Screenwriting : Screenplay Optioned / Sold by Shannon Wilkins

How are you, Shannon? There are many ways to get a script optioned/sold. I sold three short scripts to a producer that I met on Stage 32, so continue to build relationships on here. The Stage 32 Pitch Sessions and Script Reads/Consultation Calls are also ways to get your script in front of producers, execs, companies, etc.

You can also check out the Open Writing Assignments in the Writers' Room on here.

Hey Marice I am doing well, thank hope all is well with you. Thank you so much for these tips this help out a lot. I appreciate you. Thanks again.

I know this is obvious. But does the formula of

Writer + Story + budget < the earnings from the audience.

Does your story have an audience, how big is it.

How much money can they get from that audience? Can they make your story for an amount of money + marketing and still turn a profit (bigger the better).

Now if you are a well known writer it makes them feel more comfortable.

You're welcome, Shannon. Glad I could help. I'm doing fine. Thanks for asking.

Networking, banging down doors and furthering your skill set by exploring the education we offer is key - at least some of them - to your success!

Hey Craig, I have no idea how much money my story can make but only time and effort will tell as I go through the stage of getting my script in front of the right people.

Thank you Ilan, I appreciate it.

Shannon Wilkins you don’t need a strict dollar value. But look at movies similar in scope and see if you can find their budget. So if someone asks “what do you think it will cost?”, you can say about $xx. But probably less, depending on production choices.

Is there a big audience? It is good to know who may be interested to grab some popcorn and watch.

I would suggest (once your work is as bulletproof as possible) post it on scriptrevoltion.com and then find some films that are comparable. You can then reach out to the producers, director or an actor and see if that gets any traction.

First go a full cicrle...do a short/two on one of your scripts...make proof ure writing filmable stuff...

Don't ask for the odds hahah Never ask for the odds.

Kiril and Dan I am not getting what you are saying?

Hey Shannon Wilkins! I am the Director of Script Services at Stage 32. Thanks for posting! It is a major challenge to get optioned, sold, or produced, but each of of these things is achievable if you have four things - Patience, Resilience, Talent and a Plan. The first three have to come from you. Email me at j.mirch@stage32.com and we can start working on a plan for you.

"Patience, Resilience, Talent and a Plan." True, Jason!

The biggest thing is building a network of people in the business who believe in you and know you can add value with your work ethic, creativity, and willingness to be a good team mate. Movies take an army of people, and those people need to feel you can help them achieve the goal of making that movie by being someone who is skilled, helpful, friendly, and just a pleasure to work with - because getting a movie across the finish line is a stressful and challenging experience. So continue networking, sharing your passion and your stories and supporting your friends. They will want you at their side when they are undertaking their next project, or looking to you for their next story to make into a film. Also keep sending out query letters, asking people for 15 minutes over coffee for advice or to introduce yourself, getting on pod casts or starting one, starting a website, making connections at film festivals, etc. Odds are you wont get "discovered" by some huge company (they already have most of their teams and writers and its very hard to get into that circle) what is more likely is youll make important connections with people who are coming up and breaking in, just like you, and youll rise together. So be grateful for those people youre making connections with now at your level, they may not have the ability to snap their fingers and get your movie optioned today, but down the road they might!

Robert what a great and smart thoughtful addition to this chain of shares. Good for you!

Wow, this is some good education for a person like me. Every word is on point.

Shannon I assure you our classes and other options and services which help educate you even more.

My script got optioned after winning a contest. Definitely you have to have resilience and patience. And always be writing and building your portfolio.