Message Board

Congratulations!

About the book this past year and it's pretty good. Lots of good information. Wonder if he'll give me a piece of the proceeds for recommending his book? :)

I bought the book this past year and it's pretty good. Lots of good information. Wonder if he'll give me a piece of the proceeds for recommending his book? :)

Damn, too bad it doesn't fit the short I currently have. I'm just starting out, but I did write a short as part of a writer's group exercise and I did fairly well in a contest with it. I'm hoping I can get someone to make it. Maybe I'll get lucky. Anyway, thanks for the info even if it doesn't meet my needs .

Thanks for the kudos Terri, but you haven't seen my work yet! I'll think about it, but I don't think I'd give the hip hop theme the justice it deserves. I'll think about it - can't hurt.

Terri:

It makes me wonder if anyone in Hollywood is interested in doing anything new or if the material they're receiving is such crap. I can't believe it's the latter - anything has to be better than Dumb and Dumberer or whatever the 2nd movie was called.

Kim

I logon to movibytes.com from 4 different computers so the different computer, different logon thing doesn't fly. My guess is this guy is is not the original Colin O'Reilly or maybe the original Colin O'Reilly wasn't the original either....wait, what am I saying?!?!?! Errrr....ummmmm.....forget it.

I'm not "in" the business so someone may have better information, but I was unable to come up with anything on Imdbpro or HCDonline.

Kim

Glad I was able to make you laugh Grover - at least someone laughs at my jokes!

Wish I could sustain the humor for 100 pages, but I did manage to sustain it for a 40 page sitcom idea. I submitted it to a few contest, but I suspect it will be taking up permanent residence in my closet.

I sent them an email, but haven't heard anything. Based on the messages I've seen I'm not sure if that's good or bad - LOL. Hopefully someone along the way will take interest in my script.

Terri:

Click on the name and it should forward you. At least it did for me and I'm using Exporer.

Kim

I agree that family members AREN'T objective at all, but I do like to use them in the beginning stages. When my story is still in the rough stages: is that scene boring? Does it make sense? Too graphic? Nothing real major, but does it sound interesting? For me at least, it's helped me expand in certain areas that were lacking.

I like to use everyone, ESPECIALLY my father for grammar/spelling checks. Those kind of things I think they can be objective about because it's either right or wrong in my book and they've saved me big time in that area - especially when you've been reading and re-reading the same script over and over again.

I'm still all new to this and it's been kind of hard for me to find REAL objective people to read my stuff. When I'm at the point where I think it's polished that's when I send it out to get objective feedback.

Right now I'm still making a lot of rookie mistakes like rushing to get things out and not taking the time to check if everything is 100% and I KNOW I've made a fool out of myself a bunch of times. It really means I need to slow down, make sure it's right and if I need to, have someone else look over my contest application or query letter to make sure the spelling/grammar is 100% correct.

Good point Jerry. I had belonged to an online writing group that I thought was fairly good. A topic would be posted every two weeks and members would write scenes and then others would critique the work. Some comments I agreed with and obviously some I didn't. I made changes, re-submitted and people enjoyed it and recommended I develop the story more - I did and was a semi-finalist in a short script contest. Maybe it was beginners luck.

I really enjoyed the group, but it required A LOT of participation and it was something I just couldn't do and I had to quit. I sort of stumbled upon screenwriting by accident and I'm not sure if anything will ever come of it, but right now I'm attending grad school for my MBA and that needs my primary focus.

I guess my point is, family and friends can be helpful for some of the basics - spelling, grammar, does this sound right? type of things, but when it comes down to the meat and bones of the story you really need some objective people.

Thanks for the tip Jerry. I sent my one script out to be critiqued, so I'm still waiting to hear back. I'm interested to see what he has to say, but also a little afraid too. We all want them to be honest, but we all fear they'll say in their most diplomatic way "you suck!" LOL

I'm new at this screenwriting thing - trying to find an agent, producer, blah, blah, blah. One thing I've come across quite frequently is the budget for a movie. How do you know if your movie fits the budget? Obviously it's a giveaway if you have a lot of F/X in your script - but assuming it's minimal or not even at all, how do you know if your script fits the budget requirements?

