SimplyScripts Discussion Board
Blog Home - Produced Movie Script Library - TV Scripts - Unproduced Scripts - Contact - Site Map
ScriptSearch
Welcome, Guest.
It is March 29th, 2024, 9:19am
Please login or register.
Was Portal Recent Posts Home Help Calendar Search Register Login
Please do read the guidelines that govern behavior on the discussion board. It will make for a much more pleasant experience for everyone. A word about SimplyScripts and Censorship


Produced Script Database (Updated!)
One Week Challenge - Who Wrote What and Writers' Choice.


Scripts studios are posting for award consideration

Short Script of the Day | Featured Script of the Month | Featured Short Scripts Available for Production
Submit Your Script

How do I get my film's link and banner here?
All screenplays on the simplyscripts.com and simplyscripts.net domain are copyrighted to their respective authors. All rights reserved. This screenplaymay not be used or reproduced for any purpose including educational purposes without the expressed written permission of the author.
Forum Login
Username: Create a new Account
Password:     Forgot Password

SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board    General Boards    Questions or Comments  ›  Coverage
Users Browsing Forum
No Members and 6 Guests

 Pages: 1, 2, 3 : All
Recommend Print
  Author    Coverage  (currently 3946 views)
CameronD
Posted: September 16th, 2014, 3:18pm Report to Moderator
Been Around



Posts
542
Posts Per Day
0.14
So I asked awhile back if anybody had any tips on query letters. I have another question piggybacking off that I guess. I've gotten a lot of responses saying producers and agents won't take unsolicited scripts and that I need coverage. I even tried querying Babz from the site and got an extensive reply on why and how I should get coverage.

Is it worthwhile to pay to have somebody read my script for feedback? Some of these consultation services are a bit more than I care to afford right now. I don't want to pay if it isn't worthwhile. Once I get coverage how would I mention that in a query letter? Does it really help open doors? Do agents or producers care where I get my read from? Or just as long as I have one?

As always, I know I could Google search the reasons why and get a bunch of drivel from who knows who. But I'd like to hear any real life experiences from people here as well as their thoughts. I value that input way more than I do a search engines. Thanx.


http://www.TheFilmBox.org Movie reviews, news, and fun!
http://www.screenplaywritenow.com Write a screenplay. Write. Now.
http://www.SchismSEO.com Separate from your competition. Affordable SEO services
http://www.MyEasyGifter.com Because nobody likes receiving gift cards
Logged Offline
Private Message
DustinBowcot
Posted: September 16th, 2014, 4:24pm Report to Moderator
Guest User



Surely though the agents would have certain people one should use to gain feedback. Else it would be easy for me to set up a legitimate-looking website in just a couple of hours and give myself a RECOMMEND.
Logged
e-mail Reply: 1 - 30
CameronD
Posted: September 16th, 2014, 4:36pm Report to Moderator
Been Around



Posts
542
Posts Per Day
0.14
Yeah that's part of it.........  A buddy of mine just created a website to do editorial services and I was wondering if I could get him to do a proper read through and pass that on. He wouldn't try to pull a scam, just thoght I could get a friend discount for his services.

BTW, I dig your  logo Dustin. Look legit.


http://www.TheFilmBox.org Movie reviews, news, and fun!
http://www.screenplaywritenow.com Write a screenplay. Write. Now.
http://www.SchismSEO.com Separate from your competition. Affordable SEO services
http://www.MyEasyGifter.com Because nobody likes receiving gift cards
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 2 - 30
Leegion
Posted: September 16th, 2014, 9:42pm Report to Moderator
New


Location
England
Posts
491
Posts Per Day
0.10
No, it's not worth it.
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 3 - 30
Leegion
Posted: September 17th, 2014, 12:08am Report to Moderator
New


Location
England
Posts
491
Posts Per Day
0.10
I never used one.

Consider my experience with coverage part of the movie industry in general.  Look how many films come out every year that are just awful.  Films that should never, ever be made yet get made.

Someone had to give them a "recommend", right?

And if they didn't, then these films still got made.  

