Screenplay Image via Wikipedia
… And actually finish your first draft.
Over the past year, I have received countless movie pitches. Some were good. Some not-so-good. This is pretty typical in LA, as a lot of people say they have a screenplay. But the sad reality is, hardly anybody has a finished movie script.
In some cases many filmmakers and screenwriters don’t even have the first draft for a script.
So I wanted to announce a new screenwriting system. Based on my decade of making movies (and prior to that, reading and writing coverage for a producer in New York City) – I am in the final stages of production on a product that will provide you with a step-by-step, fill in the blank approach to writing a movie script.
I am also going to give you some insight as to what happens on my end. As an indiependent film producer, who is constantly in the hustle, I am going to provide you with some insider producer perspective on what we look for in a screenplay.
Like, how do you get your work finished? When do you know it’s ready? What do producers look for in a script? What are 7 surefire ways to get your script recycled before it’s read? And I want to address all of you who wrote a screenplay and are asking – now what? Would you like to sell your screenplay or produce it yourself?
When finished, this system will provide you with a step by step action workbook and companion MP3 audio. I will also throw in the option for some other filmmaking stuff – not sure what that is yet. I’m thinking this screenwriting system will retail for around 67 dollars. (I am still working that out.)
I will probably provide a deal for my newsletter subscribers as soon as the product is live. So if you haven’t already signed up for my newsletter…
Do you have any questions about your movie script? Feel free to comment.
Posted under Screenwriting
This post was written by Jason Brubaker on February 2, 2010
Definitely looking forward to it! I’m sure it’ll be worth whatever price you settle at (especially if you toss in a subscriber discount). Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks Matthew. I am working hard to make sure that the system is valuable to up-and-coming screenwriters seeking a producer perspective. I am putting some last minute touches on it – and hope to release it (very) soon.
Most of the writers I know are paranoid about having their ideas stolen. A writing coach of mine suggested writing faster than others can steal. But who wants to spend six months to a year rewriting a script from scratch? Any suggestions on protecting your ideas?
Arrived in the nick of time. Asked to finish writing a horror book while writing the screenplay at the same time. I’m looking forward to your instruction!
Hi Robert,
Thanks for the comment. Most production companies require releases with submissions. This is to protect the company against erroneous accusations of idea theft. I say erroneous because most legitimate producers are good, honest people. They require a release because odds are good they have a similar story to your own – somewhere in development. These coincidences are more common than you think. But that being said, even with similar ideas – It is the execution that makes your story your own. For example, if you write a ninja zombie movie and I write a ninja zombie movie – I assure you that our screenplays would be totally different, with inherent similarities.
In addition to this, movies are very challenging to produce. A good production company with a track record will typically not rip off a screenplay and then spend a few million on the movie. This is because the process of getting a movie made involves an initial schedule and budget. This budget is later used to raise money for the movie. So odds are very good that a producer will allocate monies to pay the writer. And if the company is a WGA signatory, more than likely they are playing by the rules.
But to directly address your question: Yes. Admittedly there are some idiots who do not run their movie business with integrity. And that is unfortunate. So here are 5 suggestions for protecting your script:
1. Register your work with the WGA and US Copyright Office.
2. Only do business with people who have favorable reputations.
3. Make sure you keep a paper trail.
4. If you participate in a screenplay contest, make sure it’s reputable.
5. And one final tip – Keep your treatments under lock an key.
Hope this provides some perspective.
Hi Lillian,
Thanks for chiming in. Sounds like you have your work cut out for you. I am hoping the system goes live over the next few days – so I’ll be sure to update when it does.
Very cool, Jason! Glad you’re doing this.
There seems to be so much information out there that teaches the technical do’s and don’ts of screenwriting, yet nothing to give us a sense of storytelling from the producer’s prospective. Such an overlooked area, in my opinion!
I’m really looking forward to your plan.
Tristan,
Thanks. Happy to help. This will also include over 90 minutes of audio on the subject too. So I am really looking forward to helping you and other folks with similar needs.