Advice on screenplay

[kdawgs34]

I sent my screenplay to a movie director in Feb. He has been in the past a e-mail buddy and said a while back to let him know if I ever need any help. I haven't heard anything from him. I know he just finished a movie. Should I give up on hearing from him? He is a Christian director who weaves a Christian theme into the stories. Who and Where should I send my screenplay? Maybe places like Namesake studio. I know of literary agents. But I don't know any screenplay agents. Who can I trust to send my script too? Help!

www.myspace.com/ratedchristian

[DrRita]

First of all, if this guy didn't have you sign a disclosure statement, I'd wonder if he even opened it. Most, heck all, studios will send your screenplay back unread. There's a legal problem there, has to do with stealing ideas etc. So no studio wants to take a chance on that. But I would contact him. Actually with producers and execs, they don't sit on an idea. If they want to make it, things will rock pretty quickly. But that doesn't mean you can't drum up interest again. You need to spark that little fire so he will remember what you talked about waaaay back in February.

It's a hard thing but the best thing to do is first, register it with WGA, then write a great treatment. The treatment should be registered too. Then write a very, very short pitch and that's what you try to sell to the producer/executive. If they are interested, they will probably want to talk to you. It's so very very hard to get anything read or pitched if you live outside the LA area. Trust me on this one. Hollywood is a very small town. Unlike publishers, execs will say yes yes and leave you high and dry . . .

Your best bet is to start making contacts. You do have one and that's great but you need more. Get involved with your local film community. Join groups, make the film festivals. I am not sure where you live but you will need to somehow get yourself out there. Execs and producers like to talk face to face mostly.

I know this sounds discouraging, kdawgs but it's the stark truth.

Oh and 90% of the time they won't buy your movie but they will ask you "what else do you have." And you need to have other screenplays or at least some dynamite ideas to pitch. But more often than not, that spec script will get you a writing gig at best. But it's a start. Keep prayin' and keep writin'

[kdawgs34]

Thanks for the advice DrRita.

www.myspace.com/ratedchristian

[DrRita]

I just want to encourage you to keep writing kdawgs. If God has a plan for you and your writing, not even the gates of hell (nor Hollywood) will prevail. I mean this with all my heart. Keep writing.

[kdawgs34]

I agree 100 percent. I have a published a novel and a humor book. I have written a screenplay and I have a blog. I must trust God to take things where he wants it to go.

www.myspace.com/ratedchristian