|
Dear Screenwriter:
We had LOTS of feedback on the last issue which featured feedback. Thanks for taking the time to compliment, complain and query!
As your screenwriting career becomes established, you will be surprised how much you can learn from your fellow screenwriters. Over the years, I have found them to be a group of creative, resourceful, persistent and generous people -- even if they do look a bit scruffy on the outside.
Continuing on my feedback theme, this issue my market tip suggests contests that offer script readings as part of the prize. Next issue I will publish a tutorial on how to organize a reading of YOUR script.
On with this issue of SCRIPT MARKET NEWS...
SCRIPT
MARKET
NEWS
June 25, 2002
IN THIS ISSUE...
WRITER Q + A:
Sales, Sequels, Local Agents
SUBMISSION OPP => ABC/Disney Redux
MARKET TIP => Contests with Script Readings
A word from a friend...
*******************
SCRIPTAPALOOZA COVERAGE SERVICE
Offering Regular Coverage and
Development Coverage.
With countless requests, years of experience and screenwriter needs in mind, we have created Scriptapalooza Coverage Service. It is a natural progression for Scriptapalooza, Inc. to offer a service that helps writers improve their scripts prior to beginning the process of having their work considered by the industry.
PLEASE NOTE: We do not take a percentage of the sale of any screenplay submitted to Scriptapalooza Coverage for either the Regular or Development Coverage Service. We do not act as managers or agents for any submitted script. Scriptapalooza Coverage is solely a service for our writers.
Please visit www.coverageservice.com
**********************
____________________
SCREENWRITER Q + A
QUESTION on SCREENPLAY PRICES:
I have just completed my second spec screenplay. How much is a screenplay worth these days? -- M. G.
ANSWER:
You will find the Writers Guild (USA) minimums listed on their Website for low budget movies, high budget movies, one hour television, TV movies and sitcoms as well as each step of the deal including options, purchase prices, and week-to-week employment. The fees will be listed in US dollars.
Here's the URL => www.wga.org/ (Click on For Writers tab at the top of the page, then scroll to the Schedule of Minimums link.)
American writers (even unproduced ones) should ask for at least the minimum fee -- often first-timers negotiate for the minimum plus 10% which covers their agent fee. Of course, writers can negotiate a much, much higher price if there is serious interest especially with feature film scripts. Use these numbers as a baseline.
QUESTION on MOVIE SEQUELS:
I have written a screenplay that is a sequel to an old movie. I realize that writing a sequel is not the best idea, however I was compelled to write this story! How do I proceed? -- B. B.
ANSWER:
I recommend (vehemently!) NOT to work on material that you do not control the rights to; but you've already done the work so I will advise you from this point onwards.
1. Register your script with the Writers Guild.
This establishes the date of creation. On the title page you should put some reference to the original movie. "Based on characters and situations created by... (the original writers)."
You can register your script online now at the Writer's Guild site => www.wga.org/
(registration link in left TOC).
2. Contact the producer or producing studio of the original movie by query letter.
Tell them about your interest in writing a sequel to the produced work. Ask if the would be interested in reading your sequel script.
For a tutorial on writing a great query letter go here =>
www.breakingin.net/tswquery.htm
If they are interested, send them your script AFTER you have registered it with the Guild. Perhaps your enthusiasm for the project and your writing talent will win them over. I hope so.
If they're not interested in your sequel, you are limited in what you can do. Other film pros will not take the time to read material that they can't purchase free and clear. No one can produce your movie script without purchasing the underlying sequel rights from the person who holds the rights to the original movie.
QUESTION on LOCAL AGENTS vs. HOLLYWOOD AGENTS:
I have written 2 screenplays. I live in Minnesota, should I submit to agencies in California? -- S. P. F.
ANSWER:
Congratulations on finishing 2 screenplays. Many screenwriters I know have started writing from lots of different areas of the country (and the world!). They have marketed their material from those cities until there was interest in their scripts. Then they made a business trip to LA or NYC or London or another film center to meet with agents or interested producers.
Here are some marketing suggestions you can think about for your scripts:
1. Querying agents
It is better for you have a Hollywood agent working for you if you can find one that is enthusiastic about you and your work. They have current film contacts that you need to set up your script as a movie deal. Many do accept queries from new writers. The Writer's Guild site has a list of agencies that will accept queries from new writers => www.wga.org/ (Click on the For Writers tab at the top.)
Here's a tutorial on writing a great query letter for your script =>
www.breakingin.net/tswquery.htm
Here's a tutorial on how to find and research agents on the Web =>
www.breakingin.net/agents_hide.htm
Here's a tutorial on writing a bombproof logline for your script =>
www.breakingin.net/logline.htm
2. Script contests
Many unproduced writers attract attention for their scripts by winning or placing well in a contest. Here's a tutorial on how to find the best contests for you and your
scripts => www.breakingin.net/choosey.htm
3. Script registries
Some writers have had luck posting their loglines and script synopses on Web databases like WritersScriptNetwork.com where film pros (agents and producers) can read them. The pros then contact the writer if they want to read the entire script.
