Hi All.

I'm newish, 3 years in script writing. I notice a good few SS's short scripts get produced / filmed. Doe's one get paid for your script to be filmed or do you pay them to film it??  

Most likely neither.

But that’s not to say folks aren’t occasionally payed, although I think it’s fair to say it’s highly unlikely and even when they are it’s probably just a token amount. Mainly because there’s very little money in shorts.

As for paying someone to make it—then that would be taking on another role as well as that of writer, and if you aren’t working with people directly I’d suggest not going that route.

It depends how I feel about the short. I usually let people use my shorts for free unless they want exclusivity, in which case they have to buy it from me. I never sell a short for less than $200. If I really like the short and believe it has great festival potential, I'll ask for more. The only time I've spent money to have a short made is the ones I've produced and directed myself.

Never paid anyone to film one.

Have sold one for as cheap as $50 and as much as $1,000.

80% of the time though I allow free use and retain rights to the script.

Max, Grandma Bear and Eldave1. Thank you for your info.

I know you all busy, but if I may ask. How does one get their shorts out there.. Any of you have a list I can send my shorts to? My PM is:  scriptwriter.barryjohn@gmail.com - Would be much appreciated.

Thanks again,
Barry John

Well I think a lot of people would agree this place is a great way to get their work out there.

It can take time though.

Max

Quoted from BarryJohn Max, Grandma Bear and Eldave1. Thank you for your info. I know you all busy, but if I may ask. How does one get their shorts out there.. Any of you have a list I can send my shorts to? My PM is:  scriptwriter.barryjohn@gmail.com - Would be much appreciated. Thanks again, Barry John

I host my shorts 1) here, 2) Script Revolution 3) My own website.

I've gotten hits (people interested) from all three platforms. I would also add that if you want to start getting stuff produced, strategically you should be writing shorts that can be filmed on a very modest budget.

Thanks Guys

Hoping to get at least 2 shorts filmed (no charge) for exposure to sell my features.

Eldave1 - Website is a good idea, Ta.

Thanks again

Having some writing credits will help, but it’s worth bearing in mind that even a great short script might not be picked up for years (if at all). Not wanting to pick apart your game-plan here, but I think it’s best to have realistic expectations of probable outcomes.

Max

--The wait. Good thing I'm still very young - 50  

If you’re willing to make the investment, proof of concept shorts have worked to sell features. Take a scene or make a trailer from your best feature script. You’ll probably have to play producer and find filmmakers in your area. Then on top of that you’ll probably have to foot the entire expense. Could be thousands for someone who’s not a filmmaker to pay everyone else, but it has worked before. The Babadook, Whiplash, District 9, Mama, Lights Out, Sin City... just to name a few.

James

I think I get paid for roughly 60% of my short scripts, from nominal amount to 000s depending on who is buying and what for.

The one thing I always do is ask the simple but often awkward question "Do you have a budget to purchase the script?" and then go from there.

Good luck

Hi Anthony

Thanks for posting.
A question --If they going to pay you $?? Why is whether they have a budget or not a concern to you? Is it because you don't want your name on the titles on a poorly produced film? I know that's my concern. Or is it.. ?    

Again, I'm newish, for all trying to get one of my shorts filmed.

Thank you.

Hi Barry,

No, I don't ask them if they have a budget or what it is for the film itself.

I specifically ask them if they have a budget allocated for the purchase of a script, i.e. can they pay me anything for my work.

If the answer is no then that's down to me to assess if they have enough experience and commitment to make the film. As one of the problems I've found with selling scripts, or optioning them, is that the script is then tied up with a film maker for whatever the agreed period is.

Quality of the film is another matter entirely, my working attitude now is that I won't worry about what I can't control - life's too short.

Best

Hi I was wondering if anyone here could help me to negotiate a short term option I’ve been offered for a screenplay. All feedback will be appreciated. Cheers