Hey guys, i have one of my scripts(its a drama, heist story) polished and ready for business going forward now; my dream is to have it produced rather than trading it for cash. Kindly advise me on the best ways i can find interested producers/financiers.
Will appreciate all your feedback.
Cheers:)
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Hi Tugume. Get representation first and have your agent submit your scripts for you, if it's good, producers and financiers will call you through your agent.
Dan. Yes, it's very hard, but writing the great screenplay is harder. I'm one who always believes it's the script that's no.1 but then that's not what he asked.
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There is a book called 'BANKROLL' - How to finance your independent film By Tom Malloy. I picked up my copy at the NYU bookstore for $24.95. I am sure it is available online as well. And Tom Malloy does not just present theories he has actually done several films that he has starred in. He is a GREAT resource.
Dan. Your script cannot be good, it has to be great. Otherwise what's the point to make mediocre films? Many of us can write, but not many can write the great script it's why there's so much crap out there. I can write a script that hits all the beats and bring home to the resolution, but is it any good? No. actually I suck at it. Like everything else you can learn the craft of screenwriting but do you have that rare talent?
Put it another way. In my 30 years I have not read a great script that hasn't already been optioned or made into a film by someone else but I'm still looking. In Hollywood we have a saying "if it ain't on the page, it ain't on the stage". Script, script and script.
Dan. In no way am I implying you or anyone else. Assuming Tugume's script is great which is what I did assumed, I offered the correct advice to get representation first if you read my first post. I think you'll agree, if your writing is great, agents won't reject you would they? Yes. I do suck at writing which is why I'm a producer and Tugume's question was about producers/financiers. I am sure you're great.
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Dan. Lets make this clear - I never wanted to be a writer, I went up the camera chain as a 1st, 2nd AC, Operator and DP for 7 years, producing is now what I love the most. However, my interest in screenwriting is essential, as I believe every filmmaker should understand script/story, it's the bottom line for a great film. And btw, I focus mainly on docs now but I'll be happy to look at anyone's script, send me the first 10 pages only - show me the great script and I'll show you the money or refer it to someone who can. But it better be damn great. It is easier to get funding than to write the great script. Finding it would be like hitting the jackpot!
Writing the great screenplay is the hardest thing. Many can writer but not many can write well.
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Name me some of the greatest films in your opinion and I'l name you the great script.
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Great scripts - Casablanca, Citizen Kane, The Godfather. I think we can agree that 99% of stuff out there is not great. Just read them and you'll see.
Owen. You have a point. That's why as a producer, or anyone else interested in making films it's so important to study story and screenwriting because we've been trained over 100 yrs in cinema. I'll use myself as an example. If I'm looking to produce a comedy, as i turn the page I better be laughing out loud, tearing with laughter (have to). If I'm looking to produce a horror I better be scared bitting my nails on every page turn before I decide to dedicate 2 years of my life and $$$. I have to get that from the page first. But that's me.
Why didn't you say? Happy to be bench players - Got It! LOL that may be you. It's presumptuous to assume Tugume wants to be a 'Bench Player', have you considered he may actually want to make an awesome film and be a hit player, win an academy award? Just saying.
Dan. You might not believe it but a lot people actually want to be rich, famous and win awards and make it big time in Hollywood. Just another thought Mr. 'Bench Player'.
Unlike you, I always assume someone believes in their script. I'm a focus puller btw.
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Awesome feedback from all of you guys. I appreciate it all. However, what does it take to get representation? Whats involved? Just curious lol
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Dan. I've had few agents throughout my career, and negotiated with dozens of agents for scripts throughout my 30 years. Let me repeat and clear it up again for you - Yes. It is extremely hard to get an agent (we agree), but in my opinion, it is even harder to write a great screenplay. Just my opinion.
Dan. There's no need for insults. Ken did say it's hard to get an agent, writing a great script is harder in his opinion which I tend to agree with. It all starts with the script.
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Hi Dan. People are entitled to their opinions, and don't have to agree with you. You really don't have to be rude. I am an aspiring screenwriting, however, Ken really knows his stuff. Ken has connected me to a mentor here in Hong Kong and already introduced me to 3 agents. We have never met, but everyone here knows of him.
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Dan. I am an aspiring writer, and obviously not as experienced as you are. I DID NOT questioned your experience but simply telling you there's NO NEED TO BE RUDE for no apparent reason at all.
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Dan, seriously what is your problem? You may be WGA, a Staff Writer with 4 scripts in production but that doesn't give you the right to belittle anyone.
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Tugume. I suggest giving your efforts a clear dateline. I know people in LA who have been chasing the deal to get their film made for decades, and they're still at it. So give yourself a definitive dateline, then make the movie yourself outside the system. If you want to know how to do that I can clearly lay that out for you too. Goto the Producer's Lounge and create a thread 'How To Produce Movies Yourself' and I'll join you there.