| |
Dramatica Tip
of the Month
December 2007
The
Million Dollar Question
Q: Is there any way I can get my story / Screenplay to
interested producers / film directors?
[I
know this isn't technically a Dramatica question, but it is one
we get a lot so I thought I'd share my modicum of insight while
the WGA Strike is on—Chris Huntley]
A: That's
the $1,000,000 question. The best way to get your script to
producers and directors is to get an agent. Most professionals
do not accept scripts (especially unsolicited scripts) unless they
are from agents. Even then it's tough.
The
obvious exceptions to that are:
- Enter
and win a screenplay contest. This gets you a lot of
attention. There are MANY, the most notable of which is
the Nichols Scholarship which grants five (?) every year. Another
is called Sciptapalooza.
- Join
a group such as Ink Tip which provides producers and directors
the opportunities to see loglines, treatments, and eventually
scripts by its members. There is a fee involved with this
one, but I think it is reasonable. Please check for yourself.
- Make
friends with producers and directors. This is accomplished
by hanging around places they hang around, including doing grunt
work (gopher or production assistant work) on shows for little
to no $$$. People like working with people they trust
and know.
- If
you're not in Los Angeles or another film production hub, consider
moving here. It's difficult meeting people, and meeting
WITH people, if you're not in town. Understand, however,
that almost half of Los Angeles is populated by people like
you--actors or writers trying to break into the business. It's
tough. It's
ugly. But it can be great if you get in. ALSO, understand
that it is no bed of roses. The "Art" of filmmaking can
be beautiful, but the "Business" of filmmaking is brutal, and
I don't mean that in a romanticized way. You can expect
it to take between five and ten years to be "discovered," if
you ever get that chance.
Good
Luck!
|
