Where can i send my script?

[Hellraiser]

Okay how do I send a script to a production company? Do i have to register or something?

[DAD]

First don't bother unless they ask you to send a script. They'll throw it away unread.

You need to query first with a logline and maybe a one page synopsis of the script. Then if they request the full script then you send it. Many places won't talk to you if you don't have an agent and most agents won't talk to you unless you've sold a script (ever hear of catch 22?). A great place to start is a book called the Hollywood Creative Directory. It's available online for about 60 bucks. It lists all the production companys and what they produce and give many contact names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. I've gotten several scripts read that way but no sales yet.

There are also many places on the internet that will work to place your script in front of people if they feel it is worth the effort (they charge money to do this). One such place is www.scriptpimp.com.

Also, if you have it copyright, many production companies won't talk to you. A lot of place want the script offered before it is copyrighted. This may sound strange, but that's Hollywood. Most will also ask you to sign a release stating that if they already have a similar project in the works that they do not have to compensate you for your idea if it is produced and is similar to your script (sounds like a way to steal a script to me).

Then again, you can always do what I did and get lucky and hook up with a producer/director of independants that pays you to write scripts for him. It happens, but it's unusual.

Good luck, have fun, and best wishes. Don't get to discouraged.
David

[Hellraiser]

Thanks for the info. But do you mean that you got a lot of your scripts read by just sending it to a production company? If so, which companies? Thanks.

[DAD]

Out of about 300 queries I got 2 requests to read scripts. That was about four months ago and I'm still waiting to hear if they actually read them. LOL It's a tough business and not for the faint of heart or for someone who's ego is bruised easily. I continue to beat against the doors and now that I have sold two scripts things should get easier ... LOL

I've been doing this for a very long time and there are people out there that have been doing it longer than me without as much success I've had and I'm still not making a living at it. Don't give up your day job.

I'm not trying to scare you, just preparing you. It's a very tough business and although sometimes it does happen over night, most of the time it doesn't.

David

[mikeysbistro]

What's the going rate for a 1.5 to 2 hour movie script nowadays? Say from the big guns, the average joe, and low budget production companies?

[DAD]

Big gun production companies talk 6 figures to 7 figures for script rights. Very unusual for a first time writer to get in this door but not impossible.

Mid range production companies will start high 4 figure and go into low to mid 5 figure. These are the large independant companies and getting in their door is a little easier ... getting back out with a check is still as tough though.

Low budget producers will usually start around $300 to 500 for a script and might go as high as $2500 to $4000. Figure low end though for most of these places unless you have placed a few scripts with them and they like you.

Try selling to the low end a few times and get a few sales. Use those to get an agent and then start pushing scripts that way. Again, there are probably several million scripts being circulated every year and look at how many films are produced??? If you are not faint hearted and can take the beating, it's a fun life to live.

[armagecko]

DAD gives some good advice. However, putting a "going-rate" price scale on a script is like predicting the outcome of the Kentucky Derby before you even know who's running. These days it seems like everybody in California has a production company. Many, many scripts are bought or optioned every year. Most of these never get made into movies. But, even then, the writer still pockets the check. And that's what you're after just starting out.

The amount that you can make off of a script depends on several factors, but like most things, it follows the pattern of supply and demand. How bankable will your idea be in two years or more? Honestly, how well do you write? How many people are interested in purchasing your script? If more than one is interested, then you stand to make more. And that's what an agent is for - to get your scripts into as many hands as may be interested in purchasing your property in the hopes that several will simultaneously bid on it, thus raising the price.

The first thing that anyone should do before embarking upon a mission to become a screenwriter, and make money in this business, is to study the field - and I don't mean go to college. Go to the newsstand instead. Pick up some issues of Creative Screenwriting, Script, Variety, etc. and find out what is going on in the screenwriting world. One issue of these mags will give you more insite into the screenwriting world, more tips and pointers on what to do and not do, than a month of message board chats. In the back of CS they list the number of scripts sold during the month AND give a synopsis of each one. Invaluable info.

After you learn a bit about the biz, and if and when your writing chops are "up to snuff," I would advise you to seek out an agent. Sending your script straight to production companies is a good way to write for free. I probably shouldn't say that, but I do feel it's true. If your script is good, and I mean GOOD, then why give it away to someone who isn't going to pay you what it's worth. In my opinion, if you want to make money, the agent is the only way to go.

DAD is right in saying that it is difficult to get your foot in the door, but not impossible. But look at it this way: If you can't get one person - the agent, the person whose sole source if income is selling scripts - if you can't get this guy/gal excited about your script, who WILL get excited? Nothing would please an agent more than to meet a screenwriter who understands the market, understands his craft, and writes a great screenplay. These people want your story to be the best thing since sliced bread. S0 - make sure that it is. If you've got a good product, you'll find an agent who will sell your script.

[mandor700]

For the first script I sold I Just sent copies of my script to every single company I could find, I got replys and eventually sold it (for about $600 US) but hey, I wasent complaining. Anyway thants how I got my foot in the prverbial door but it may just be that I'm in New Zealand and companies here get sent alot less scripts.