Meaning coverage is pretty much worthless when you put things into perspective that either A) They got a recommend from someone, or B) They never received coverage in the first place, yet still managed to be made.
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 4 - 30
ghost and_ghostie gal
Posted: September 17th, 2014, 1:29am Report to Moderator
Old Timer



Location
A helluva long way from LA
Posts
1565
Posts Per Day
0.29

Quoted from CameronD

Is it worthwhile to pay to have somebody read my script for feedback?


Well, that all depends.  While coverage can be very valuable, not all readers are created equal.  It's always a good idea to check out their background and credentials, and ask for references.

Do you need it, probably not. I know some companies have their own people who do that for them.

Personally, I'd never send any of my scripts without it.  Hell, I'd hire my own script consultant if I could. The storytelling quality of my script, its readability, understandability,  the premise, plot, structure, theme, ect... things that I need to know.

but hey, that's just me,

Ghost

http://www.screenplaymechanic.com/

http://www.scriptgal.com/



Revision History (1 edits)
ghost and_ghostie gal  -  September 17th, 2014, 1:46am
Logged
Private Message Reply: 5 - 30
khamanna
Posted: September 17th, 2014, 2:07am Report to Moderator
January Project Group



Posts
4194
Posts Per Day
0.79
Depending on how you chose to market it. You can upload it to InkTip and those people would read your stuff if they like your synopsis. Although a consider for a script might prompt extra reads - I mean logically it should. When my script was on InkTip I didn't do coverage and it still got a fair share of reads.
And if you get a Pass - you don't have to alert producers) you just upload without any mention of the pass I guess.
If you want to do a quiry letter - you should probably get a coverage, and try to get a consider. They take that into account I heard. If you get a pass don't quiry - I wouldn't.
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 6 - 30
DustinBowcot
Posted: September 17th, 2014, 3:29am Report to Moderator
Guest User




Quoted from CameronD
Yeah that's part of it.........  A buddy of mine just created a website to do editorial services and I was wondering if I could get him to do a proper read through and pass that on. He wouldn't try to pull a scam, just thoght I could get a friend discount for his services.

BTW, I dig your  logo Dustin. Look legit.


Hey, if it was my mate, I'd expect a leg up. Not sure why agents are asking for things like that when they are so easily cheated.

The logo does look crisper than that ordinarily. I got the jpg that had a white background and I removed the image to make it transparent. Messed up a little in a few places. Thanks though.
Logged
e-mail Reply: 7 - 30
DustinBowcot
Posted: September 17th, 2014, 3:32am Report to Moderator
Guest User



Just a thought too.. but I've never been asked by an agent for coverage. Not that I've approached many either, mind... but the ones that I have have never asked for coverage.

If they do ask for coverage then they shouldn't just accept any old coverage from anybody. I could literally make a legitimate-looking website in 2 hours.
Logged
e-mail Reply: 8 - 30
Heretic
Posted: September 17th, 2014, 9:37am Report to Moderator
January Project Group



Location
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Posts
2023
Posts Per Day
0.28

Quoted from Leegion
Look how many films come out every year that are just awful.  Films that should never, ever be made yet get made.

Someone had to give them a "recommend", right?


Many of these may have been fantastic scripts at one point, keep in mind!

http://scriptshadow.net/script-to-screen-what-happened-to-hot-spec-script-transcendence/

A lot of things happen to a script between that "recommend" and final cut.

I agree with your broader point, though, Lee. Consultation service is another mini-industry that offers very little value but is attempting to insert itself heavily enough into the industry to become an unavoidable cost.
Logged Offline
Site Private Message Reply: 9 - 30
DustinBowcot
Posted: September 17th, 2014, 10:52am Report to Moderator
Guest User




Quoted from Heretic


Consultation service is another mini-industry that offers very little value but is attempting to insert itself heavily enough into the industry to become an unavoidable cost.


