Scouting SS - Print Topic

Is SS a popular scouting ground (site) for producers / film makers looking for scripts to snatch-up - produce?

I read with interest...
- SS has 2,564 members. of which I'd say there around 50 ACTIVE posting members
- SS bottom page - I see a good few numbers of GUESTS
- One script post; PECKING ORDER (Shorts) got 197,053 Views

MY QUESTION IS: Of the members telling us they got their scripts OPTIONED - PICKED - FILMED... Is it from their scripts been viewed/found HERE on SS ?

Short answer: Yes!

Members come and go, BarryJohn.

Plenty of deals for script Sales and Options are made on these boards on a regular basis. This is what makes SS supremo, amongst other things, it's great for learning and for exposure. Scripts can be downloaded without a person needing to be a member too.

Win-win. And Don has never (as far as I know) changed the formula, unlike a lot of other sites where you pay or must be a member to join and upload/ download scripts.

COOL....

Thanks for info LC.

And yes... So true to what you said about SS / Don - There is no other like It!

Quoted from BarryJohn

Is SS a popular scouting ground (site) for producers / film makers looking for scripts to snatch-up - produce?

Yes. Maybe not big Hollywood studios, but anything else from thereon. I know this personally for a fact.

Quoted from BarryJohn

- SS has 2,564 members. of which I'd say there around 50 ACTIVE posting members

Yes, that doesn't mean they all feel a need to chit chat on the forum or even visit very often. Like Libby said, people come and go. Some members take brakes from writing an only show up every few years. Some give up on their writing altogether.

Quoted from BarryJohn

- SS bottom page - I see a good few numbers of GUESTS

People that are perusing the site without being members.

Quoted from BarryJohn

- One script post; PECKING ORDER (Shorts) got 197,053 Views

This is not how many people have read the script. This is the number of times someone has clicked on that thread. Big misconception of new members who often post a script and then whine about hundreds of people have read my script and no one has anything to say?????? I click on a lot of threads just to check on things. That doesn't mean I clicked on the script link. I you pick a thread and look and the "views" number and then reload the page, you'll see the number go up.

Quoted from BarryJohn

MY QUESTION IS: Of the members telling us they got their scripts OPTIONED - PICKED - FILMED... Is it from their scripts been viewed/found HERE on SS ?

If they mention it here, it most likely is.

In Robert McKee's Story, he says," everyone (in Hollywood) is looking for a great script/story". I truly believe that. If you write a really great script, people will notice. Writing a really great script is hard and not very many people can do it. We all try, but very few writers manage to pull that off.

The short answer is YES.

Just keep in mind that they are always going to be young, start-up like productions. With rate exception, none of the big boys (or girls) pick scripts from these sites or any other of the script hosting sites.

I have had most of my success from this site and from Script Revolution

thank you both for the input / comments

Quoted from BarryJohn

I can say that yes, professional filmmakers do browse these boards. I got my first sale two weeks after posting a script here on SS, with a Cannes award-winning director signing on to direct. The project eventually fell through (lol) but still, a sale is a sale, and it was a valuable learning experience working for the first time with a real director and the head of development.

But it's not like you're going to find Spielberg or Scorsese lurking about. If you're contacted by a filmmaker, chances are it's going to be either an upstart looking for their first project, or an indie looking for something they can get for cheap. Not that there's anything wrong with either. Plenty of people have launched great careers from such humble beginnings. I'm just saying don't go expecting to find a message from Universal in your SS in-box.

Thanks for sharing Lon.

And yeah.... a sale is a sale - humble beginnings...

Back on Lon...

...Strange thing is I've sent my 9 shorts to 33 SMALL PRODUCTION COMPANIES... the one's that concentrate mainly on shorts. And I got no reply - not even fuc-off your work sucks! Shit maybe it does... (Lol) Maybe just bad timeing to the wrong companies?

Maybe one day...

I've sold or optioned about 50 shorts so far, I'd say 75% of them are due to SS in one way or another...