Terri:

Ok that helped a bit, but that now leads to my next question. What range is considered low budget & mid budget? That is if I'm using the right terms.

Kim

Thanks everyone for all your input. As I said, I'm just starting out and I simply don't have enough time to write until I'm finished with graduate school (what was I thinking??).

I hope you guys aren't offended, but at this stage of the game, I'd be excited if someone was interested in turning my story into a MOW.

I have an idea for something like the F/X channel. A bit gritty, maybe a little dark and a bit sexy. The sort of thing you can't show on primetime television. Although, I'm amazed at what they show after 10:00 PM on primetime television and I'm no prude!

Right now I have to learn how to put a script to bed and move on to something else. Just because I think it's good doesn't actually mean it is LOL.

Honestly though, I'm not sure if it's any easier finding a producer interested in a MOW either. I've placed it on InkTip.com and checked off the MOW box, but so far no takers. Should I mention my interest in a MOW format in my query letters?

Thanks for the tip. Guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed and maybe I'll get a bit more recognition with my scripts in in contests.

Ahhhhh, ok. I've only entered a few here and there because I had also read in a few magazines that contests really aren't that important. At least someone in the industry has verified that.

Guess I'll just keep doing the query letter/email thing. I wrote a synopsis for my my screenplay and it sucks big time to put it mildly (LOL). I plan on working on it this weekend and trying to fix it up.

Thanks for all the input, it really does help.

BTW, is it ok to send querries via email if they accept them or should you always send a letter through the mail?

The short synopsis I have (mine is 90 words). Maybe it's just too run of the mill, but then again, I've been looking at it for so long I don't know. I suppose what I'm referring to is the one page summary a few production companies have been looking for. They've called it a synopsis. What I need to work on is my one page summary/synopsis.

Is there anyone on here who has worked on TV show? It doesn't matter if it's behind or in front of the camera. I have an idea for a screenplay and I've never been on a TV set so I have some real general questions to ask. Not too time consuming as it's not the focus of my story. If anyone here wouldn't mind me emailing them I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!!

Thanks Terri. I dropped you an email. I think the questions are real painless and I'm not looking for anything real specific. I appreciate the help.

Kim

Why's it a train wreck?

I'm no pro, but in everything I've read and seen so far I've yet to see an act breakdown in a spec script.

I haven't had that much luck with InkTip in terms of posting my screenplay, but I've been very pleased with the weekly newsletter. I have two scripts posted and my loglines have come up about 10-12 times. Of those, a little more than half were foreign companies. Two reviewed my synopsis and weren't interested and one figured if my resume wasn't interesting enough there was no point in reading further (shrug).

I've had much more success with Scriptblaster in terms of interest. My query went out today and 8 companies want me to send them my screenplay. Most are direct to video and two have done MOW's. It's a start for me and I'll gladly take it.

I'm curious, The Vine Entertainment currently has a movie in production (Mob Dot com) starring Kevin Pollak, Kevin Dillon amongst others. Obviously it's not a blockbuster, but appears to be legit. He responded to my query sent out through ScriptBlaster so I'm wondering what's wrong with him if anything.

I just recently tried the service at Script Blaster and after 2 days I've received 9 requests. All are from small production companies, but I figured I've gotta start somewhere. I've sent the scripts out and time will tell if anything comes from it.

I think I'll give the service another try with any future scripts I finish.

I was actually reading up on something like this last night because there's a script I want to write that involves a real person. Anyway, I really think you should consult an attorney to make sure as you may be opening yourself up to be sued for liable. When you start writing about people who are still alive and about events that are not public record you're really taking a risk. Hope that helps.

Has anyone ever had any dealings with Jill Gatsby from there?

I sent my screenplay out to a bunch of production companies who had responded to my query and so far I've heard back from 3. All 3 rejected it, but they provided comments which were very similar. One woman was kind of enough to chat with me for 20-30 min and she while she liked the concept she told me what was wrong and what not. I found her to be very helpful. I have no idea how much weight she carries in the industry. She asked if I had any other stuff and was shocked when I told her this was my first screenplay. She told me it was worth a re-write and if I did one she'd be willing to look at it again.