Agents really shouldn't be helping it along either, IMO. If an agent can't tell a competent writer from an initial query letter then I would question their own credentials. There are a lot of wannabe agents and managers too.
Logged
e-mail Reply: 10 - 30
Leegion
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 11:24am Report to Moderator
New


Location
England
Posts
491
Posts Per Day
0.10

Quoted from Heretic


Many of these may have been fantastic scripts at one point, keep in mind!

http://scriptshadow.net/script-to-screen-what-happened-to-hot-spec-script-transcendence/

A lot of things happen to a script between that "recommend" and final cut.

I agree with your broader point, though, Lee. Consultation service is another mini-industry that offers very little value but is attempting to insert itself heavily enough into the industry to become an unavoidable cost.


I understand that.  But why do the writers allow these movies to be made?  

If the director and/or production company is gonna tinker something you put a helluva lot of effort into and make it a far cry from what it once was, it is your moral obligation as the writer to give them back that paycheck and find someone else willing to produce it.

Hell if I'd let Age of Shadows become some terrible fantasy adventure movie where instead of being a bad-a** mofo, Orion was a PG-13 friendly "good guy" that kids could call a hero.  Nah, I'd literally pull out no matter how much I got for the rights.  

See, a screenplay is like a novel.  You put a lot of work into it.  You write the story, develop the world and characters.  Then some snobby director comes along and says "nope, can't do that, let's do this, hey, let's have racial sterotypical transformers", etc.

It's wrong and needs to stop.

On the other hand, with Novels in general, all you do is send 3 chapters, a cover letter and synopsis, alongside (obviously) the query email.

Do this and you get 1 of 2 responses:  Yes, we're interested OR We're not interested at this time.

They don't say "go pay someone to read your entire manuscript, then return to us once you have viable coverage".

Another thing that, unfortunately, is casting a physical shadow over new writers.
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 11 - 30
Leegion
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 12:29pm Report to Moderator
New


Location
England
Posts
491
Posts Per Day
0.10

Quoted from Grandma Bear


I don't think that's how it works. Once a prod-co has purchased your script. You are the last thing on their mind. The writer sadly is the lowest person on the totem pole. They will move on to make the film the best they can in their eyes. And obviously at this point, you've already signed the contract, so there's no way for you to return a check and them scrapping the project.

About the writer meaning nothing. When I shot TTD, just a small little short that turned out only so so after my best efforts. I'm new at this. What I was sadly shocked to find out was that on location shooting where everyone including crew had a paper copy of the script in hand I asked everybody to not look at the script and then tell me who the writer was. No one knew!!!! Bert's name was on the cover page! But no one knew or cared. As a writer, this saddened me a lot.


Exactly. Writers are the idea originators.  We design these worlds, stories and characters.  If not for us, these Hollywood Blockbusters or Indie Films would be non-existent.

That's what these companies need to recognize.  Actors too, for what it's worth.

Look at Novels.  JK Rowling, JRR Tolkein, Suzanne Collins, Steven King.  They receive 100% credit for their creations because no one else helped make the novel.

If I were to publish my fantasy novel, my name would be on the cover.  If I were to sell the production rights to the script to a production company, my name would be nowhere NEAR the poster.

Why should that be any different for screenwriters?  "Oh, Joe/Jane Nobody wrote this script" "Ah, just give 'em a credit and a paycheck, they won't care if we tinker too much because they get money, that's all they care about".

I don't know how many screenwriters/potentials I speak for here, but I care a helluva lot more about the finished product than the paycheck.

This is why I'm going dual.  Everything I write, I intend to film myself.

No Agents, no coverage, no production company apart from my own (first logo):


In the end, the writer means more than what we get.  Hopefully this will change, but if not, once I get Ironwing off the ground, I won't have to worry about some snobby Hollywood director taking all the credit.

Makes me wonder how the writer of "Skyline" feels about his story being tarnished.  As parts of that movie were really damn good, and I'm betting that was the script trying to shine through.

-Lee

P.S:  Anyone is welcome aboard to avoid the annoyances of "spec writer" territory.

