I am just starting the process of trying to sell my screenplay (fifth one written, first one trying to sell). One week into it and my head is ready to explode. The amount of advice is overwhelming (and often times contradictory). Some say it's all in the query letter, others swear by the log line, still others with the synopsis. Some say to query production companies, others say managers, still others say agents. My story has a twist - should I tell it in the synopsis or log line, or should I just tease it? Will anyone request the script if I don't give away the twist up front? Some say query letter should have just log line and brief one paragraph synopsis - others say 1-2 page synopsis.
I know this is meant to be hard, otherwise everyone would do it (or try to). But there are times like this that I want to curl up in a fetal position, grab a Mai tai, and just spend the day listening to my "Space Music" playlist. I thought writing was hard enough - but the selling is really killing me. Anyone else ever feel the same?
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Submit your screenplay to one of Stage32's many consultants, who'll give you notes helping with these decisions. Or join a writer's group for advice.
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Hey Don Dobrez Jr The struggle is very real. I think the right place, the right person at the right time. Unfortunately, even the greatest script needs good old fashion luck. The best I can do is be extremely patient, sip a good mai-tai, and enjoy the ride. Good luck. Onward and upward.
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What I tell my writers all the time is this: there are established conventions but at the end of the day it’s all going to depend on the person on the receiving end of your screenplay
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Walking away and processing that information is a TOTALLY viable option! Also, getting feedback from different sources is great, especially since you'll get contradictory notes. All the better to remind yourself not to take every note. Go with gets you excited about the next draft, and leave the rest. Energy and momentum are what is most important.
Keep at it, and keep us posted!
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Look, it's a lot that you have to do, but it's not overly complicated. So, lets break it down... Heres what youre going to need in your arsenal BESIDES a great finished script (at least 2 if youre targeting Managers...
1. Logline - try to keep it to 35 words or less, as a GENERAL guide. you will put this on your query letter, you will use it in your pitches, it will even be in the trades when you sell it. It should NOT include your twist ending but should allude to the fact that there is one.
2. Query Letter - more than a logline, much less than a synopsis. half a page, maybe 2/3 a page at most. Include something about YOU or your connection to the story/character. Include your logline, include the COMPS, include the genre, intro your character, include an important theme if there is one, include 4-10 lines of plot/story so they know what the hell its about. i would NOT give away the ending, but again allude to the twist.
3. 1-2 page synopsis. You may use this on Script hosting sites. SOMETIMES an exec who is unsure of your story will ask to read one. it should absolutely include your amazing twist ending! a synopsis is of your whole story, beginning, middle, and end.
4. One Page Pitch Doc - longer than query letter, less than synopsis. includes everything your query letter does including Logline, but not in letter form. Spend more time on Character. You'll use this on S32 or Roadmap, you can also make this your ONE SHEET leave behind if you make it more visual, maybe include some graphics or a poster on one side, the text and info on the other.
5. Your Verbal or Written Pitch. also includes logline & everything in your query and pitch doc. Yes, you give them the twist ending!! Why would you NOT give them the best part of your story?? if it sounds cool, they'll want to make sure the script executes it as well as your pitch does. Hope that helps and clears up some confusion.
If you need help with your scripts or any of the above, find me at No BullScript Consulting. This is what Ive been helping writers with for 13 years!
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You know what'll happen after the sell? Striving for more...and more...and more...so have them cocktails on a liter supply...or change to something harder...
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Did you actually try drinking the Mai-Tai in this fetal position of yours? :-) I think Danny's and Karen's advice is great. I do remember the quote from Thomas Watson Jr. - "Double your failure rate." ... and learn from all the passes you get until someone eventually says yes. Kind regards.
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It's all just someone's personal opinion. Everyone is an expert and knows better than the writer. Just my observations on pitches...yes, you will get violently contradictory opinions. I've received so-called award winning scripts to study. Need I say more?
Thanks everyone fo rthe advice! Failure is to be expected, the more rejections the better at this point. It's the consfusion that drives me to drink! But everyone had great points and good advice. Much appreciated.