I have some ideas for a new spec screenplay that I'm really excited about. In the past, I've been told that the writing is good and draws readers in, but the concept is not marketable. How can I be sure that my idea/concept is actually a marketable one before I spend 8 months to a year on a screenplay? And does it even matter- meaning should I write for myself, and then roll the dice? Thanks in advance- new here and not quite sure what I'm doing.
Screenwriting : Spec screenplays and marketability by Monique Patterson
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I am about to publish a blog post on this, so here is a condensed version.
There are four "P"s in marketing. They can be discussed individually, but impact on each other greatly.
People, Price, Position & Promotion.
Price charged for a seat in a Cinema you have no control over, so you can ignore that.
People.
Who would the target audience be for your film. The more targeted you are here the better. This is why Horror always sells. It has a very clear and well defined audience. It nails the "People" aspect of marketing.
Position.
Are you Low Budget or High Budget? What sort of production is your script going to require. This is will be driven by the size of the potential audience. This is why it is super important to be able to define them (People).
Promotion.
This is how your film going to be promoted to the target audience (and seen). It can also be a way of looking for a channel for display. Perhaps your film needs organic growth, so a streaming service is better. Perhaps it is a Christmas movie. Where and how would you find and contact your audience.
If a film has no specific audience in mind with a big budget and in a format that doesn't suit any particular channel, it would be impossible to market and therefore sell.
I believe you are a great writer. But you have to focus on the final product to sell your script. Think of a farmer growing wheat. They will manipulate species for gluten and nutrients, not for the sake of the wheat. But with a vision of the bread that will be baked.
Thank you, Craig...I'll definitely be thinking about this more in the future. As a new screenwriter, I've been thinking about what satisfies me...it has helped me to build my craft, but I'm thinking outwardly. What sells? Who is my target audience? Who actually goes to the movies?--- that sort of thing.
I'm excited to read your blog whenever you publish it, keep us posted!
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I do the same. I write what I love.
Then occasionally I’ll set myself a task to write a super marketable script. This was how Hostage was created. I wrote it to be shot on a budget. The producer said that was the reason they took it on.
Here comes my standard advice. Write something simple and the.shoot it. Even if you shoot it on your phone and edit it with some free software. You’ll learn so much. Things like shooting inside is cheaper (and easier) than shooting outside at night.
I think it also depends on WHY someone is saying your concept isnt marketable. Is it because of the budget? Is it because it's not high concept or doesnt have roles actors would kill to play? Is it because theres not enough of an audience to warrant the budget? Is it a genre that isnt selling well right now or IS selling well but the trend will ve over before you finish the script? Dont write for trends BUT you should try to get a feel for where the market is going... OR.. is the concept just a bad idea? Best way is to run it by people who would be in your target audience and see how they react...
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That's why "spec" stands for speculation, i.e., risk in the hope of gain. My attitude is write the project I'm passionate about because passion makes the writing better and if the script's not marketable when I'm done, it might be a few years down the road. Now if I have two projects that I'm equally passionate about, I'll choose the one that seems more marketable in the now.
Look at the pitch sessions being offered and what the producers are looking for. That's one way to know. But then, who knows? Trends suddenly take a sharp turn out of the blue because the public is ready for it and many producers are not aware of it.
Gauging the market and judging what will sell is part of the job description.
@Monique If you’ve only shown it to one pair of eyes, maybe they mean its not marketable for THEM. Get other opinions, but study who is looking for specifics you have Eg low or high budget, which genre, audience etc etc. All screenwriters festivals have multiple pitches, most cost nothing and give the run down on what producers/execs are searching for.
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Yeah I agree @Dan We must reserve vital energy for writing our stories, but any spare time no harm in research, sometimes the middle men can be cut out at screenwriters pitchfests. By that I mean Artist straight to Executive who hires them, no agents etc. Its a long shot, yeah, but numerous instances of success.
I read six books on the generations before I decided who to target. It was not the generation I expected, so I had to adjust the script. Mine is high budget (alas and alack), so I have been working on free filming location of 230 acres plus a village. That's the best I could do.
This thread is very informative! I have too wondered about this. Craig D Griffiths I'd be very grateful if you give he a heads up when you've published that blog. I'm very interested in reading more.