Screenwriting : What are the chances? by Lori Jones

Hi, Lori Jones. It's possible for an unknown screenwriter to sell a big-budget script, but it might be tough. A unique concept, incredible script, and well-crafted pitch material could make it easier.

I suggest entering a Stage 32 contest (www.stage32.com/scriptservices/contests). If you win a contest or place as a Finalist, Stage 32 will send your work to agents and literary managers who are seeking new talent and other industry pros. If you don't see contests that fit your script, keep an eye on the Contest Page. Stage 32 will be adding more contests.

I also suggest searching IMDbPro for producers, directors, etc. who make big-budget movies. https://pro.imdb.com/

And I suggest networking with producers, directors, etc. on social media. You never know who's looking for big-budget projects. Or they might know people who are looking for them.

Hi Maurice. My script is a true story about a WW2 Danish resistance fighter based on his 138-page memoire, so definitely unique. I researched IMDb pro for agents, directors and producers and then email pitched a few without even a response. I also reached out through LinkedIn with no response. What platform/social media would be better? I will also look into a Stage 32 Drama/war script contest. Thank you. :)

I suggest looking for a literary manager. They can pitch for you because they have the connections. Also, it could be helpful to put together a pitch deck. Go through the Stage 32 list of managers to pitch. Pitches are just $35 so it's not a huge investment. If they like your pitch they will request your script. Good luck!

The other thing you could do is to find a "co-screenwriter" who is in the WGA or who has a manager already to work on the script with you.

You're welcome, Lori Jones. I use Twitter/X to pitch. There's a lot of producers, directors, celebrities, etc. on there who could see posts about your script. I post pages from my scripts on Stage 32, Twitter/X, and IG. And I second what Lissa said. A catchy query letter could help you get responses.

Here's a good article that might help: https://blog.finaldraft.com/how-to-sell-a-screenplay

As an unknown screenwriter myself, I really hope so hehe good luck! Your project sounds really interesting!

I would try tp find most of your producers in the European market.

Rutger Oosterhoff good idea. I agree. Or a Sales Agent in Europe who can get pre-sales there.

Lori Jones you have amazing suggestions here and I believe will help you to build your own strategy for your goal. The chances are big, but it’s a process and takes time. Stage 32 pitch sessions are an opportunity to pitch directly to producers, execs, literary managers and also they help us with good advices. I am crossing my fingers for you. Be resilient and keep going.

As a WW2 buff, I know how important it is to preserve and tell such stories. I wish you the best of luck getting his story out.

Thank you all for the support. Reaching out to European agents and directors is on my list after exhausting all the US contacts I have. I agree with you, David. The more I researched Denmark, WW2, the more passionate I have become to let everyone know how courageous the Danish people were at a time when they didn't have to risk their lives to rescue their Jewish population and help take down the Nazi regime.

Lori Jones you are on the right spot! Happy networking!

Maybe 6 months ago I read about this happening with the story of a Norwegian resistance fighter. I believe the movie is currently in some stage of production. I'm sorry I don't recall more details just that the writer had a lot of fortunate encounters with the right people over a long period of time to get the movie set up. The original story of the film's journey to production is on Reddit somewhere.

There have been many Norwegian and Dutch movies on resistance fighters, but none on Danish resistance fighters. There is the movie called Flame & Citron but that movie is about Danish assassins and not citizen fighters. Plus, The Wine Merchant is a true story that was stored in a closet for 80 years. I'll look for the story on Reddit.

Lissa, doing pre-sales is a good idea, but you would have to be firnly in the film business to be able to do that; I'm talking about a producer in WO2 films interested enough to get things roling for you, with contacts in Europe and the USA, for instance Vadim Perelman. https://metalmagazine.eu/en/post/vadim-perelman

Maybe you should branch out your pitching base, use multiple websites to post your loglines and synopsis. If you don't have an agent you have to resort to guerilla marketing techniques. I haev had production companies say they have no interest in te material I have sent them, and then had other production companies replying positively to a pitch letter and asking me to send them the script. Don't let negative feedback hold you back, unless "all": of the feedback is negative and then you haev to change some things.

I totally agree with Dan, although the established producers tell you to be humble and uber polite, ask yourself if they used their own advise trying to reach the top... And yes you (general speaking) should also build connections slowly, not going for the kill; life often is and/and, not or/or

Great advice. Finding the right connection for this story is important. After having a personal look into how so many Danish people came together during WW2 to 'do the right thing' for their fellow citizens and their European neighbors by working together through a grass root level of cooperations and organization is inspiring.

Hi Lori Jones

The Writers´ Room here on Stage 32 Lori Jones