Here's a tutorial on the best script registries on the Web =>
www.breakingin.net/tswregistries.htm
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOOKING FOR THE BEST WRITER'S WEB SITE!
Writers Digest is looking for the best writer's Web sites which are created and maintained by a writer. (HINT: Sites like mine --> Break into Screenwriting!)
To nominate: Submit your name and the URL of the site to wd-tools@fwpubs.com with "Best Writer's Site" as the subject head.
If you feel my site is worthy, please nominate Breakingin.net!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Haven't seen my
screenwriting site? GO NOW => www.breakingin.net/
SUBMISSION
OPPORTUNITY: ABC/DISNEY WRITING FELLOWSHIPS
UPDATE: The deadline to apply for these useful fellowships has been EXTENDED to July 6, 2002. So get busy.
If you missed the fellowship details in the last issue here they are again:
How would you like to be paid to learn how to write screenplays?
Hallelujah!
For more than a decade Disney Studios and ABC Entertainment have offered year-long fellowships ($961.54 per week for a year = $50,000.) to a dozen writers each year so they can work full-time to develop their craft at Walt Disney Studios and at ABC Entertainment.
The screenwriting and TV writing mentors who work with the fellows include distinguished Disney and ABC executives and producers. This program is open to ALL writers - with or without credits.
INFO => www.abcnewtalent.disney.com/
__________________________________
SPONSOR MESSAGE :
=> ==> ===> Don't Dress for Success
Find a New Career in Your Underwear <==
Receive a FREE guide to media careers
~~ CLOTHING OPTIONAL ~~
CLICK --> Dream
Jobs!
_____________________________________
MARKET
TIP
Contests
that Feature Public Screenplay Readings
---> DRAMA GARAGE SCREENPLAY SERIES
This opportunity offers writers a staged reading of their script at Occidental Studios in Hollywood, CA. Professional actors are cast and the reading is rehearsed. They also provide professional press releases to the film industry and a reception afterwards. One script reading each month all year long so there really is no deadline. Go for it!
INFO => www.dramagarage.com/
---> OHIO INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
Two awards: Best Screenplay and Best Northcoast Screenplay (majority of the story set in Cleveland). The prizes include cash and a reading at Script Mill, the Ohio Film Festival screenplay reading program.
Hurry! DEADLINE: July 1, 2002
INFO => www.ohiofilms.com/
---> ACTORS CHOICE AWARDS (SANTE FE)
If you are planning to attend the popular Screenwriting Conference in Sante Fe this fall, consider entering your script in the Actors Choice Awards competition. The first ten pages of the winning scripts will be read at the conference.
DEADLINE: September 2, 2002
INFO => www.scsfe.com/
---> CINESTORY SCREENWRITING AWARDS
The three feature winners receive $2,000. cash and free tuition, room and board at the Cinestory Retreat, plus an eight month long writing mentorship. Separate award for short scripts. This is not a public reading, but a workshop opportunity.
INFO => www.cinestory.com/
---> ASIAN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Writers of Asian descent compete for this opportunity -- a staged reading of their screenplay performed during the Asian American Film Festival. Sorry, this year's deadline for screenplays has passed, but you can still attend the film festival in July and plan to enter next spring.
INFO => www.asiancinevision.org/
=> NANTUCKET FILM FESTIVAL
This popular festival features lots of performance fun. Actors from New York's Naked Angels Theatre Company cold read 15-20 page excerpts from professional screenplays that are works in progress. Not an opportunity to hear your script read, but to hear the first draft scripts of working screenwriting professionals.
INFO => www.nantucketfilmfestival.org/
Subscribe
to Script Market News
-
Free newsletter from
www.
Breakingin.net
-
Script
marketing advice:
Tips, Tools, Tutorials
-
Screenwriter
Q + A
-
Submission
opportunities
-
Twice a month by
e-mail (text)
-
Sample
issues CLICK
HERE!
Do a writing pal a favor and FORWARD Script Market News to them!
Then set your alarm for the cool of the evening and FINISH THAT SCRIPT!
Lenore Wright, Editor
Script Market News
+++++++++++++
Jumpstart YOUR writing career!
www.breakingin.net/benefits.htm
-------------------
SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE by email:
newsletter@breakingin.net
------------------
FEEDBACK: screenwriter@breakingin.net
---------------------
BACK ISSUES of Script Market ->
www.breakingin.net/tocscriptmarket.htm
-----------------
FORWARD Script Market to friends or writing groups.
----------------
|