I'm planning on having it going shortly.  Will be looking for other writers to expand globally in 2015.  Going through legal channels right now to make it official.
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 12 - 30
CameronD
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 12:38pm Report to Moderator
Been Around



Posts
542
Posts Per Day
0.14
Screenwriting can be a solitary exercise but film making is by its nature extremely collaborative. It's hard to make that transition I understand and give your baby away and let other play with your toys. But if you can't around that fact then maybe you're in the wrong field. Write a novel.

My two cents.


http://www.TheFilmBox.org Movie reviews, news, and fun!
http://www.screenplaywritenow.com Write a screenplay. Write. Now.
http://www.SchismSEO.com Separate from your competition. Affordable SEO services
http://www.MyEasyGifter.com Because nobody likes receiving gift cards
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 13 - 30
Leegion
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 12:40pm Report to Moderator
New


Location
England
Posts
491
Posts Per Day
0.10

Quoted from CameronD
Screenwriting can be a solitary exercise but film making is by its nature extremely collaborative. It's hard to make that transition I understand and give your baby away and let other play with your toys. But if you can't around that fact then maybe you're in the wrong field. Write a novel.

My two cents.


I can let others play with my toys.  I just don't want my toys scuffed.
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 14 - 30
CameronD
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 12:43pm Report to Moderator
Been Around



Posts
542
Posts Per Day
0.14
It's impossible to stay mint when you take them out of the box. Says my box full of Star Wars toys.


http://www.TheFilmBox.org Movie reviews, news, and fun!
http://www.screenplaywritenow.com Write a screenplay. Write. Now.
http://www.SchismSEO.com Separate from your competition. Affordable SEO services
http://www.MyEasyGifter.com Because nobody likes receiving gift cards
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 15 - 30
Leegion
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 12:58pm Report to Moderator
New


Location
England
Posts
491
Posts Per Day
0.10

Quoted from CameronD
It's impossible to stay mint when you take them out of the box. Says my box full of Star Wars toys.


True, lol.  Oh, the memories of childhood.  Playing with toys all day... so simple.  
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 16 - 30
Scar Tissue Films
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 1:07pm Report to Moderator
Of The Ancients


Posts
3382
Posts Per Day
0.63

Quoted from Leegion


I understand that.  But why do the writers allow these movies to be made?  

If the director and/or production company is gonna tinker something you put a helluva lot of effort into and make it a far cry from what it once was, it is your moral obligation as the writer to give them back that paycheck and find someone else willing to produce it.

Hell if I'd let Age of Shadows become some terrible fantasy adventure movie where instead of being a bad-a** mofo, Orion was a PG-13 friendly "good guy" that kids could call a hero.  Nah, I'd literally pull out no matter how much I got for the rights.  

See, a screenplay is like a novel.  You put a lot of work into it.  You write the story, develop the world and characters.  Then some snobby director comes along and says "nope, can't do that, let's do this, hey, let's have racial sterotypical transformers", etc.

It's wrong and needs to stop.

On the other hand, with Novels in general, all you do is send 3 chapters, a cover letter and synopsis, alongside (obviously) the query email.

Do this and you get 1 of 2 responses:  Yes, we're interested OR We're not interested at this time.

They don't say "go pay someone to read your entire manuscript, then return to us once you have viable coverage".

Another thing that, unfortunately, is casting a physical shadow over new writers.


If you have a story that you absolutely want to keep the way you wrote it...be a novelist or, at worst, a Director.

Films, at best, are an artistic collaboration between many people, and are an exercise in money making in any event.

You can argue about the rights and wrongs of it, but unless you have a spare £100m in your back-pocket to fund your fantasy script...you have to get used to it.

The truth is..you've got more chance of getting a successful novel turned into a movie than a spec script anyway because it already has a market.
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 17 - 30
Leegion
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 1:39pm Report to Moderator
New


Location
England
Posts
491
Posts Per Day
0.10
Director-Writers are at the mercy of Production Companies too.

Spider-Man 3 was never meant to incorporate Venom, but Sony decided to tell the Raimi Bros. to include Venom, hence why they cast a piss-poor actor (Topher Grace) as Eddy Brock, a guy you don't instantaneously think of as a roided monster.