Quoted from BarryJohn

Don't get disheartened, Barry - don't forget you are sending out your scripts and queries unsolicited, they haven't asked for them (unless they have put a general call out for scripts, or say they accept unsolicited scripts)

Think of the unsolicited emails you get saying "Hey, we think you might like this product, want to buy it?" - how many do you reply to with thanks, but no thanks?

Best to send out your queries and scripts and then forget about it - Maybe one day you will open your inbox to a surprise reply, maybe not. Don't think too much into not getting a reply as chances are it is not a reflection on your work or ability.

Thanks Matthew. I feel much better now...

Thanks Anthony. Now I feel shit again... YOU'VE SOLD / OPTIONED 50 !!! How many have you written? Holy shit! Well done.

Quoted from BarryJohn

You may want to question whether or not you are writing in a strategic manner. MOST (not all), folks producing shorts are looking for low-budget, limited location, no expensive special affects stories. For the most part, the shorts that I have sold/optioned fit that bill.

Quoted from eldave1

Yep. That's true.

Generally speaking, sending your unsolicited work to production houses(big or small), is majorly straight-up ignored. Not even seen as a matter of fact. So basically it is fruitless.

Keep your shorts - simple and contained. That usually attracts some kind of attention.

lol, Barry... sorry!

I've written c100 shorts, and the 50 includes some scripts that have been optioned multiple times... so not 50 individual scripts... and when you get to the actual bit that counts of how many have been filmed... 10-12, something like that.

Hopefully that's a little better!

Quoted from BarryJohn

There could be any number of reasons, but the primary is likely that you're sending them unsolicited. Unsolicited means you didn't query and ask their permission to send it to them first. A prodco gets a script in their inbox they didn't request or approve to be sent, chances are they're going to dismiss it. It's mostly for CYA purposes -- they don't want some unknown writer from Buttlick, Indiana trying to sue them for stealing their idea, when they never even asked or approved the writer to send it in the first place.

Until you've reached a level of success where producers are begging you for your scripts, always query first.

Quoted from Lon

Concur with this for sure

Also... many production companies don't really have an interest in shorts, listed prod cos on IMDB etc tend to be interested in features or TV... ones specialising in shorts are very unusual - I don't know any.

Quoted from BarryJohn

No replies are common. Another common thing which is so annoying and common in this industry is Ghosting. That is, you've had some form of communication with a director, producer and sent a script, then they just vanish and they don't reply to emails.

To go back to your original question, yes. I've had the most enquiries from SimplyScripts and I've hosted my scripts on other sites as well, but by far I've had the most here. I had one yesterday from India, a chap asking me for specific features but, alas, I didn't have what he required in that instance.

I currently have two short films in production, both from scripts found on this website, and in both instances the filmmaker paid me for the scripts.

One thing to add. I've been a member here since...blimey I don't quite recall but it's at least 6 years and I've been regularly taking part on the site. For the first couple of years at least I had nothing, no inquiries. These things take time and work I'm afraid.

Oh yes, get ready for the ghosting. A regular thing in my world.

As are requests like this:

I just love your coming of age script Scooter and I'd like permission to produce a short film based on it.
Would it be okay if I change the scooter to a bike, set it in a different era, change the gender of the main character and have him ten years older?

Uh-huh. ;D

My fave ghosting was when the Assistant Director of Sharknado (I kid you not) wanted one of my scripts, we had a video chat, he was gonna fly me to LA, he was going to buy it - tomorrow... two weeks later he'd done the invisible man impression.

Wow, Ant! That story's a beauty.

Tx Libby - just wish it'd have had a better ending!

Quoted from AnthonyCawood

Maybe he really did want the script. Maybe he was in the parking lot talking to his agent about setting up a flight only to be eaten by a giant Sharknado!

I can only hope that's what happened Mark ;-)

Markit Zero

I think you have a great idea for your next script?
...Maybe he really did want the script. Maybe he was in the parking lot talking to his agent about setting up a flight only to be eaten by a giant Sharknado!

