rachel, I remember reading about a change with the WGA. But, who cares? Relax. :) A script registered with WGA West will only be registered with them for 5 years. One can always renew. The purpose of the WGA registration is to establish yourself as the creator of an original work and to establish when that work was completed. However, while a WGA registration creates valid evidence that can be used in court, it does not provide as many legal remedies as only a registered copyright can. So, always copyright protect your work!

Lyse, great insights! Thanks for sharing.

Beth, Alle keeps referring to a new law passed this year which does different things every time she mentions it- originally she claimed it placed everything in the public domain unless it had a notice on it. I have verified with the U.S Copyright Office that this is not the case, but she persists in ignoring me. So yes, I'm getting frustrated. Also, it has been clear for some time that Alle constantly makes things up and is basically a fantasist. Maybe this doesn't bother you, but it bothers me. Edit: I should also stress that the first version of Alle's "new law" had nothing whatever to do with the WGA.

By the way, I actually agree that it's better to register with the Copyright Office- that's not the point.

Sorry, I didn't mean to ruffle feathers, Rachel. But, perhaps, just let it go. I mean that sincerely. I believe most here on Stage 32 are well-versed and will seek out facts on their own. Make their own decisions. Insights and opinions given here are always helpful, but sometimes they're not always factual. Me, I have a copyright lawyer. :) Best to you!

Alle, No, unregistered works in the US do not land in the public domain after 5 years. Unpublished and never registered copyright lasts the life of the author plus 70 years. So, as of January 1, 2014, that would mean works by writers who died before 1944 may now fall into public domain -- unless another living family member or estate has claimed new copyright. I'd be curious to see where you are finding your information. Perhaps you are confused? Alle, please look over the following. I hope it helps. :) Here is a very clear and concise copy of the copyright terms as of 01/01/14 : https://copyright.cornell.edu/resources/publicdomain.cfm

Alle, are you looking at written works that are not registered abroad? Whether or not certain foreign copyright is recognized by the US? Things certainly do get a little more dicey there... and fall into public domain. Please look over the link I posted above. It does clarify all copyright issues in the US and how the US recognizes copyright established abroad. Perhaps this is the misunderstanding that is causing frustration. You do not make that distinction clear in your statements. :) Andrew, I apologize for this copyright discussion within your thread. Personally, I am done. I do wish you the best with your endeavors. :)

Thanks, Lyse and Beth… and now, Beth, I’m afraid its your turn. Believe me, I’ve posted that link and others multiple times; Alle just ignores me, or claims they have it wrong (including the Copyright Office itself)! Ah well, maybe you’ll have better luck.

Beth, Lyse, Rachel, Andrew and others..... from my experience with Alle's comments over time on this site.... she's the one that brings an axe to the garden party. I don't get it. She can give some advice to newbies and they love her for it.... her criticisms are uncalled for on this site. She always puts in her one cent worth. Maybe it's a dollar... it goes on forever... the longest posts ever.... like she's the queen of filmmakers. As far as she's concerned imdb has no value.... I'm there... have been for years.... are you? I'm proud of my accomplishments. No matter how small. They're mine. If she attacks you... flip it off your shoulder. I stayed away from Stage 32 for a few months because of her comments on my thread. She totally devastated me. I thought I was safe here. So many people came to my aid... but I just couldn't deal with it at the time. I was floored. Why would one person... or should I say... how can one person like her, make ME... want to run away and hide. Then I got it. She's evil. That's it. She feels like she's the cat's meow. and the rest of us are beneath her. I think my thread reached over 140 comments in a few days. My supporters brought me back eventually. I have no interest now on whatever she has to say. She pretends she's the ultimate expert and what bothers me is how she for some reason loves to crush people for no reason. .... NOT ACCEPTABLE... not here on Stage32 as far as I'm concerned. This is a hard business. We all need all the support and love that we can get. Everything I read from that woman makes my blood boil. Thanks for listening to my rant folks. Sorry about all that. Alle, if you see this post, DO NOT contact me. I'm not interested in reading your response. Go away. Give me a break. Thank you. Good night all.

Yes, I agree with you Lyse, as always!!! :) I mean, I already said, "I'm done." :) Rachel, I still say let it go, just let it go. :) Sylvia, you too. :) I honestly wasn't coming from a place of frustration or anger, not at all. My intent was to help. I had the information up and I decided to share it. :) Listen, everyone has a right to express themselves here on Stage 32. Try not to take things so personally. :) All my best to all of you! ...Now, get back to pitching awesome TV pilots!

Thanks Beth, finally someone has confirmed the figure of 70 years from death, I thought it was 50 years. In my writing I have used works for a prologue from 1892, which my U.S publisher had no problem to accept. Its been an interesting experience, watching my post being taken over by so many script writers. It gives me confidence to move forward with Stage 32. As you said lets get back to pitching some TV scripts!

Hey Andrew, I'm glad my "thread bomb" was of some use! Sure, conversations veer off from time to time, but they always come back to the topic at hand. Yes, please do move forward with Stage 32. We're like a loving yet dysfunctional family! Welcome!

Thanks Alle. But, personally, I don't need any help. As I said earlier, I have a copyright lawyer. :) As an American creating original works in America I know I'm good. :) Best wishes to you!

Also, Alle, thanks for sharing the section I assume you were looking at for your own information. And, thanks for taking the time to consider the link I posted. Copyright issues from different countries does complicate things. Having plenty of information certainly doesn't hurt! Again, best wishes... and moving on.

Well, but if copyr... Just fooling around. :) Jokes aside, the Inktip proposal when they write budget, they mean production budget?

Very funny Anthony. Regarding InkTip... I think most of their posting are fairly low budget... mostly under 5 million $.... I believe.

You asked about pitching a pilot. There are plenty of places on Happy Writers, but I had Amanda Torey do an eval of mine and she is great. Most places want you to have a showrunner attached and for that you need to get your agent involved.

Andrew I may not know how it works there but would you not pitch a pilot to TV producers only and Feature to the other type? And then when you pitch it have an outline of the entire series with it.

Thanks Marilyn, I think that's excactly what I'm going to do. It means I'm going to have to rewrite my pitch, but no one likes it anyway and it should include an outline of the whole series :)

You are more than welcome to send me your pitch if you want to try it out first....

Thanks think I may take you up on that, working on rewrite today, be in touch :)

Just forgot one thing...are you a member of ISA(International screenwriters association)? They post gigs and I am sure I saw one requesting pilot episodes...if I find it I will paste it.

Yes, I got invited on my LinkedIn account http://linkd.in/1qtDI3K and posted my screen writing? It has been viewed by one person so far! Any links to Pilots much appreciated...

http://www.networkisa.org/writing-gigs.php follow this link there is a gig for middle east west script, and one for comedy series. Otherwise sign on there and they email you gig notifications.

Many thanks will check it out.

Hi Marilyn, finished rewritting my pitch, if you want to check it out send an email to author@andrewman.com and I will forward a copy...:)