Paul WS Anderson, who wrote and directed Resident Evil: Afterlife/Retribution, has been nailed to a cross for delivering terrible movies when in actuality, his original script concepts were rather good, for video-game adaptations that is.

Sony (again) got involved and cut at least HALF of the material in his script, and pretty much gave him a terrible script that was cut up beyond recognition, and told him to make it.

Essentially, the Production Companies are the ones responsible for most critical failures.

Then there's Michael Bay... lol

And Uwe Boll, but I think he's just bad at it in general.

---------------

Novels are easy to me, but I hate Microsoft Word and its constant "fragment" bs that keeps popping up every two seconds.  And that I can't use the word "but" as the first line of a sentence.

Small annoyances, but rather tedious after a while.
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 18 - 30
Scar Tissue Films
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 1:51pm Report to Moderator
Of The Ancients


Posts
3382
Posts Per Day
0.63
That's the film industry.

It exists to provide a bigger Return On Investment than is possible to get from the same amount of money invested in shares.

It is run wholly by huge, multinational companies who want product for their vertically integrated media companies.

If they want Venom in your script because they have a new Marvel series featuring Venom coming up for sale or because the CEO's kid has asked for it...it's going in the script whether you like it or not.

You can remain independent of course..but it's a world of pain trying to raise money to make anything.
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 19 - 30
DustinBowcot
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 1:54pm Report to Moderator
Guest User



You shouldn't really use 'and' at the start of a sentence either. I think it is only allowed for use in emphasis.

Nice logo Lee. Have you got any further in building your team?
Logged
e-mail Reply: 20 - 30
Leegion
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 2:54pm Report to Moderator
New


Location
England
Posts
491
Posts Per Day
0.10

Quoted from DustinBowcot
You shouldn't really use 'and' at the start of a sentence either. I think it is only allowed for use in emphasis.

Nice logo Lee. Have you got any further in building your team?


At the moment, no.  I want to get Ironwing made official before I start bringing people into the fold.  
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 21 - 30
Leegion
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 2:58pm Report to Moderator
New


Location
England
Posts
491
Posts Per Day
0.10

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films
That's the film industry.

It exists to provide a bigger Return On Investment than is possible to get from the same amount of money invested in shares.

It is run wholly by huge, multinational companies who want product for their vertically integrated media companies.

If they want Venom in your script because they have a new Marvel series featuring Venom coming up for sale or because the CEO's kid has asked for it...it's going in the script whether you like it or not.

You can remain independent of course..but it's a world of pain trying to raise money to make anything.


Yeah, sucks right?  

I could never do that with anything of mine though.  What's in it is in it, if the production company wants to take something out or add something else, they lose their chance of producing it.  It films as written or it doesn't film at all.

Well, that's how I think anyway.  I'm very stern, lol.
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 22 - 30
DustinBowcot
Posted: September 18th, 2014, 3:00pm Report to Moderator
Guest User




Quoted from Leegion


At the moment, no.  I want to get Ironwing made official before I start bringing people into the fold.  


I did it the other way around.
Logged
e-mail Reply: 23 - 30
ajr
Posted: September 19th, 2014, 6:17am Report to Moderator
Old Timer



Posts
1482
Posts Per Day
0.28
Not sure external coverage means as much as it used to. As Pia says, it does help if you can secure good coverage - primarily so you can use that, or quotes from it, in a pitch. However all talent agencies, management companies, sales agencies, production companies, etc. do their own coverage - which means it doesn't get to the talent, producer, financier, director, without a reader going through it first.

An agent or manager may read it depending on what kind of relationship you can build with them.

To the writer that posted the original question - are you getting coverage because you are trying to get an agent, or because you're trying to get read?


Click HERE to read JOHN LENNON'S HEAVEN https://preview.tinyurl.com/John-Lennon-s-Heaven-110-pgs/
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 24 - 30
CameronD
Posted: September 19th, 2014, 9:47am Report to Moderator
Been Around



Posts
542
Posts Per Day
0.14
I might be greedy, over ambitious, probably both, but I want $$$. I sent out about 400 query emails, and got two responses. (I know, I know, then send out 400 more) I did get tons of responses though that agents and producers don't accept unsolicited materials. I did some research and that sounded like you needed coverage or an agent to me.