From all the comments hereto... I take out - Patience and keep writing... keep writing.

Thanks to you all for your advice / comments.

Also, Barry, it is not advisable to submit your scripts to the production houses. Not only they don't read the script for the possibility of the writer suing them(as Lon said), but there is a higher chance of you been blocked by them. Meaning they will block your mail id and since they have network among themselves(obviously), they can even spread a word about you and altogether block you. In your case, it is very likely since you mailed 30 something production houses.

A more plausible way is to -take your time, enhance your writing skills, gather enough experience, and then start submitting your scripts to some reputable screenwriting competitions. Competitions like ScreenCraft, BlueCat, Slamdance, Scriptlab, and if possible go to Nicholl too.

But mind you these competitions are extremely tough if not less. Not only quality-wise but quantity-wise also. Above mentioned competitions almost always get more than 1000 script submissions easily. And since Scriptab hosts 'free screenwriting contest', their number goes as high as 10,000. Almost 60% of them are from veteran writers. Yep, it's that tough.

But if your pearl shines(even halfway through), you will the part of an amazing network of fellow writers and producers. It will surely add to your writer's bio.

So don't lose hope bro. Take your time and find your style of writing a story. Everything else will surely follow.

Good luck.

Ye, Hi Yuvraj.

QUOTE:
In your case, it is very likely since you mailed 30 something production houses.��

I know of this. These 30 are the small guys, I sent only my shorts to. I'd never approach the BIG guys with shorts, as I'm aware of what you say re- they block - SPAM your email address, etc... The BIG guys I leave for when I'm ready with a "BIG PICTURE"

As Lon and Mark said above. be patient... all in good time.

Nope. Barry, that's wrong way around.

A professional approach goes the same for every production house. Don't just underestimate a small production value. Works of small indie production houses will awe you as much as a big dog does.

To get your name under the writer's credit of a BIG PICTURE is not at all easy.

There are steps to your destiny and you can't just skip or undermine the value of that step. And please don't go with the tag of BIG or SMALL. It vitiates the art.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw

I effing hate the ghosting!!! It almost takes zero effort to respond to someone.

My one personal favorite was this one:

Had a featured optioned. Budget set, director on Board - they were still working for money. They finally found in -won't name names - but all the financier wanted was me to add a dog to the script because he had a dog that loved dearly and he wanted the dog to be in the movie. Keep in mind right up to this point communications were daily - sometimes twice a day.

So, I re-write the script adding the effing dog. Send it in - THEY LOVE IT - perfect. We are on the cusp. THEN - ghost........................

I finally found out from an intern three levels down what had happened was that the beloved dog died just three days after I finished the re-write and the heartbroken financier backed out. No more dog - no more money. Of course, they told the actors, directors, technicians etc, right away - just not me. Why - because the option period had not run out and they were hoping that the money guy would get a new effing dog.

That was my seminole moment dealing with people in this industry.

Maybe the dog got eaten by my shark Dave ;-)

Quoted from AnthonyCawood

Maybe the dog got eaten by my shark Dave ;-)

LOL!

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

The Screenwriter sits up on the couch, clicks "send" to set up a meeting with the Producer.

INT. PRODUCTION OFFICE - DAY

The producers pull a dirty trick. It'll be in the final script, but for now I'm not giving you any ideas.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The Screenwriter closes his laptop, downs a shot of whiskey, and grumbles.

Dave - that is mental and I'm so sorry. Its hard enough in this business to catch a break, but then if ANYTHING goes wrong, that break can dissappear in an instant.

You are an extremely talented writer (and I aint just saying that) you will get your break one day, dead dogs be damned!

Quoted from MarkRenshaw

Thanks, mate - greatly appreciate the kind words. Other than the rude bastards who started ghosting me, I actually took this is a life m moment - just do the best you can because you have no control over whether the dog dies.