Q&A: Lets say i had a script i wanted to sell, How much could i get off it, and how do i start?
Question by Johnny: Lets say i had a script i wanted to sell, How much could i get off it, and how do i start?
i have a few movie scripts i have written and want to know what i can do with them, i’d love to go up to whoever and say here is a blockbuster but know its harder than that. plus i’m only 20
Best answer:
Answer by Philip D
Movie scripts usually sell for a percentage of the movie budget, usually 1-2%. The sale amount will usually be capped for large budget scripts or have a guaranteed minimum for a very low-budget script (1.5 mil or less). So, you’re looking anywhere between mid-five figures to high six-figures for a movie script depending on genre. You’ll also have some residual income from broadcast and DVD sales depending on if the project is union or not.
The question of how to pitch them is much, much, more complicated and really can’t be answered in this Yahoo format. Basically, you need to focus on two things: 1) Make sure your scripts are amazing, and not just good or good enough and 2) Start accumulating writing related experience on your Resume.
Buying screenwriting books, reading film scripts, taking film or screenwriting classes or finding an instructor or mentor are the best ways to develop #1. Watching the extras on your DVD’s or watching the commentary track might also be helpful. However, a good way to actually measure #1 is to enter national screenwriting competitions. If your scripts can score consistently into the 2nd round of elimination or higher in more than one screenplay competition, you can be fairly confident you got a solid script. Ranking as Finalist or winning the competition will also help in #2 or even win you a literary representative right off the bat. The name of the game in this biz is to have important people vouch for your ability as a writer. So, if you don’t have a reputable agent, manager, lawyer, teacher, mentor or well-placed friend who can pitch you, the endorsement of a major competition can create some movement for your budding career. In particular, the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition is watched by the entire film industry. If you can rank in the top 5% of scripts submitted, which isn’t hard to do, you can expect to be contacted by at least half a dozen production companies, managers and/or agents who are curious about your story. (One time I ranked in the top 2% and got over 20 such contacts). Top 10 Finalists or winners have won representation at the Big Three or have had their projects produced (Akeelah and the Bee was a past winner).
As for #2, anything you can do to start filling your Resume with writing related credits would be helpful. Be a volunteer script reader/judge in your local film festival. Get hired as a computer game writer. Get published in the novel, comic or graphic novel industries as writer or editor. If you find a manager or agent, place that on your Resume, too. High rank in a competition? List it. Producers, agents and managers have a hard job. They have to sift through tons of garbage to find jewels. Imagine having to read a neverending stream of crappy stories over 100 pages long, often several in each night. That’s often their job. A Resume that gives them confidence that they’re not wasting their time with you can often tip the balance in them agreeing to see your pitch.
But, of course, if you step off the bus in L.A. and run into that big-time producer or agent on the curb, then all the above isn’t needed. This happens from time to time.
Spend some time reading about how other people got in the movie industry and you’ll soon see that there isn’t any one road.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