I'm thinking of entering the upcoming Bluecat to see where I stand. Maybe a positive review from that could end up as coverage. Two birds. One stone. I am new at this so that's why I ask a lot of questions. Save me a couple of head bangs against the wall if others have more experience putting holes in walls.


http://www.TheFilmBox.org Movie reviews, news, and fun!
http://www.screenplaywritenow.com Write a screenplay. Write. Now.
http://www.SchismSEO.com Separate from your competition. Affordable SEO services
http://www.MyEasyGifter.com Because nobody likes receiving gift cards
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 25 - 30
mmmarnie
Posted: September 19th, 2014, 11:04am Report to Moderator
January Project Group



Posts
1085
Posts Per Day
0.22
On Pia's recommend, I used screenplayreaders.com. Their price was VERY reasonable and I was extremely happy with their honest, insightful and thorough coverage. I did get 2 "considers" which definitely helped get a few industry people to take a better look at me. I'm sure it matters what company you use. Getting a consider from an unknown company won't turn their heads. There are quite a few out there with really good reputations.

IMO getting coverage is worth it for a couple of reasons. To get an honest review from someone who isn't afraid to hurt your feelings, and/or getting a possible "consider or recommend" which may coax someone into taking a better look at your work.


boop
Logged
Private Message Reply: 26 - 30
khamanna
Posted: September 19th, 2014, 12:13pm Report to Moderator
January Project Group



Posts
4194
Posts Per Day
0.79

Quoted from CameronD
I might be greedy, over ambitious, probably both, but I want $$$. I sent out about 400 query emails, and got two responses. (I know, I know, then send out 400 more) I did get tons of responses though that agents and producers don't accept unsolicited materials.


You better call them first, I think. Even if you get a consider - it's still unsolicited material. Probably if it's a recommend... I don't know. But my thinking is - unsolicited means submitted by you. If Screenplay readers give it a recommend and submit it to agencies - then it's not unsolicited anymore, I think.

Anyway, if you call you'll know the ones that accept unsolicited material.
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 27 - 30
Leegion
Posted: September 19th, 2014, 12:54pm Report to Moderator
New


Location
England
Posts
491
Posts Per Day
0.10

Quoted from CameronD
I might be greedy, over ambitious, probably both, but I want $$$. I sent out about 400 query emails, and got two responses. (I know, I know, then send out 400 more) I did get tons of responses though that agents and producers don't accept unsolicited materials. I did some research and that sounded like you needed coverage or an agent to me.

I'm thinking of entering the upcoming Bluecat to see where I stand. Maybe a positive review from that could end up as coverage. Two birds. One stone. I am new at this so that's why I ask a lot of questions. Save me a couple of head bangs against the wall if others have more experience putting holes in walls.


The second you put $$$ at the forefront of your mind is the very moment you set yourself up to fail.

In my own experience, after querying maybe 20 literary and screen agencies over the past 4 years, is that agents will define your writing skill on your query email.

The query email is the key to success.  One misplaced comma, one uncapped "I", a simple error in formatting paragraphs (use 4 lines at most) and they won't even bother opening your pdf.

So if the query email is badly written, the agent's probably thinking "the script is too".  Hence why they're asking you to gain coverage.  

Get what I mean?
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 28 - 30
CameronD
Posted: September 19th, 2014, 1:15pm Report to Moderator
Been Around



Posts
542
Posts Per Day
0.14
I don't know. Maybe it's arrogant to want to get paid. The script I'm peddling is my first ever so I know that's a strike against me. And it's the western which I've posted here so that's strike two. But I think it's good enough to sell. That and the fact that it's heavily based on and influenced by a popular Japanese anime that has already made millions, been turned into toys, video games, and a movie. Twice! So I have to believe there is potential. And why else are any of us doing this except to make money at it.

