Hi ALL

A while back I wrote a real good script (91 Page Feature). And with it a well written / presented query letter that I sent out to 204 managers/agents/producers.. NOT ONE REPLY! not even; Ye, thanks but it sucks!

NOW.. I have an amazing idea / script in mind, that should I decide to write it? Will take tremendous research on its topic. The write alone will take me about three months!

All that time and work just to be ignored again by the 204+! Now that sounds like a real waste of time for another 100 pager collecting dust on my desk.

My question is: Can I put my story idea down on paper in say a three act synopsis and option that, in the hope of been contacted to pay-write the script?  

Regards,
MR DESPONDENT  

BarryJohn, I think this is more a Scriptwriting Class question, not an actual WIP thread but I'll leave it here for now cause I have to be quick. After the witching hour here.

See the Sticky thread at the top? This is specifically to post your WIP and get feedback on it.

The question I want to ask you is did you post your feature to SS for exposure?
A lot of places won't look at unsolicited scripts from unproven Spec writers.

It's unlikely I think that you'd get an idea/synopsis optioned.
Having said that, I think this is the type of thing Imagine Impact ask for in their requests for submissions, plus a pitch - not the actual script in the first instance. There are other Pitch fests/comps I do believe too.

It's up to you whether you want to devote time to your next project - three months doesn't seem like a long time to me, compared to the length of time (including research) some people put in.

Most of us write because we have to. It's just something we need to do.

Got to be prepared for the ups and downs in this business.
Get your work exposure is my advice. But first get feedback from fellow writers before sending it out.

Don’t write it.

You’ll almost certainly end up disappointed so unless you’re fine with that, then don’t bother.

Just to clarify, even if you’re an incredible writer with a great script, the odds are still stacked against you.

So if you don’t get comfortable with it never seeing the light of day then it’s probably not a good idea.

If that’s the case, write shorts. Little investment with a higher probability of getting made. Plus you get to work on the craft.

Quoted Text A while back I wrote a real good script (91 Page Feature). And with it a well written / presented query letter that I sent out to 204 managers/agents/producers.. NOT ONE REPLY! not even; Ye, thanks but it sucks!

1, How do you know it was a really good script? What barometer did you use? For example, did you get coverage on it? Did it win a contest? Was it something posted here that got rave reviews? Something posted elsewhere?

I'm not trying to be snarky, but the premise of your question really relies on the quality of the product. i.e., you wouldn't be asking it if it was an average or poor script. So to me, step one is what did you do to ascertain that you wrote a very good script.

AND - if you did write a very good script --

2. Are you sure that you wrote a very good query letter (an art form by itself). People, including me, really struggle with that. AND - if you did do 1 and 2 right --

3. Did you send it to the right companies? i.e., Companies that a) specialize in the type of materail you created and b) accept query letters. For example, if you sent out 200 query letters and 180 of those companies do not accept unsolicited submissions, what you  really did was send out 20 Query letters.

Quoted Text NOW.. I have an amazing idea / script in mind, that should I decide to write it? Will take tremendous research on its topic. The write alone will take me about three months!

Really only you can answer that question.

Quoted Text My question is: Can I put my story idea down on paper in say a three act synopsis and option that, in the hope of been contacted to pay-write the script?

IMO, the answer is no. There are a billion, fully completed unsold scripts for these folks to pick from. There is little chance that they are going to option a summary when they have tons of completed works to pick through.

There are a ton of talented writers on this site alone with tons of great scripts that have never gotten a whiff from an agent or manager.  And that is just the amateurs - pile on the pros on top of that and to think somehow a story summary is going to beat all that out is just magical thinking.

I've written 11 features and 25 shorts. I've made meager money on three of them (outright sale of two shorts and an expired option on a feature). I can't speak for the others, but I only wrote because at the end of the day I needed to sell something, I would have had to quit writing a long time ago. Most of us to if for the love of the hobby and the sale is just sweetner.  So, long winded way of saying if you are into script writing to make money - you should probably stop and look towards something else.

LC

Sorry for posting this in the wrong thread.

Yes, I did post my script (The Book of Joseph) here about a year ago. And with the comments/advice I "tweaked" rewrote the script (never did repost it here). Only then did I start sending out its query letter.

