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I know that the script "The Suicide Theory" was found on this site and made into a movie but are there any other success stories like it?
This is a pretty old forum, it's been around for quite some time. Did other scripts get made into movies that were posted on here?
I know a few other members have gotten their scripts produced but I'm talking about scripts discovered through this forum.
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DustinBowcot
Posted: March 25th, 2014, 1:46am
Guest User
I've noticed quite a few films produced at this site... whether this site was the catalyst for them though, I have no idea.
Mostly what I seem to get here are students and amateur film-makers looking to make shorts. To be honest though, you're probably better off just doing it yourself than giving it to one of those guys... but some people are desperate to see something made and judge it as a success even when it's a fail. Some amateur film-makers are OK, but always check them out to make sure they're not going to make a disaster out of your perfectly good story.
I have met one or two decent contacts from here though... well, one. And we are making a feature film together.
The rest I've done myself, through study and email... oh, and having some good friends.
Three of my scipts were found here and produced. The thing is, even if the production values are weak, or the actors awful, the writer only gets credit for the script. People aren't going to blame the writer for bad cinematography.
As an aside, most of the longtime posters (myself included) know what's good and bad. Everyone has their strengths and their weaknesses, but we're here to help everyone. Don't let the arseholes tell you otherwise.
There are things I would personally change about my produced scripts, but I wouldn't ever take it back. All three directors learned something. I learned something. And that's all that counts.
As a writer, it's hard for me to shoot my own scripts. Luckily I have friends that are skilled in other areas to help me out.
Three of my scipts were found here and produced. The thing is, even if the production values are weak, or the actors awful, the writer only gets credit for the script. People aren't going to blame the writer for bad cinematography.
I'm not so sure that is strictly true. People in the business may not blame the writer... but viewers will. Also, bad direction can make a writer look bad, purely because they can change whatever they want at whim. Miss important stuff out that does make the writer look stupid.
It even happens in blockbuster films, let alone zero-budget productions. Maybe as a youngster just stepping up, it's fine... but a writer a little less than a year shy of 40, I think we should be setting our sights higher.
So there are different standards here too, depending on age. I don't think a 40-year-old working with students, making a shitty film does the writer any good at all. However, if they're in their twenties, then why not.
I'm not so sure that is strictly true. People in the business may not blame the writer... but viewers will. Also, bad direction can make a writer look bad, purely because they can change whatever they want at whim. Miss important stuff out that does make the writer look stupid.
I agree. Even if you have written something awesome, if it's shot awful and acted badly the material itself will come of looking horrible too. If someone doesn't deliver your line like it's suppose to be delivered, then the line kind of loses it's meaning.
I haven't seen anyone ever say about a DTV movie, that had horrible cinematography, was badly directed and acted.... hey, the writing in this was pretty good. Usually the writing gets grouped in with the rest of it.
I've had 3 shorts picked up here at Simply Scripts. One came out great, placed in several festivals. Another also came out great but it was shot in another country and has subtitles and the other...well, it turned out pretty bad.
Personally, I'm honored when someone chooses my work as their project, whether it be a seasoned filmmaker or a student who may botch it up. I would never give a student filmmaker exclusive rights though. The short that turned out pretty bad is being shot this summer by another filmmaker with way more experience.
How you market yourself and your work is a personal choice. Me...I'm fine with whoever wants to film something of mine, as long as they get written permission. Being a photographer and painter, I have a soft spot for artists. I've had the door closed in my face so many times, I couldn't do that to someone else. Anyway, giving others the opportunity to learn and improve is good Karma, IMO.
I've had seven or eight shorts produced (and one currently in production). While a couple were poorly done, production value on the others were very good. I've had a short shown at the Cannes Film Festival and another at Clermont Ferrand Intl Short Film Festival. The Animal Planet, in Great Britain, wanted to show Pugumentary until it learned it wasn't a real documentary.
You just have to pick and choose who produces your work.
I've had seven or eight shorts produced (and one currently in production). While a couple were poorly done, production value on the others were very good. I've had a short shown at the Cannes Film Festival and another at Clermont Ferrand Intl Short Film Festival. The Animal Planet, in Great Britain, wanted to show Pugumentary until it learned it wasn't a real documentary.
You just have to pick and choose who produces your work.
Phil
Do you know how many were discovered through this site? Were any?
Where can I watch some of those shorts?
Also great job on getting a short into Cannes Film Festival.
In this short period of time since discovering S.S, I’ve had two shorts go into production. One I got paid for, the other for free. I know my writing isn’t up to par with most vets here on the site. But sometimes a concept or an idea could be stronger enough to catch an interest from an ambitious producer.
But in the meantime, I’ll continue to hone my craft, sharpen up my skills, and keep churning out material for people to read.
I write/upload. If some big-shot producer sees my work and contacts me, I'll likely cave and sell the rights. If not... well, I'm not gonna go chasing them.
I've had 3/4 shorts whipped out my hands, but I gave them away because the people that contacted me were students or independent filmmakers with an already low-budget. Didn't seem right to charge them.
Lots of people have had their scripts produced from here. SS is better than InkTip in getting scripts discovered. Even bigger studios search for scripts here. Do not confuse that with them perusing the forums. They look at the main site for unproduced scripts.
I was once contacted by a studio in Hollywood (medium sized) to write a blockbuster type script. I failed miserably, but they found me here from a short I wrote.
I was once contacted by a studio in Hollywood (medium sized) to write a blockbuster type script. I failed miserably, but they found me here from a short I wrote.
That's awesome. Sucks that it didn't happen but it must be great to know that your talent was recognized.