I have a script based on my two children's books that a studio is interested in making a ninety-minute animated movie. They were ready to offer me an acquisition deal and decided they wanted a second script. I was told it didn't have to pertain to this script and could be a different script altogether. So, I hired a screenwriter to help with my new story. This person did a great job. The script is good. When I submitted it to the studio their response was, the script needed something. No details as to what and then told me I should not have hired a screenwriter that wrote a sci-fi script for this children's project. I am under the impression that a screenwriter that can write multiple genre's is very talented. My question is, why does the studio need two scripts before offering an acquisition deal on the first script? Why does it make a difference that the scriptwriter wrote a sci-fi script. This person has a very long resume and is a very good scriptwriter.
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Perhaps their interest was more in you than you in a team with this other writer. Hard to predict their reasoning - it can be an illogical business but always a relationship business. Can you set a call to talk with the exec at the studio and try to build the relationship with an open and honest conversation about it and see where that leads?
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Wtf? Why is a studio asking you to pay a screenwriter to write a second script?
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If a studio wants the property they'll buy it, and do it their way. If they offered you notes and asked you to incorporate or delete things it's a rewrite from you. And then they said it doesn't have to pertain to the books, it can be different. Did you write the first script? I can't tell from your post. At this point I will agree with Sam and say they're probably interested more in your storytelling abilities (if you wrote the first script). Please feel free to connect and direct message me to discuss (I was a suit at two studios).
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Thank you for your comments. This helps me to understand somewhat. I have another studio that is interested in the scripts, and we will see what they want to do. Yes, I did write my books as well as co-write both scripts with each screenwriter. Both of them are good scripts.
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It seems you have some problem in communicating business and creative matters with the studio. You might take an interest in getting a manager involved in order to help you out.
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I am with Willem. Excellent advice!