Sure, SS is a great place to get feedback. As are all similar forums.. Family, friends, etc... With that and competitions where else does one get exposure? I guess by been "sited" on a forum?

MAX
Thanks for been blunt.. and the dark of the day. Lol.

ELDAVE1
1. Whether the script was good or bad? No one inquired to read it via no response from my query letter. So I guess its 1 or 2 below.

2. Did I write a very good query letter? As they say.. "The best script in the world is nothing without an even BETTER query letter". Unfortunately I cant copy/paste the PDF letter here for review. (May I PM it to you for a review, please?)

3. I'm not to sure if I did send my query letter to all the right companies.. I sent it to all of whom I could get contact details on. So, your 180/20 maths may well be correct. Apart from, I've also sent letters "seeking representation"  out to about 30 script managers - No replies. So my work remains UNSOLICITED.

At my age I'm nearing past sale date on my employment equity, and writing for bread and butter will soon be.

I know its tuff out there.. for ALL of us. Its just so frustrating.

To you ALL above, thank you very much for your input and comment (advise) hereto.

Maybe just one day.. in one year.. before I die in front of my keypad. Till then; Keep writing... keep writing...    

Hey Barry,

Please take this for what it's worth... I've never gotten anything filmed, other than the PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE version of one of my shorts (the director was very green), however I've had a series of near misses on a $5MM project that has made the rounds and still has some advocates in Hollywood... so I know of the disappointment, and I've made every mistake under the sun while trying to get a project financed...

My advice is to write small. If you're writing epics with a lot of FX and set decoration, it's a complete waste of time. Plots are not copyright-able. Only the execution of that plot is. In other words, you can write a story about Orgo the Demon who is somehow trapped into saving humanity... and a company can read your script and then hire a professional to come and write Ergo the Demon, and change the plot ever so slightly, and change the characters and dialogue, so that it's essentially your idea, but doesn't resemble your script.

Write about people. Characters and dialogue can't be stolen. Write some great characters who say great lines. That's something that someone has to buy. They can't take the easy route to it. Your plot may be as simple as boy meets girl, but if your execution is unique, then you have something that someone else will want.

If you're lucky enough to think of something high concept that no one has ever done before? Well, then that's the golden ticket. Intricate plot, great characters, great dialogue. For example - SPEED. Madman rigs a bus so that if it goes under 50 mph, it explodes. If you can write a lower budget version of that, then you have something that others would want.

There's a script posted here in the comedy section called DOUBLES. It's by a new writer. And the format is off in places, and it's overwritten in a lot of spots - but it's got a great plot. A buddy comedy about mismatched former rivals forced to play doubles tennis. And the characters are well-drawn, and there are some great lines in it, and some laugh out loud moments. Write THAT. I sincerely hope that writer succeeds in getting the script into proper format because I think it could really be a success. Now it trends toward mid-to-high budget range, however the idea is so unique and the dialogue is so good, that I think it has a chance.

And? Write when you have something to SAY. Don't write because you have an idea. That's the worst reason to write. Everyone has ideas. Again, it's the execution of that idea that is key. find out what you BELIEVE - what makes you tick? What do you want to say to everyone? Why should they CARE about what you have to say? These are questions you have to ask. If you an tap into a universal theme in a unique way, and then write unique characters and dialogue, and maybe make people THINK while also entertaining them? That's a reason to write.

IMHO...

AJR

Barry:

Quoted Text 1. Whether the script was good or bad? No one inquired to read it via no response from my query letter. So I guess its 1 or 2 below.

I certainly can appreciate the difficulty in self-assessment. But you need to see how it changes the problem statement. Your problem statement was:

[i]A while back I wrote a real good script (91 Page Feature). And with it a well written / presented query letter
[/i]

What if instead, it was:

A while back I wrote an average script and a so-so query letter.  

See how changing that changes what your next steps should be? The answers to your questions on what to do next would be to do things that improve your writing (e.g., take classes, read XX scripts, write XX shorts on concepts that you think could be features, enter XX contests, purchase coverage or feedback for a script, etc. etc.  i.e, all the questions related to "to write or not to write" would focus on how to enhance the writing rather than on how to sell the script.

