So, has anyone on this website every sold a script, or directed a movie independently amd got into a big Film Festival such as Cannes or Sundance?

I sold a script to a local film festivel wich i directed and some of my friends and neibors acted in it and i sold the movie for $500

One of my pseudonyms sold a script to a local theater for a stageplay.  That pseudonym will be getting his ca$h between now and the first performance.  Then I'll pay the cable bill for that month if it hasn't already been disconnected by then.  It'll be staged this September.  More details then.

I've had 7 feature movies sold, six produced... and produced and wrote a tv show for TNT.

what is the name of the tv show for tnt

L.A. Heat

William, I see things have been quite quiet since Skyscraper. Have you continued to write and produce or have you taken some time off away from the business?

What made you seek out SimplyScripts?

It's good to see some experienced writers here to help out.

IMDB has the dates wrong on most of those movies.  my last film was "The Big Fall" in 1997.  I transitioned into TV... first with "LA Heat" then working as a producer at EXTRA... then several local news stations.  I'm currently an Executive Producer at a TV station in Las Vegas.  In 2000 I sold a feature script titled "The Beautiful People" and I'm currently shopping "Best Served Cold".  I also have 2 syndicated TV shows in development.

Skyscraper, by the way, was just a re-write.  Its an aweful film I'm sad to be associated with.  "The Big Fall" and "Pure Danger" are much better.  I would love to find computer compies of the scripts... I would post them here.

As for the site.... I just stumbled across it.  Liked it... and liked offering any advice based on my experiences in Hollywood.

Well it's good to get an insight from someone who knows the business.

I have a script in option right now...with hope of pre-production starting in the fall. If so, it will be my first script sold. It's quite exciting, but definately a new sort of business for me. I feel like I'm walking blindfolded into the worlds longest tunnel...but damn, it's exciting.

I've just left a small review of "Best Served Cold", it's not a professional critique, but I enjoyed it enough to leave something for you to read. Any questions or anything like that about the review...just drop me an email.

Who is your script under option to?  Is the script posted here?  I'd love to take a look.

The script is not posted here, it's a horror movie called "Devil's Peak".

I'd rather not say who is producing it, as I don't want to jinx anything and until the purchase agreement is signed and sealed, mums the word. BUT, as soon as everything is good to go, I'll let everyone know. It's not a big studio production, but it will have (hopefully) a decent budget with some decent actors.

Well... I'd love to read it if you do decide to post it.  Or... just email it to me.

One last question for you Bill..once you submitted the screenplay and signed a purchase agreement - were you ever needed on set? Did you do any production re-writes?

Just wondering if the writers are usually needed for anything on the set...?

Yes... all the time.  Did on set rewrites on most of my films.  Did several with C. Thomas Howell.... we became good friends and I ended up writing the next two movies he starred in and directed.  

But the production company I worked with was smaller than the big studios...

That's cool.

As I mentioned before, it's a small production and it's all new to me. So I'm not sure if I'm gonna be called on set or anything like that.

I'm a little wary about emailing the script around, not sure about the legal ramifications if I do...
I mean, it's no oscar script...it'll be a B-movie at best (but MY B-movie!)

I totally understand.  Best of luck.  If I can be of any help let me know.

Thanks Bill.

The project still seems to be going forward, so I'm happy. How long from option to pre-production does a project usually take?

Any luck with Best Served Cold?

I will definitely tap you up for any advice - thanks!

Could be anywhere from 3 months to never.  An option doesn't guarentee a finished film.  Sad, but true.  Just cross your fingers and hope the company is as passionate about the work as you are.

One company interested in BSC.  I have also completed a script called "The Monster" which is with C. Thomas Howell attached.  We have 5 companies interested and should close a deal any day now.  I was going to post the script here until the big dust up with Alan and Huggybear.  But now, I don't want to open it up to those guys.

don't be a doo-doo head
post it: i would like to read it

Good news!

If you want, you can email me the script...I'd love to read it through.

TheProducer,
First, I'm sorry to hear that you won't be available on these boards anymore due to immature participants. Shame. Your recommendations and insights have helped me tremendously...I know this is off the subject of this board but this is probably the last place I might find you and I wanted to ask one last question...I'm considering sending my script unsolicited to several independant production companies(those that accept unsolicited work). Should I do this? I know most reputable production companies won't accept unsolicited work. But, do you consider it wise to approach getting produced this way? If so, why? Again, thanks for your generous time. It has been appreciated.

J

I may be able to help a little on this on until TheProducer gets back. When I sent my script out, I sent a query letter first and only sent the scripts to the production companies that asked to read it (there were about 10). I have also learned it is a good idea to have a treatment (even if it's only 1-5 pages long) and a character breakdown and some sort of background info on yourself.

Hope this helps...I'm sure TheProducer will have more insight...

Thanks, MacDuff. I know I need to get started on writing a query letter and synopsis...I have found a few production companies that will accept usolicited screenplays(without first seeing a treatment or query letter). Do you think this is wise to do? Or should I do the query letter and synopsis? It would definitely be cheaper to do the latter, I suppose. I just don't know if there is an insider "rule" on not sending to these companies for whatever reason...

I think if a company comes out and asks just for the script - then go right ahead...but make sure you have it copyrighted in some way (just in case).

Another thing to do is research the companies that are accepting unsolicited material. Have they ever actually produced a script etc..etc..

Good Luck!

I will send the script to Don to post.