Here's the dilema, I was sort of at the point mentally where I was ready to put it on the shelf and move on. Now I have some hope, but the re-write will be extensive. In some ways I'm excited and in other ways I'm petrified because I don't know if I can pull it off. I know if I'm going to do it, I should move quickly, but there are some timing issues.

It's also funny to note that one of the other producer's who had passed on it, commented that he didn't feel it was big budget enough and that it was suited more for TV/Cable and was in the genre of CSI. He almost hit the nail exactly on the head. I did write it with a MOW format in mind and I also wrote it with two TV characters in mind from a canceled TV show I used to watch.

Anyway, has anyone else been faced with the same dilema? I'm curious what other people's thoughts are.

Thanks!

Kim

Thanks for your input everyone. I was afraid if I didn't work on this quickly then the woman who was willing to look at it again would more than likely not remember me if I re-submitted this months down the road. This project has been worked on and off for the past year and a half. I did basically what many do, worked on it, put it away, worked on it some more, etc. until I reached the point where I thought I was finished and then submitted it to production companies. As I mentioned, three came back with very similar comments regarding the structure of my story.

Thanks again for all your input; it really has helped put things into perspective for me.

Terri:

Yes, I dropped her a note to thank her for her time, which was really great because she did take the time to talk to me for about 20-30 min. She actually commented that she enjoys talking to new writers and imparting some of her wisdom - she thought should pass on a little of what she knows type of thing. The other two had emailed me their comments and I responded back simply thanking them for their time and comments.

I'm not sure if it's standard comments or not, but all three wanted to know if I had anything else they could read. I'm sure it doesn't mean a whole lot, but it's sort of nice to know that people other than my family, people "in" the industry, see something in my writing. Something I've been a bit insecure about.

Kim

I managed to grab 2nd place for my short script titled "Missing in Action" at the NJ Film Festival (finalist in the 2003 American Gem Short Script contest).

Now if I could only get someone interested in making it .

Thanks folks. I was bummed because I had wanted to go down and accept my award in person and attend a writing seminar they were holding, but I had to work (it was held on a Friday). I figured it would have allowed me to make some possible connections. There had been some actors/directors/producers that work out of the NYC/New Jersey area attending the festival. I think William Baldwin had been honored for helping bring movies to NJ or something like that. It was a small deal, but when you don't have ANY opportunities, something is better than nothing. Not to mention sometimes it's interesting to meet other people and realize we're all in the same boat .

Thanks Ron! I'll look into it. I feel strongly about this piece (don't we all), but I do think it's a good story.

No I didn't Rich. In many ways I've sort of shelved this short - I wrote it well over a year ago.

Actually, it's sort of funny how this short got written. The first script I ever wrote was a spec script for a TV show that had been canceled. I wanted to see if I could write a story. After that I started writing a feature length and at the same time had joined an online writers group. One of the bi-weekly theme's was "Missing in Action." The purpose of the group is to write a scene and then everyone critique's it. I had a lot of positive feedback and people wanted to know more about the main character - a short script was born. It touches upon September 11th so I wasn't sure how receptive people would be.

The 2003 American Gem contest was the first contest I entered in and I couldn't believe it when I made it to the semi-finals. I've entered it in a few larger contests and I'm still waiting to hear, but I'm not expecting much, it is a short after all.

I'm not the greatest at coming up with titles either, but at the time I did realize the "Missing in Action" title has already been used and what genre it is typically associated with. I don't think the title of the short is a far stretch for the theme of the story, but hell, if someone wanted to film it and change the title I'd be open to anything :)

That's an idea Marcel, I'm just not sure I'm the type of person with the drive and resources to pull it all together. I may look into it though as I'll have some free time over the summer to devote to it if I decide to do it. Thanks for the info!

I know exactly what you're talking about Gil - in many ways I'm going through the same thing. My first two scripts flew right out of my head too. I entered them in contests and I didn't do too bad. Mind you none of the contests lead to anything more than a proverbial pat on the back, but it was confirmation that I didn't completely suck at writing. I was also encouraged when people read the scripts and they thought I had some talent and should keep at it. Well, I think that caused me to rest on my laurels a bit.