[Lycan]

Hey guys,

I'm new at this stuff myself. Can anyone tell me about the copyrighting process, and is it really true that they prefer u DONT get it copyrighted right away? To the guys who send numerous copies of their scripts out, how much does it cost to mass produce your scripts? Thats gotta be hella costly, considering if its a feature-length script I'm thinking it's at least 150 pages, no?

[DAD]

A "feature" length script is anything over 76 pages (76 minutes based on a minute per page). Most feature scripts will average between 90 and 120 pages though. And yes it can get VERY costly sending out copies ... query first and find out they want to see it before you start spending money on making a ton of copies.

It is VERY true that many studios will not even look at a script if it is copyrighted. They want to buy it lock stock and copyright free so they can do whatever they want to it and the writer can't say a d*&n thing about it. It would amaze some people how many scripts are bought for the 'idea' only and what ends up on film is totally different from what the original writer put on paper. Sad but true. When you sell a script, it no longer belongs to you!

[Drifter]

Wow, we have some knowledgeable people on this board!

I've been writing for a few years, but have just started thinking about trying to sell my stuff professionally. Can a writer get himself "noticed" by production companies or agents by producing the script himself, or partnering with a producer and trying to sell the movie itself to a film festival or distributor? It worked for Robert Rodriguez, but I don't know how common it is. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[DAD]

The best way for a nobody to get a film deal is to get to know an A list actor, get them interested in your script and have them attach themselves to the project. If an A list actor wants the film made, it usually gets made. Now, in the horror genre that RARELY happens. A list actors and horror are not a very good mix since A list people want to do stuff that's recognized by the Academy. Not to may horror flicks have gathered Academy awards.

RR's situation was a rare one indeed. But he had talent and drive and didn't know when to shut up or take no for an answer. Those are a few things that can help. You have to be a pain in the a$$ and very stubborn sometimes.

I would guess that 80 to 90 percent of all horror being made right now are direct to video and 95 percent of that is softcore porn. Blood and ti^^ies seem to go together real well according to a lot of film makers. I never thought so but that's just me.

If you want to write horror be ready to work for the lowest pay and with the lowest budgets if you sell a script. If you can find a production company to back you fantastic, but a lot is Indie produced on non-existant budgets in the hopes of finding a direct to video distributor that will pay completion funds and market the film. Even in deals like that, the makers sometimes end up paying for some of the promotions and marketing.

Festivals are a good place to get noticed, but there again only the best of the best are seen at a place like Sundance. And again, horror is not something that plays well at festivals like that. There are Horror only festivals but be careful and look close at anyone that offers you a deal at any festival. Not all production companies/distribution companies are legit. Someone else may end up with your film and you end up with nothing but a piece of paper and promises.

Bottom line: Do you homework.

[RageCranker]

I SUGGEST THIS although I have made one short (which is my ENTIRE FILM CAREER), I suggest that you grab a camera and film the movie yourself. Because first off even if you are able to SELL YOUR SCRIPT for a not so bad price (1-5k), you still going to have to cope with the fact that the image that you had for the movie, is not going to be the same for the production company.

Production Companies move the movie to the way that THEY want it and not the way that YOU want it. To me I find more pride in actually making A MOVIE then making some extra money. I think that the only real way to get things done is to do them yourself. LOW BUDGET or NO BUDGET you can still get the job done.

For the next couple of nights I am going to be making a movie with a good (but cheap) 8mm camera, but atleast I am going to be able to tell my self that "Atleast the movie is being made MY WAY and as apart of MY VISION" this is actually saving me more head aches then I have ever imagined.

BOTTOM LINE make the movie yourself and to your image, it may not be the best thing (the first time around). But if you put your mind to something there is nothing but IMPROVEMENTS to be made.

[armagecko]

I have to revert back to my previous post in response to Drifter's most recent question. The best way to get noticed as a WRITER is to get an agent. If you know the craft of screenwriting and write a marketable product, you can find a driven, reputable agent. However, if you're interested in DIRECTING, or having control over that finished product, then follow RC's advice. See, most writers write for a living. They know going in to a screenwriting deal that they have little or no control over the finished product. They don't care. They are paid to write, not direct. They are like the Gaffer. He just handles electricity. Nobody blames him for the success or failure of the movie. But, he enjoys his job and gets paid all the same. Everyone does not crave control. Or at least control over a movie. Many writers would rather have control over their daily lives or their schedule. So they don't care about seeing their "vision" on the screen. Many writers have so many "visions" that there's no way anyone would or could ever see all of them! Check out books written by William Goldman, the screenwriter's screenwriter and an excellent wit. He's credited with tons of screenplays (most recently, Dreamcatcher) and offers fabulous words of wisdom about the Studio system and screenwriting in general. "Nobody knows anything" is his famous maxim. He's the guy the studios call when they realize their script is crap, but they're already two weeks into the shoot! He will not hesitate to tell you that he has no interest in seeing his "vision" on screen. He's a writer. Those other chumps make the movie.