I've been told to get coverage. To query my eyes out. To get an agent. To avoid agents. To write another screenplay (in process). To enter contests. Make connections. Etc. All I've gathered is there is no secret except to be doggedly determined and keep grinding. That's all I'm trying to do. I'd just rather work smarter instead of harder. I already asked here about query letters before and I think mine does the job. It's just frustrating to have so many doors closed before I even knock. But that's the game and how it's played.

"There once was a mouse who fell into a pail of milk. Day and night that mouse swam and swam to avoid drowning and eventually he churned that milk into butter and climbed his way out. I am that mouse."

More or less. Christopher Walken said it better.


http://www.TheFilmBox.org Movie reviews, news, and fun!
http://www.screenplaywritenow.com Write a screenplay. Write. Now.
http://www.SchismSEO.com Separate from your competition. Affordable SEO services
http://www.MyEasyGifter.com Because nobody likes receiving gift cards
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 29 - 30
Leegion
Posted: September 19th, 2014, 2:12pm Report to Moderator
New


Location
England
Posts
491
Posts Per Day
0.10

Quoted from CameronD
I don't know. Maybe it's arrogant to want to get paid. The script I'm peddling is my first ever so I know that's a strike against me. And it's the western which I've posted here so that's strike two. But I think it's good enough to sell. That and the fact that it's heavily based on and influenced by a popular Japanese anime that has already made millions, been turned into toys, video games, and a movie. Twice! So I have to believe there is potential. And why else are any of us doing this except to make money at it.

I've been told to get coverage. To query my eyes out. To get an agent. To avoid agents. To write another screenplay (in process). To enter contests. Make connections. Etc. All I've gathered is there is no secret except to be doggedly determined and keep grinding. That's all I'm trying to do. I'd just rather work smarter instead of harder. I already asked here about query letters before and I think mine does the job. It's just frustrating to have so many doors closed before I even knock. But that's the game and how it's played.

"There once was a mouse who fell into a pail of milk. Day and night that mouse swam and swam to avoid drowning and eventually he churned that milk into butter and climbed his way out. I am that mouse."

More or less. Christopher Walken said it better.


I get what you mean, mate.  It's a difficult game to master.  Further so if you don't play by the rules.  But playing by the rules isn't gonna get you anywhere either.

"The thrill is in the chase, never in the capture", a potent quote.

If those doors are closed, kick 'em down.  Pursue agents.  Don't adhere to what they tell you to do.  It's show, don't tell.  So show them why you want it.

You mention "why are we doing this if not to make money at it", well, I'm doing this because I want to share stories.  The second money becomes involved, this becomes a job, and in my humble opinion, jobs are boring and grow tedious after a while.

Treat it like a hobby and it's much more fun.

Your Western might be a bit big to start out.  And production companies often pay new writers $500 - $1,500 for scripts.  This is what an agent said to me.

So, start with something smaller.  Shorts are more than capable.  And you'll likely receive more interest from Independent Companies and/or Students of Film who will shoot the short and give you a credit.

A credit that you can then put on your resume whenever you apply to a lead on InkTip.

That's what I'd do.  Start with low-budget, gradually work your way up the food chain.

Maybe write 3 shorts of roughly 15-25 pages.  Short 1 low-budget ($500 - $1,000).  Short 2 medium-budget ($1,500 - $3,000).  Short 3 high-budget ($5,000 - $7,500).

Then write a feature that is also low-budget ($25,000 - $50,000).

Keep cost in your head.  Westerns, Sci-Fi and Fantasy scripts usually cost a LOT of money to make due to locations, sets, props and SFX.  I'm talking in the $millions category.  And you just don't start with something that hefty.

That's pretty much it, I think.  
Logged Offline
Private Message Reply: 30 - 30
 Pages: 1, 2, 3 : All
Recommend Print

Locked Board Board Index    Questions or Comments  [ previous | next ] Switch to:
Was Portal Recent Posts Home Help Calendar Search Register Login

Forum Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post polls
You may not post attachments
HTML is on
Blah Code is on
Smilies are on


Powered by E-Blah Platinum 9.71B © 2001-2006