I have a few ideas for some other scripts, but I haven't done much with them. First, my excuse was school and second, I was too busy with my house. I now have a break from school and with snow on the ground there isn't much to do around my house and yet I still haven't written anything.

I think part of it is me being afraid of failure. I realize you have to expect it in this industry, but my insecurities still make me wonder if I'm good at this and if maybe I didn't blow it all with my first two scripts. Maybe I was just lucky. How does everyone else deal with this? Do you just write with the attitude screw 'em if they don't like what I've written?

Also, how does everyone work writing into their busy schedules? Between work, school and my house there doesn't seem very much personal time left for me not to mention time for writing. How do some of you deal with this?

Thanks Michael, I can't wait to read it.

Has anyone ever heard of the above company? A guy named A.Rahman Yoba sent me an email regarding my sitcom I have posted over on Inktip.com. According to his email he's a literary manager, but I don't understand why he simply didn't download my script from Inktip. Anyway. I can't find any info about this guy (I'm assuming it's a guy). I've never had anyone contact me like this before. Thanks.

Thanks for the info Rich. I guess I just didn't understand why he didn't download my script off of Inktip. I'll send it to him today.

Kim

Congrats! I know it's small, but it still must be kind of neat getting a check for something you put such energy into. Here's hoping your next check has a few more zeros at the end.

How can I get info on Pilar's class?

Thanks for the info Gil! I was hoping that it was something held over a weekend or over a couple of weekends. Unfortunately six weeks doesn't work for me was I live on the east coast. I can afford to fly out for a couple of weekends, but spending six weeks flying between NJ and CA on the weekends would kill me. Oh well. Thanks for info.

I wrote a feature length script some time ago that I felt fairly strongly about...haven't we all? I really thought it was better geared towards television/cable, but I figured I'd let the producer make that decision. I received feedback from one producer who was *very* helpful and told me where I had problems. She obviously passed on it, but she was helpful. My script required a major re-write and since there wasn't any other interest I figured I'd shelve it...make notes now and then and maybe some day I'd fix it or laugh at it. On a side note I sort of think the topic has saturated the market right now (cops and bad guys type of thing).

Out of the blue a woman from a management company contacts me about a query letter I had sent out regarding my script back in September. She asked if I was still seeking management and if so she'd like to look at my script. I immediately told her to send me a release form and now I'm wondering if I made a mistake. The script isn't good...I know it isn't, although honestly, I've seen worse on television, but do I say "the heck with it" and send it anyway? The woman who contacted me works for Foursight Entertainment.

Kim

I understand your point Z. Core, but it wasn't like I sent my script out in September knowing that it wasn't my best work. I thought it was pretty good. Up until that point I wasn't exactly sure even if I had a whole lot of talent, but after entering in some contests and placing (with other scripts) I realized I had a smidgen of talent. I was a Quarter-Finalist with it in a contest and figured maybe I had a shot with a management and production company.

On a positive note, the producer who offered me feedback was ver surprised when I told her it was my first script and she offered to re-read it if I made changes. I'm not sure if she was full of crap, but she said that had I submitted this script a few years earlier a production company would have optioned it and paid someone else to do a re-write. She said money is tight and the studios aren't as free with their money anymore. Like I said, I'm not sure if she was full of it or not.

Thanks for your opinions everyone. I think I'm going to send it. I haven't had many industry pros read the script as I don't have access to them, so maybe this person will like it. As I said, it's sitting in my closet and I'm sure there are plenty of screenwriters out there who re-vamp their scripts after a few years. Thanks again.

Thanks Doreen, that's what I'm hoping for. I'm at my best when people help mold me. Maybe that's what will happen and the manager will see my talent and point me in the right direction.

Thanks Gil! I'll do that.

Kim

I don't have formal training in screenwriting. I'm an Accountant by trade. I sort of stumbled upon this. I have a flicker of talent, I'm just not sure how bankable it is. Anyway, should I invest the time and money into attending screenwriting classes or do any of you think a great deal can be learned from reading scripts, books, seminars, etc. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Kim

Doreen and Michele, thank you so much for your thoughts on this matter. I can’t say that it’s really solved my problem, but it does have me thinking.

