Screenwriting : What to do before the screenplay is complete? by Johnny Cinematic

Hi, Johnny. These are great questions. So much so, that I am going to break them down a bit. If you just started, I have to ask the following which is pretty much the answer. Sometimes people forget that what you want may or may not be marketable. Not to sound mean or trite but ultimately, you need to know where your material fits preferably before you even start. Otherwise, you run the risk of writing something that will take extra effort to market. If you know which markets and which companies would have interest, then you're good. Make sure your material shines and then find out how best to contact those people. If not, you need to ask yourself, which markets (quadrants) are best served by my material? Who services those markets? And of course, how can I reach them? Being an independent, I think you know where I am going. The problem I see with screenwriters many times is that they don't know where their material fits before the project begins. So, if you are passionate about a theme, get it on paper but also do your homework. In essence, don't put the cart before the horse.

My screenplay is the life and times of Osceola, the legendary Seminole Indian warrior. It takes place in the early 1800's. It is epic in scope. It is about Native Americans fighting to stay in their homeland in Florida. The Seminoles fought three different wars against the United States government and is the only tribe never to sign a peace treaty. It's an incredibly visual story that has not been discovered yet. It's time for another great native American film like Dances With Wolves and Last Of The Mohicans.

Ok, well, here's the thing. You need to think in terms of business. So many times we get enamored of a story without placing the story with the right focus. Thus, again, do your research. As per a similar discussion, you have to know to whom to market the project. Adaptations do better as they are based on material that already has a fanbase and/or multiple quadrants.

Yes, business. I will discuss this in my next post to you. But first I want to say that there IS a fan base for the story: Have you ever noticed how when people have Native American blood in them they are always so proud to share it with the world? People want to connect with the noble savage; when life was purer and more in touch with nature. All kinds of people feel this sub-conscious connection with the Indian. People want to see Native Americans standing up to the white man, fighting for their beloved homeland. Haven't you noticed this? And with the Seminoles they actually won their struggle! The Seminole never signed a peace treaty with the U.S. like every other tribe did. And now look at how they thrive today? When these images are presented on the big screen people will feel a connection--even if they don't exactly know why! What do you think?

I agree there is a fanbase. Just bear in mind of the need to research the marketplace for your story.

Well there is a marketplace but it's not going to be the big six for one thing. There is always a place for a story. However, to create a niche, you have to understand who your buyers are. This is where the slight disconnect is thread wise. Movies like yours need to find the right producers. Ultimately too as Lyse states, that story has to be beyond reproach as far as the quality of the script. Sadly, Indies are held to an even higher standard precisely to break the barrier. So on that point I agree. That's not to say though you cannot find out about interest. But, don't confuse theme with loglines etc. Pitching a script, especially an Indie, will require that you know it in, out, up, down, horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Also, defining a quadrant is still crucial. You can make the story appeal to families, young adults, thinkers, activists, etc. There are many ways you can go with this. Again, this is where knowing your market place, especially your audience and buyers will be of the utmost importance. But I have to disagree as far as the timing. Sitting on an idea can be its own death if you don't do the legwork. Figure out the buyers, trust me on this. Buyers can be as varied as Focus, Plan B to the Weinstein Co. But, find the gatekeepers and refine the details. These people will want to know who the ticket buyers will be. And you should know that upfront. I hope that helps.

If I were you, I would just focus on the writing and telling the best story you can, then worry about the rest afterward. You should always be networking and reading scripts to work on your skills, but the marketing comes afterward, when you have a polished piece of work to show.

Thanks. Makes sense.

I don't share anything until I've applied for the copyright, and that only when the first draft is complete. Maybe the risk of someone stealing your idea/work is low, but personally I don't care to take that chance.

If you have a trusted soundingboard, you can easily avoid that. Networking is invaluable that way.

Hi Johnny, what I found extremely helpful in writing my script was having a sounding-board. Someone who knows their stuff and doesn't mind having me run thoughts and ideas by them. Also, I'm not sure if this is your first screenplay, but if it is, and depending on where you are in writing it, i would really recommend reading up on structure. so many new screenwriters miss how important structure is. I have a thread on here with lots of recommendations for good books to read from people in the Stage32 community. the two i've read that i love are Save the Cat and Your Screenplay Sucks

Hey Johnny, two of the most important elements to have as a screenwriter is a group of quality readers who will give you quality notes as you go through your rewrite drafts, as well as an industry mentor. They will help you steer in the right direction, because one of the most difficult things is to navigate your own screenplay just by yourself.

Excellent points. Ive got my support group and perhaps a mentor somedsu. You're right about having others involved in my scriptwriting. Thank you for your post

The other thing Johnny is to rewrite in "passes," i.e. only focus on one element in each pass (one pass for clarity, another for conflict, etc. etc.). If you try to tackle them all it becomes very daunting.