Hey Guys,

My first question on this board, so please be gentle with me if I've posted it in the wrong thread!

I've written a movie script, which can be described as a gritty urban drama set in London and multi-cultural in character. I've really enjoyed writing it and it has been a great experience, so if nothing else happens....that's cool. However, I recently had it reviewed professionally - lots of positives, but amongst others some fundamental structuring problems. Overall, though the analyst suggested I re-structure it into a TV series with four (30min) episodes. The main reason for this was that as a movie it was unlikely to recoup the production costs.

I'm intending to do this anyway, for the experience if nothing else, but I was wondering....once done, could I pitch it somewhere? Nothing ventured and all that. I'm a Brit and given the location, it would have to be for British TV. I've had a look at the BBC and I could send it to the Writersroom, although I have to confess to being a bit sceptical about that. I've looked at Indpendent Production companies, but can't find any that accept unsolicited scripts. Are Agents my only real option here?

Any help, as always greatly appreciated.

Thornton

Hi Thornton,

You've got nothing to lose by sending it to the BBC Writers Room, as long as it fits in with their requirements (eg length, set in UK etc). It takes about 3 or 4 months for them to get back to you, but if you're really lucky they send you notes regarding their thoughts etc.

As for indie companies- they are few and far between in the UK, with most not accepting unsolicited material, so the Beeb is your best shot unless you unearth somewhere else!

Craig

Quoted from Thornton Hey Guys, My first question on this board, so please be gentle with me if I've posted it in the wrong thread! I've written a movie script, which can be described as a gritty urban drama set in London and multi-cultural in character. I've really enjoyed writing it and it has been a great experience, so if nothing else happens....that's cool. However, I recently had it reviewed professionally - lots of positives, but amongst others some fundamental structuring problems. Overall, though the analyst suggested I re-structure it into a TV series with four (30min) episodes. The main reason for this was that as a movie it was unlikely to recoup the production costs. I'm intending to do this anyway, for the experience if nothing else, but I was wondering....once done, could I pitch it somewhere? Nothing ventured and all that. I'm a Brit and given the location, it would have to be for British TV. I've had a look at the BBC and I could send it to the Writersroom, although I have to confess to being a bit sceptical about that. I've looked at Indpendent Production companies, but can't find any that accept unsolicited scripts. Are Agents my only real option here? Any help, as always greatly appreciated. Thornton

FilmFour accept unsolicited scripts. They will read them as well, just takes a bit of time.

Red Productions based in Manchester have produced a few gritty drama's for TV.

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films FilmFour accept unsolicited scripts. They will read them as well, just takes a bit of time.

Not any more... C4 used to accept unsolicited too.

http://www.channel4.com/corporate/4producers/commissioning/film4_2.html

Quoted from decadencefilms Red Productions based in Manchester have produced a few gritty drama's for TV.

Good call on this one though, Rick. Companies offering to read work that hasn't been submitted via an agent are like rocking horse s**t!

Nice one,

Craig

Craig,

Cheers fella. Yea, I'm pretty familiar with the Writersroom, so am definitely going to send it there.

Rick,

Thanks for the info....real shame about Film4. Would have loved them to have a look at it. I'll delve into the Red Productions idea - nice one.

Is it me, or are the outlets for movie/tv writers pretty cr** in the UK? Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems there's only one, or two organisations willing to consider an idea from a novice. The only other option is tryng to get an Agent to have a look and my understanding is that's becoming harder and harder. Is it any wonder there's so much formulaic mediocrity on TV.  Or maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself!!

Thanks again guys....if you have any other ideas let me know.....I certainly won't be giving up. Not in this lifetime!

I reckon FilmFour will have a look, despite what they say.

Tessa Ross said they would when I met her at Cannes, and I didn't get the impression she was talking about me in particular. :)

At any event, I don't reckon they keep the Producers list or whatever that exclusive. They seem to be one of the better ones at routing around for new stuff.

Tessa particularly.

Ok Rick, well I'll give Tessa a try....you never know! and thanks again.