I’ve always wanted to work in the entertainment industry. I’m not sure if I’ve known in what capacity, but deep down I’ve always known it’s what I’ve wanted to do. Unfortunately back in my college days I took the easier route rather than following my heart. I hate what I do for a living and yet it’s not easy to give up because it affords me with many luxuries I’ve grown accustomed to. At 37 years of age it’s not easy to throw your hands in the air and say, “what the hell!”

I also must admit that I can’t say that writing is my passion. I enjoy it, but I’m very insecure about it. I was never praised for it during my school years and thus I’ve never known if in fact I had talent. Admittedly I’m scared. I’m rather athletic and subsequently competitive. Either I do well in a sport or I don’t. The ones I do well in I stick with and the ones I don’t…well, I drop quicker than – you know what I mean. I’m afraid I’ll treat screenwriting in the same fashion. I’ve done better than I ever imagined I would in various contests (I’ve subsequently learned about entering contests) and know I’ve gotta have something to make it to the semi-finals with my first script. And yet I still keep wondering…was it luck? Thus, I’m afraid to move on to new projects.

My nature is to nail it every time, and yet I know that’s impossible. I hate making rookie mistakes. I hate not knowing what those rookie mistakes are, but quitting my six figure job just doesn’t seem practical.

Maybe the problem is…I’ve experienced too much and I’m not willing to take risks. Whatever it is, it keeps me awake at night.

Thanks Eric for your comments. I've bought many of those books recently and plan on reading them. The problem is, I think I'm spending a great deal of time "studying" rather than "doing." It seems I keep coming up with excuses why I can't right and I think it boils down to being afraid of failure. Deep down I know getting a gig is a long shot, but like everyone else I've fantasized about it. I'm not sure if any of that makes sense .

Thanks everyone for all you thoughts. It really has given me a lot to think about and as everyone said, I plan on sticking to a writing schedule and writing something....anything.

The problem's I've encountered is when I was a member of an online screenwriting group and I was concerned with some of the rookie mistakes I seemed to have been making. Although, I must also point out these were other writers, who knows how successful they really are. I don't have money to burn, but I do live rather comfortable and flying out to L.A. isn't an issue for me. Now if I'd only get that phone call requesting that I fly out there.

Too many regrets though...wish I would have gone out to L.A. when I had graduated from college and tried my hand at acting, writing or working behind the scenes and then if it hadn't worked, come back home and I still would had my whole life ahead of me. Guess I can't concern myself about that anymore. What's done is done.

I came up with a sitcom idea a year ago and wrote a pilot for it and came up with a list of six possible episodes. I've entered it in a few contests because I figured that was my only way of getting anyone to look at it as I've read the sitcom industry is very difficult to break into. I've read it's very much who you know.

Are there any other avenues for me to explore? I've only heard from one contest thus far (semifinalist, still waiting for final results) and the others haven't come out with their results yet. Should I wait and see how I do in all the contests I've entered?

Kim

Alyssa:

I think the contests can gauge how good of a writer you are and possibly open a few doors for you. Check out the "Contest Report Cards" on this site and scroll the messages here and you'll get a feel for which contests are a joke and which aren't.

I did mildly well in a handful of contests considering the two scripts I entered were my FIRST two scripts I wrote. Now if I could just take the next step and write another script I'd feel a bit better.

Thanks for the info Steve. That's what I pretty much figured. I have it posted on Inktip.com and haven't had much success with it. Company's may or may have looked at my logline, but I really don't know. It was really just looking to pitch a few ideas for the show and if they liked it, let them run with it (I don't consider myself all the funny to continue coming up with show ideas). Figured any amount of money they'd give me I'd be happy LOL.

Thanks for the info.

Kim

Thanks for the info Marcel. I've basically done that on Inktip already and I wish it were so easy to find an agent LOL. Although, I really haven't pitched it to any agents because I wasn't sure how to go about it and if it was any different than pitching a regular screenplay?

Hmmmmm, mine is a female driven sitcom. Yeah, I wonder how to get in touch with them?

Kim

Hmmmmm, mine is a female driven sitcom. Yeah, I wonder how to get in touch with them?

