Movie Scripts

[Nick69]

So ive been writing movie scripts for a few years now. I dont do anything with them just keep them on the computer, its my release for stress etc. Ive just finished my latest one which a few people read and they say its amazing and would make a great film. Now im not expecting anyone to jump on it etc etc as im a realistic person but what do I do with it?
Who do I send it to?

Anyone got any ideas?

Nick

[Green Aura]

I don't know, Nick. But the cynical side of me thinks that if you're a complete unknown, you need to protect your "product". Maybe make copies to send out and give the original to a solicitor, dated, or something like that. If it's as good as you think you don't want someone ripping off your idea.

OMG, I really am a cynic.

[KathyLauren]

I don't know, Nick. But the cynical side of me thinks that if you're a complete unknown, you need to protect your "product". Maybe make copies to send out and give the original to a solicitor, dated, or something like that. If it's as good as you think you don't want someone ripping off your idea.

OMG, I really am a cynic.

The best way to do a "poor man's copyright" is to send the document to yourself as a registered letter. When you receive it, keep it unopened in a safe place. If you ever have to defend your copyright, the unopened registered letter (it will be opened by the court) will be solid evidence in court of your authorship and particularly of the date before which it was written.

Once you have taken care of your copyright, definitely send it out to movie producers and studios. You have nothing to lose.

[marshlander]

No Green Aura, you're quite right! My mum had some of her stories published in children's magazines when I was young. She had a new idea for a serial turned down only to find an identical plot published by the same magazine a few months later. Coincidence? Good idea to protect your work.

The BBC accept scripts http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writin ... ions.shtml

[Nick69]

Sounds like a good idea to send a copy to myself. Ill have to hunt the internet for some addresses and the such.

[oldfella]

Take it to your local Town hall and get them to stamp it with date stamp and do the the same thing at your local police station.

[Susie]

Nick - have you tried the writers and artists yearbook? http://www.writersandartists.co.uk/ I don't know if it covers film scripts but it's very comprehensive, lists of agents etc and what types of things they accept (they would have it in the library I would think). You might be best trying to get an agent first off and then letting them worry about where to send it?

[MKG]

I think the first thing, Nick (apart from establishing copyright), is not to send the actual script to anyone. Prepare a synopsis and send that with a note to the effect that the full script is already written. If a studio is interested, they'll request the full script to read - and that message will further establish your copyright.

Also (and I may be teaching my granny to suck eggs here), is the script in the correct format? If you don't know, have a look on Google for things like Cinergy (free, I think).

Best of luck. Oh, and don't forget when you're a success that you'll need a literary agent.

Mike

[Nick69]

Thanks for all the help. The script is in the correct format as all of mine are.

I havnt looked at the Writers N Artists YB onyl because I thought it was for Novel/Book writers but will definatly have a look.
MKG, very good idea about the Synopsis, I havnt written one for years but think you may be right. Plus it would also save me paper lol.

I know its a big deal and almost impossible to pull off but in my mind, if you dont try you'll never know.

Ill get on the synopsis this week and just for giggles ill put it up on here so you can read it.

[Millymollymandy]

Oooh yes please and then we can cast the characters with Ishers.

[Susie]

Yes, post the synopsis! I'd be really interested

Also, one thing that struck me: I would think it might be quite difficult to get a film script accepted from cold as an unknown (although not at all impossible, and that's not to put you off.) I wondered if you'd thought of doing other related stuff to build up experience & contacts while you were sending your scripts round? E.g. are there any bits you could actually try filming and putting on youtube to get people interested? (I know this might not be practical if it's dependent on CGI monsters or something ) - or, would anything you write work as a stage play, and if it would, could you see if you could get it staged with a local drama group? Or, how about trying your hand at a radio play (they have some very strange things on radio 4 sometimes, I'm sure you could do better!)

Ignore me if that's not helpful. Good luck with it - I've got novels floating about people keep telling me to try and get published and I'm still working up the courage, so I'm impressed at your proactiveness & I wish you all the best

[southeast-isher]

If you can do a shorter piece you may be interested in going for this:

See 2010 is excited to introduce ‘Pitching for Docs’, the pitching session for aspiring filmmakers. The session takes place at 10:15am on Sunday 21st February. Take a look below for all the details on how to enter.



Shooting People: Pitching for Docs



See Festival 2010 is offering emerging filmmakers a fabulous opportunity to bounce their ideas off an established sounding board of industry experts. This small scale, intimate session will be perfect for up- and- coming filmmakers who are looking to experience the world of pitching for the first time, or for those that would like the practice with the execs in a friendly environment, and for free!



Hosted by Shooting People’s Helen Jack, the panel will feature Maxyne Franklin (Editorial Director, Channel Four BRITDOC Foundation), Charlie Phillips (Marketplace Producer of Sheffield Doc/Fest), and Charlotte Dale (Current TV)



There’s not long to enter so don’t miss out!



To Enter:

Please send through a one page treatment to see@seefestival.org by Friday 12th February at 5.00pm.



Rules and Regulations:

* Your idea must be suited for a 30 minute or under piece.
* Your project can be any factual genre, at any stage of development and for any platform.
* Entries to be received by 12th Feb, successful candidates will be contacted by 15th Feb.
* You may apply individually or in a pair.
* The pitch length should not exceed 5 minutes. You will then have 5 minutes to answer questions from the panel and receive feedback.
* Within your 5 minutes you will be allowed to show a clip of up to 1 minute. Please ensure the DVD works before the session begins.
* Candidates must not have a previous directorial broadcast credit in factual television.



Tickets for the festival are available from The Brighton Dome on 01273 709 709 or http://www.brightonticketshop.com