Screenwriting : Seeing your screenplay made... by someone else. by Joseph Andrew Killeen

Two things: 1) Now that you know what the other one is like, you can rewrite yours to make it different. 2) I just write another couple of scripts and then it doesn't matter.

Will PM you!

It happens all the time. It used to be that the larger houses would buy up scripts that were similar to what was in development and sit on 'em just so other studios couldn't get them. Not so much now days, Remember that there are jillions of starving screenwriters out there. They each have a story-en-script so it's very likely that they have developed a story similar to yours – and pitched it before you. Script to screen is a long journey – five years or more is not uncommon. If you're writing what's popular today, then you're already a few years behind the curve. Look at the popular genres that have cycled through during the past few decades and then guesstimate what will sell in the future. Polish the ole crystal ball and place your bet.

I had an idea of a guy who could will himself to transport to wherever he wanted when he wanted. Then Jumper came out! Bugger. :-) Apparently, it's called the steam engine effect. When Stephenson's Rocket was created, there were several other steam engine locomotives also being developed. His just happened to be the one that got there, or at least got the most attention, first.

It's so common. I had just finished a zombie love story script when the movie "Warm Bodies" came out. No one would even look at my screenplay because as soon as I gave a synopsis they would say "Oh, Warm Bodies" and pass. Even though it really isn't the same story, it was close enough that no one wanted it. Oh well. You just have to keep on. Start the next script and put that one away until Neon Demon is forgotten and you can break it out as new again.

Yeah Dan, put the Vampire Models in skimpy bikinis and let them frolic in the sun and surf with big killer sharks in Aruba and you got a hit! (Maybe Vampire sharks...in little string bikinis too?) (Vampires need a tan?)

maybe see if you could turn your script into a sequel of Neon Demon?

Maybe a few love-sick zombie sharks too. We got a hit for sure.

Common in this field Joseph. Though I guarantee that your script is still different in its own original way. make some alterations and twists to it. I wrote a feature about Herakles and two movies came out the last couple of years and one with the Rock starting in it. It sucks, but it happens. I'm still trying to sell mine. best of luck mate

Its crazy how those things happen. I had an idea for a movie about a hacker who solves crimes and helps people in need, but then is targetted by a serial killer who kidnapped her child year ago and is holding him hostage, training him how to kill other people and eventually her. Then, the trailer for the show Eye Candy starring Victoria Justice came out and it was like "Damn, well, there goes that idea". I eventually scrapped it seeing that instead of it being her child that got kidnapped at a park, it was her little sister outside a line at the drive thru at their version of something like Burget King or Dairy Queen. It sucks when it happens, but guess someone had the same idea as me, they just had the resources to produce it first.

@Joseph Andrew Killeen. So, I never plan on seeing the Neon Demon movie because to be honest it looks pretty, but boring. However, I read the plot online and I have to say I was right in not wanting to see it. Not only is there no real point to the movie, but to show that girls will kill to be the top selling female in the modeling game, but the whol message is violence in the name of beauty and power. I also read that the director of this movie really just wrote it to show that beauty is everything and superficiality is important over everything. That to me seems vapid and arrogant. The movie was pretty looking, but there was no real consitency. From what I read happens in the whole movie, which is the plot pay by play, its like one of those pink frosted cookies with the little sprinkled hearts, very pretty to look at, but empty inside. Re-write your vampire models movie, but give it consitency, something of value, not just fluff in the name of superficiallity. Be better than the guy who wrote that dreadful movie and make it much better than that god awful movie. You can do it, you can do better than The Neon Demon

Take heart, dig deep and move forward. Worry less about overall concept and create characters that transcend the genre :)

Thats the collective unconscious pool we are all apart of, as describe by Carl Jung. Play with your story concept. Redo your outline and start asking your self questions. Theme, A plot, B plot. Is the story plot driven or character driven. Etc. If you re- map the story you'll find a way to create something new out of something that only at first appeared to already be done.

Take this from one who knows. First, let's start with my Grandfather's works that were copy written, as was my Uncle Lowell Jordan's song " Whole Lotta' Woman " for Lou Rawls by ASCAP. Each estate still receives royalties. Second, be sure and do the same for your written works and note that everything you right should be time and date stamped, so you have documentation as you create your Stories/Scripts and always have a Lawyer you can go to, if you think and can prove that someone has stolen your material and ideas, stories or scripts. Most Executive Producers are Attorney's and I am sure they would not want to be confronted with a lawsuit! Joseph. I am not sure if this will help you, but, my creative process begins with a dream>idea>story>script, after many rewrites, and then possibly a teleplay team with your input after your project has been financed. Just Sayin'. As a Member of Sag-Aftra,I only choose to work with Signatories to the Union! This protects everyone rights and payments into social security, Pension, Health and Welfare Benefits, as well as, wages! HAVE SOME FUN TODAY and take to heart that you are blessed to get to do your craft and Light Your Own Fuse! Most people when they are 1" away from success, they give up and throw away their dreams. SO, consider your writing as an 8 hour a day job and stop to reflect and go out and decompress in anyway you so choose and rest and start the process daily. Your efforts should be your lifelong pursuit " Artist Only Die and We leave our Legacy behind for Others to Follow in Our Footsteps ". My mindset is to BOP TILL I DROP! YOLO.....You Only Live Once! Shalom

A horror screenplay is basically masking plain story idea with light and shade, and music effects and inserting unexpected events that an audience identifies with as horror or anything that can instill temporary fear. The suspense has to be evenly distributed in all scenes before we burst it open for the audience.

Wow thanks so much for all the replies, I'm still reading through all of them. I really appreciate the words of encouragement.

Yeah I did with the WGA.

I'm sorry to say that it happens. Here's an example - http://deadline.com/2011/05/warner-bros-acquires-turkey-bowl-for-will-fe... For some reason, Turkey Bowls were in the air that year. There were (at least) 3 Turkey Bowl projects floating around that year, and this one is the one that was packaged and became THE Turkey Bowl project. Look at the silver lining. You had a great idea, and you were in the game. You'll have other great ideas in the present/future.