Kim

Ok, here's a stupid question: How do you find a writers group? I live in the NYC tri-state area so I KNOW there are writers groups around, I'm just not sure how to go about finding one. In addition, how do they operate? I know, lame question, but I don't come from a writing background and I know a writers group would help me immensely. I would just like to know how one operates.

I finished my first sitcom about a year ago and entered it in a handful of contests because I knew breaking into the industry with a sitcom is near to impossible. Figured a contest was one way for someone/production company to take notice.

It was my 3rd script and I ended up a semi-finalist in a couple of big contests. Not too bad. The feedback I received was almost identical - great concept, interesting story, but the jokes fell a bit flat. I'm wondering if it's worth my while to try and find a writing partner who has sitcom experience and try and "joke up" my pilot and then try and find a home for it or just bag it. To be honest, I don't really think I have what it takes to be a sitcom writer. I thought if anyone liked the concept, I'd throw some ideas at them and let them buy the story from me. I'm not sure if that was rational thinking on my part.

Any thoughts?

Thanks everyone for all your comments. I'll try and answer some of your questions all in one post.

1. No, I don't have any experience writing sitcoms. The idea sort of hit me one day and loosely mirrors my life. I just tried to make situations that happened to me funny. I don't even think I have what it takes to be a sitcom writer. I'm a bit of a goof, but not in the sense of a comedy writer.

2. At the moment I'm just dabbling in screenwriting. I wish I could devote more time to it, but I'm currently attending grad school (MBA) and it's really sucking up all my free time. When I get ideas for any story I try to put it on paper right away so that I don't lose the thought and I try and spend my "alone" time (i.e. my morning drive) thinking of story ideas.

3. I realize that if I join into a partnership with someone I will do it right (legal wise).

4. I agree that it's best to put a story away for a bit and then go back to it. I thought my first feature length screenplay was awesome (who doesn't) and even a first round finalist in Script Mag's open door contest, but when I sent it out to producers I received some feedback on it I discovered it was lacking in MANY areas. I took notes and thanked everyone and decided to shelve it for now because I'm not sure which direction to take it, not to mention I think the market is saturated with cop thrillers, which is what my story is about.

I think reality is, I'm not a sitcom writer. It doesn't mean I'm giving up, but writing a pilot and having ideas for 5 episodes doesn't make a sitcom writer. I'll keep it tucked away and maybe if I get lucky with something else I can dust my sitcom off and see if anyone wants it.

Thanks everyone for your input!!!

Kim

I’m well aware that writers have to be careful with their work and protect themselves – I’m not naïve. But, I was chatting with someone online today and I was wondering if he was a tad bit too cautious.

He told me that it doesn’t matter if you register your script with the WGA and copyright it, someone can still steal it. He said a screenwriter he had met told him five of her scripts were stolen. That seems a bit much to me and if it were true you wonder how stupid she is. Anyway, I realize you can’t copyright an idea and that someone can take the idea of Romeo & Juliet and turn it into West Side Story. I suppose it depends on how blatant the theft is and how easy it is to prove someone stole your idea.

Anyway, he told me that I needed some form of a letter that I would send to prospective agencies and production companies more or less telling them my material is copyrighted and that they cannot read it unless they sign my form agreeing to return my script if they’re not interested and that they are not supposed to use the idea in any shape or form (I’m paraphrasing what he told me over the phone). I can’t see any place willing to sign that. Ergo – you won’t sell your script. His lawyer also told him to never sign a release form. Aren’t these standard? I know it releases the agency/production company from any lawsuits, but aren’t you hurting yourself if you won’t sign one?

I realize that scripts get stolen on a semi-regular basis or maybe it happens far more than I think it does. But I’ve heard that it’s far easier for a production company to throw some money at you and buy your script rather than deal with a lawsuit.

Any thoughts?

By the way, this guy supposedly managed to gain representation from a major agency (he won’t tell me who, so I’m suspect of his claim) by just walking in and asking them to read it before security came to drag him away. They read the first four pages and loved it and signed him on the spot. So he says.

Kim

Thanks Jerry, I appreciate your response. I never take what anyone says to me online at full face value. I can't imagine that he was able to get inside a big agency and get someone to read his script. Hell, the bank I deal with at work won't even give out their phone list to me anymore because of security concerns.