Quoted Text 2. Did I write a very good query letter? As they say.. "The best script in the world is nothing without an even BETTER query letter". Unfortunately, I cant copy/paste the PDF letter here for review. (May I PM it to you for a review, please?)

Not sure why you can't paste it - but sure, you can PM and I'll look at. Warning - I'm not a Query Letter expert. This is pretty much my level of acumen - it's an example of my standard query letter.

Quoted Text My name is David Lambertson.  I would like to submit my feature-length script to you for your consideration. This script won the Silver Award in the 2017 PAGE International Screenwriting Contest. Title: The Beginning of The End and The End. Genre: Romantic-Comedy Logline: A battle of wits ensues when a jaded, arrogant divorce lawyer moves into an office adjacent to a strong-willed marriage counselor. Ironically, a building fire that interrupts their battles sparks a relationship. Comps to other Films. A more condensed version of When Harry Met Sally. It has the witty dialogue of that film along with the physical comedy of Bridesmaid. Production Considerations The film should be able to be produced on a very modest budget.  It is based in Los Angeles and most of the film takes place in a single location. No special effects. Target Audience. A romantic-comedy for adults. Suitable for either the big screen or small screen. A brief synopsis of the story is attached. I would like to send the script to you for your consideration. I can be reached at: MY CONTACT INFO   Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Quoted Text 3. I'm not to sure if I did send my query letter to all the right companies.. I sent it to all of whom I could get contact details on. So, your 180/20 maths may well be correct. Apart from, I've also sent letters "seeking representation"  out to about 30 script managers - No replies. So my work remains UNSOLICITED.

You are wasting your time to some extent. There is little reason to send letters to large companies that are not seeking submissions. This is true for production companies, managers and agents.

Quoted Text At my age I'm nearing past sale date on my employment equity, and writing for bread and butter will soon be.

I hear you. I'm 63, Didn't start writing until I was 55. So - I pretty much write because I enjoy writing.

Quoted from ajr Hey Barry, Please take this for what it's worth... I've never gotten anything filmed, other than the PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE version of one of my shorts (the director was very green), however I've had a series of near misses on a $5MM project that has made the rounds and still has some advocates in Hollywood... so I know of the disappointment, and I've made every mistake under the sun while trying to get a project financed... My advice is to write small. If you're writing epics with a lot of FX and set decoration, it's a complete waste of time. Plots are not copyright-able. Only the execution of that plot is. In other words, you can write a story about Orgo the Demon who is somehow trapped into saving humanity... and a company can read your script and then hire a professional to come and write Ergo the Demon, and change the plot ever so slightly, and change the characters and dialogue, so that it's essentially your idea, but doesn't resemble your script. Write about people. Characters and dialogue can't be stolen. Write some great characters who say great lines. That's something that someone has to buy. They can't take the easy route to it. Your plot may be as simple as boy meets girl, but if your execution is unique, then you have something that someone else will want. If you're lucky enough to think of something high concept that no one has ever done before? Well, then that's the golden ticket. Intricate plot, great characters, great dialogue. For example - SPEED. Madman rigs a bus so that if it goes under 50 mph, it explodes. If you can write a lower budget version of that, then you have something that others would want. There's a script posted here in the comedy section called DOUBLES. It's by a new writer. And the format is off in places, and it's overwritten in a lot of spots - but it's got a great plot. A buddy comedy about mismatched former rivals forced to play doubles tennis. And the characters are well-drawn, and there are some great lines in it, and some laugh out loud moments. Write THAT. I sincerely hope that writer succeeds in getting the script into proper format because I think it could really be a success. Now it trends toward mid-to-high budget range, however the idea is so unique and the dialogue is so good, that I think it has a chance. And? Write when you have something to SAY. Don't write because you have an idea. That's the worst reason to write. Everyone has ideas. Again, it's the execution of that idea that is key. find out what you BELIEVE - what makes you tick? What do you want to say to everyone? Why should they CARE about what you have to say? These are questions you have to ask. If you an tap into a universal theme in a unique way, and then write unique characters and dialogue, and maybe make people THINK while also entertaining them? That's a reason to write. IMHO... AJR

Excellent advice,

Quoted from BarryJohn ...I have an amazing idea / script in mind, that should I decide to write it? Will take tremendous research on its topic. The write alone will take me about three months!

