Message Board

I have an offer for my script for straight to video. Do they make money? Is it worth it? Or should I wait to see if I get a motion picture offer? Thanks.

Harold,

I think the real question is whether this sale a defered compensation one or do you get paid upfront? If you are being offered a no cash upfront sale then you should wonder if the film will ever make money and whether it will actually get produced.

From my adventures at different independent film festival the rule of thumb I've found true is that if the total production cost for a film is under $1M then that film has a reasonable chance in the video market of making a profit. So if the film can be COMPLETED for say $200K to $500K, it has a chance of getting residuals back to you. In general, I'd recommend getting some money upfront and consider residuals as "icing on the cake"

An alternative is using your script as a means of entry into filming and getting to work on the production of the film. You learn alot working with the director and the actors. I'm doing something similar on a film production here in New England. Lot's of fun and a good learning experience.

Steve

You're asking us? Go get an entertainment lawyer to review the offer.

Duh, of course I have a lawyer reviewing the contract. I didn't ask u to review the contract, I asked about the possibility of straght to video movies making money smart ass.

My apologies. Your initial questions gave me the impression that you weren't very bright. I was simply trying to look out for you.

Straight to video can be profitable but who among us writers wouldn't prefer our scripts turn into films with theatrical releases.

Just a thought. Is it your only script? Or your very favorite script? Then I might not turn it over to a straight to video deal and hold out for a cable or theater production. (Unless of course the money was very tempting)

If you have other scripts and this one can get you into production and you can see it made, I might go for it.

To paraphrase Ben Franklin, A sale in the hand is worth two in the bush. If this is your first sale, go for it unless the terms are terrible. Change from a writer to an author (a published writer - definition via Ashley).

You are a writer. Writers write. New scripts will come and it's easier to get sold when you've already sold something.

Steve

Thanks for the credit, Steven. To clarify for all, however, the credit lies with some (published) romance author, who would probably further credit someone else. ;)

Sincerely,

Ashley

(Who takes offense by rude individuals that expect me to have a career as a reader.)

I'm just curious about something. The idea of becoming a producer for your own script has been batted around a few times here, and a friend of mine suggested that I might try that same route concerning my first script (which is my baby, and I wouldn't want to hand it over for someone to slice and dice as they see fit).

I guess my questions are: Do you guys have any experience working as a producer, or with them? If so, how much work is involved in it (I just want to know how much coffee I should start drinking). Are there any websites or books that you can recommend in regards to becoming your own enemy (lol sorry, I just needed to say that). I'm willing to do what it takes to get my movie made (regardless of the time and cost - within reason :-) ), but I was hoping some of you have some worldly advice to give me.

Thanks,

Barry

Barry,

My number one suggestion would be to take the Dov Simens (sp) course. Of the classes, books, conferences, etc. that I have been exposed to over the years, I would have to rate this guy at numero uno. He swamps you with info during the weekend course, and has a rather terse delivery, but it is all worth it. It is, imho, the most bang for your buck that you can find right now regarding this biz. Truly brilliant. If you want to step into the world of producing, I really suggest this guy.

And no, I do not work for him or have a personal relationship with him.

Best of Luck,

Denise