Everything I've read on here and in magazines/books was the complete opposite of what this guy said. When you're an unknown screenwriter you have to work at it a lot more than those who have made it.

Thanks for your comments.

Kim

Most of what I received was "thanks for the read, but it's not what we're looking for." I assumed they were just being nice as everyone else has seemed to agree. I did have a handful that told me to keep in touch or asked if I had anything else for them to read (unfortunately I didn't). One was nice enough to call me and give me detailed notes and encouragement. I guess it all depends on the production company.

Kim

Damn - have a sitcom written, but not the subsequent 6 shows (ideas though). I was all excited when I saw that and then got bummed. Oh well.

Thanks for the posts Terri!

Damn, this really sucks. Why is it that someone always has to ruin it for everyone else? I must admit that I don't have many scripts lying around so it's not like I'm searching and searching through Terri's posts daily knowing there will be something for me, but there has been two that may have fit me and now I won't have this opportunity anymore and it pisses me off. She was doing something nice and giving access to some of us that don’t have it.

I hope you keep posting Terri, but in lieu of what's been said I can understand if you don’t.

Damn this sucks.

I agree with what most everyone said - Terri never said she was the "only" source, but there was a chance some of her script searches hadn't reached other websites yet. I think what she did was nice of her and I don't understand why people can't take it at face value. If you thought her script searches were crap then you didn't have to read this thread. Isn't the point of this BB to help others? To pass along information to those who haven't made it yet?

Kim

Steve,

I can't speak for the other's, but I sure and hell didn't place Terri on a pedestal - I simply thought what she was doing was a nice thing. Say what you want but it still took time out of her day to post those messages to everyone and that was nice of her.

Kim

Anyone know how I can get my hands on this screenplay? I read part of the screenplay in Scr(i)pt mag and simply loved it. My mother saw the movie last night and said it's great.

Kim

My mother loved the movie and I can't wait to see it. The part of the script I read in Scr(i)pt magazine really sucked me in.

Finally my summer semester is over!!! I think I failed the class, but at least I can now write again (don't worry, it will hit me soon that I failed and I'll be bitching about it).

Does anyone have any good romantic comedy recommendations? I'm working on a romantic comedy and I'd like to read a few to get a feel of what I should be doing. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks!!

Kim

Hey everyone thank you so much for your suggestions. I'm going to do my best to check all those out. Most of them I've seen in the movie theatre, but I'd like to read the script as well and get a feel for the writing style.

You guys have been great.

Thanks!

Kim

This is somewhat of an odd request, but I'm in the middle of working on a romantic comedy and there's a part in my story where one of the characters is negotiating with another character to use their property for a movie. I want it to be funny in some respects and I've realized that I have no experience in this area whatsoever. Is there anyone here that has either had their property used for the making of a movie or been involved in trying to use someone else's property? I'm not looking to get into legal specifics, I'm just trying to find some quirky things that studios have requested of the property owner or maybe something the property owner requested.

I need help!!! LOL

Thanks,

Kim

One of the characters was scouting locales for a movie he will be producing/starring in. He came across this farm which is owned by my main character. These two characters will eventually hookup, but it's the whole concept of two people from different sides of the tracks type of thing. That's where the humor will come in, except this woman is also a business woman so she's no push over.

Not working in the movie business I don't know what kind of weird requests a studio would make to use the property to shoot a movie on. Although, once, a car manufacturer asked to shoot a commercial in front of my parents house. It was kind of cool when we saw it on TV. They simply asked if they could use our barn in the background. There have been movie/TV companies that have come to various towns around me (Sopranos is the most famous) and shot scenes at local venues, etc. but other than my favorite burger joint being closed for the day, I don't know what the producer requested, etc.

Have I made this too confusing? I sound like I'm rambling LOL.

Just re-read your post Doreen....I'm not sure if it matters, but the movie to be shot within my movie is a drama. One of those, the son comes home from the big city to the farm he grew up on to confront his deamons, but the jist of that movie really won't be addressed....what will be seen is the stuff that goes on behind the camera, the actors joking around, being bitchy, all in hopes of making an Oscar worthy movie.

Hope that makes sense.