Brass tacks: If you feel the need to ask yourself if it's worth the effort, chances are you already know that it's not. You can crap out a hundred potentially amazing ideas a day, but if you're not passionate about developing them and turning them into a full story, then they're worthless. So rather than waste time on a story you're not 100% invested in telling, put it aside and write something you are passionate about instead.

Good luck.

The people I know that have been the most successful here at SS, having features made and getting paid real money not peanuts, have actually all been "foreigners". They have all worked VERY hard on the craft. We're talking years and years. I think where writers get into their head somehow that Hollywood is the only game in town. But, if you really want to make money at writing, use your specialness and don't be afraid to look outside of Hollywood. One writer friend of mine lives in the US, but is from Syria. He is not just a muslim, but he knows the culture and languages of many muslim countries. He discovered early on that Hollywood had zero interest in his scripts about muslims, but he still wrote from his own life experience and what he knows best. He posted several of his scripts at SS and has sold at least two getting 25K for each. Who bought the scripts? Film producers in UAE. What I'm trying to say is, maybe not focus on H-wood and instead open your eyes to other possibilities. I think you said you are in S. Africa, can you write scripts about stuff you would know specifically that others without your experience would not be able to write? What can you bring to the table that others can't? Forget H-wood. Too many writers are already competing for crumbs on that pie.

PS: I've had two shorts made in S. Africa.  

Quoted from Grandma Bear The people I know that have been the most successful here at SS, having features made and getting paid real money not peanuts, have actually all been "foreigners". They have all worked VERY hard on the craft. We're talking years and years. I think where writers get into their head somehow that Hollywood is the only game in town. But, if you really want to make money at writing, use your specialness and don't be afraid to look outside of Hollywood. One writer friend of mine lives in the US, but is from Syria. He is not just a muslim, but he knows the culture and languages of many muslim countries. He discovered early on that Hollywood had zero interest in his scripts about muslims, but he still wrote from his own life experience and what he knows best. He posted several of his scripts at SS and has sold at least two getting 25K for each. Who bought the scripts? Film producers in UAE. What I'm trying to say is, maybe not focus on H-wood and instead open your eyes to other possibilities. I think you said you are in S. Africa, can you write scripts about stuff you would know specifically that others without your experience would not be able to write? What can you bring to the table that others can't? Forget H-wood. Too many writers are already competing for crumbs on that pie. PS: I've had two shorts made in S. Africa.

More excellent advice...

More excellent advice... INDEED!

Ajr:
Thanks a Mil for taking the time to give me such valid advise that I will exercise - execute.

Execution of idea... Believe what makes you tick... They must care about what you have to say... UNIQUE.  

Eldave1:
Again thank very much, and I will "tune" my list to make sure I send my query letter to the correct people/companies.

Lon:
Thanks for advice... PASSION writing.

Grandma Bear:
Thanks a ton for the good advise... Look and write IN the box you live in.
Say, what's the names of those two shorts you had made in South Africa?

* Thanks again to you all for your valid comments/advice hereto.

Hi ALL... That replied to my post hereto.

I came across an interesting article I read (Creative Screenwriting) I thought I'd share.

Simon Kinberg, a graduate of Columbia University's film program. He had never written a script in his life... For his thesis, he wrote a TREATMENT based on an idea of his friends marriage therapy she was undergoing.  His manager, at the time, teamed him up with Akiva Goldsman (A beautiful Mind). They (the treatment) was rejected by every studio till SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT saw it and hired kinberg to turn his treatment into a SCRIPT... Mr & Mrs Smith - which made $50Mil on opening week?  

Inspirational !

  

Quoted from BarryJohn Hi ALL... That replied to my post hereto. I came across an interesting article I read (Creative Screenwriting) I thought I'd share. Simon Kinberg, a graduate of Columbia University's film program. He had never written a script in his life... For his thesis, he wrote a TREATMENT based on an idea of his friends marriage therapy she was undergoing.  His manager, at the time, teamed him up with Akiva Goldsman (A beautiful Mind). They (the treatment) was rejected by every studio till SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT saw it and hired kinberg to turn his treatment into a SCRIPT... Mr & Mrs Smith - which made $50Mil on opening week?   Inspirational !

An interesting outlier.