I'm not sure if this is the proper forum for this question. If it isn't, my apologies.

Anyway, I'm feeling kinda pessimistic in terms of my chances of selling a script to a "Hollywood" studio.  

That said, I'm wondering if, for now, I should just focus my efforts toward writing low, or even no, budget scripts, written with the aspiring film maker in mind.

I'm not interested in making millions. I enjoy writing, especially screenplays. And will continue to write regardless of whether or not my work sells.

Although I'd like to, I do not have to make a career of this.

Seth

You've got a better shot of getting produced if you writer lower budget, I'll tell you that.

The odds of selling a script to a major studio are somewhere in the range of being struck by lightning.

I'd still say write what you want though....you never know how things can happen.

When just starting out, write with the student film maker in mind.  These guys will, most likely, be the ones who will produce your scripts.  With this in mind, keep the number of locations to a minimum and the cast to a minimum.

If you can't write a good script of people just talking, then you shouldn't be writing.  That's where the story is.


Phil

Write the best script you can. With the right pitch, you can sell anything. The trick is to have something that is so good that the bigwigs can't help but buy it. Sure, there are slim chances of getting into a major studio on your first gig, but this is not to say you couldn't get a theatrical release from an independant. You put out what they're willing to buy, and you can get in. Just make sure what you're putting out is marketable and ready.

Quoted from dogglebe When just starting out, write with the student film maker in mind.  These guys will, most likely, be the ones who will produce your scripts.  With this in mind, keep the number of locations to a minimum and the cast to a minimum."

This is excellent advice. I just watched Garrison Kellior's "A Prairie Home Companion." I got it 'cuz I used to work at the Fitzgerald -- where it was shot. So it was of particular interest to me.

I knew it was shot mostly inside the theatre, but, really, the locations were, with few exceptions, limited to the stage and the basement below the stage -- even this film, with name actors, had few locations. This is definitely something to keep in mind.

Anyway, can't say I liked the film -- it had a very thin plot. One that, if posted on SS as a spec script, would be torn apart. Still, it was, in its own way, enjoyable.

Seth  

Quoted from Shelton The odds of selling a script to a major studio are somewhere in the range of being struck by lightning.

That's what I was thinking.

Quoted from Shelton I'd still say write what you want though....you never know how things can happen.

This is good advice, too.

For now, I'm just gonna write.

Seth