Kim

No, that was helpful. It's actually given me a couple of ideas I'll try to work with.

Some of the scenes have flowed pretty easily for me and then there are others I'm struggling with and I'm trying to get lots down before my fall semester starts up, but I'm afraid I'm forcing it.

I'll see how it goes.

Thanks!

Kim

Thanks everyone!!! I understand everyone's reluctance to actually provide ideas...I just wasn't sure if any weirdness (is that a word?) ever occurred in terms of a producer requesting the use of an owner's property. I guess I was afraid I'd put something screwballish in my script, that yeah sounds funny, but makes most people shake their head and say, "no moron would ever request that."

Thanks again everyone!!

Kim

I haven't been here much because grad school and work have managed to suck up all my free time, but I figured I'd throw out a question to everyone as I've always found this place rather helpful.

Recently I've received a lot of interest in a short (19 pages) I wrote a couple of years ago. A bunch of people have asked to see it and subsequently passed on it, but finally someone is interested in the obtaining the rights to the short. This is new territory for me. What do I do? I realize a short doesn’t have the kind of weight a feature length script has, but it’s gotta be worth something.

Any suggestions are gladly welcome.

Kim

Thanks Randy! I knew I wanted writing credit and I didn't think someone would want to pay for it since it was a short, but I wasn't sure and I didn't want to sell myself short either. Any idea what percentage I should ask for if the movie does make money in the future? I figured I'd ask for a copy of the film too.

Kim

Thanks Paula!! I'll make sure to add that to my list of things I want.

Kim

Do I ask for a certain percentage of box office receipts? If so, what percentage is reasonable?

Randy, I'm not trying to be greedy by any means, but I also don't want to sell myself short either. This is new territory for me. If it was one of my feature length scripts I'd seek guidance from a lawyer and follow his/her lead. This is a short and I knew enough to not even consider a lawyer - hence I chose to seek guidance from this message board. I simply don't want to walk away from this deal feeling like I got screwed.

Kim

No problem. I just didn't want you to think I was looking to retire with this deal .

Kim

Thanks Ellum for your thoughts. On more than one occasion people have suggested I turn my short into a feature length script, but quite honestly, I’m not sure where to take it. I wrote it a couple of years ago, entered it in a few contests and did fairly well considering I was a first timer. It deals with a touchy subject (9/11) and the most powerful scene is cost prohibitive from shooting – ergo, I never received much interest in shooting it. I all but put it asleep in my closet when I figured I’d list it on Inktip.com in the short screenplay section – suddenly I’ve received some interest on it. Many read it and passed on it, but this is the first someone has taken some interest in it. So here I sit – excited, but not sure what to do.

Kim

Well, I sent my list of "wants" to the person who was interested about my script and they responded with something very interesting. They want to adapt my screenplay into a feature. Apparently they’ve had an idea and when they read my script it filled in some areas for them. They’ve offered for me to write on spec, but as I mentioned before, I’m not sure where to go with the story and I’m not all that interested in writing for some small producer with only a glimmer of hope in receiving payment. Ack!! And I thought someone actually wanted to produce this short. Damn.

Kim

Thanks again everyone for your thoughts - I'm really glad I asked for everyone's opinion. I basically told the person I'm not interested in selling my rights to the short and the only way I want to see it as a feature is with me writing it.

I wrote the short awhile back as part of a screenwriting exercise - sort of a lets see if I can do this. I'd love to turn it into a movie myself and maybe one day I will, but right now life has a hold of me and is not letting go. Not to mention I don't know the first thing about shooting a movie - LOL.

The producer isn't located in the L.A. area and is not a big time producer so I don't feel real bad about telling him no. That doesn't mean he won't become famous at some point, but right now I'm trying to do what's best for me.

Thanks again everyone!!

Kim

Marcel, they don't want to shoot my short, they want to adapt my short into a feature without me (ergo no writing credit) or he'll allow me to write for spec and MAYBE he'll decide to buy it. Right now I currently have no ideas on which direction to take the short and I really don't want to force it. I'm currently working on another feature and toying with another in my head. Right now I'm just not in that zone to go back to my short and re-work it. Maybe others can do that, but I'm new at this and still trying to find my way.

Kim