Question for Screen Writers?
Question by It’s a trap: Question for Screen Writers?
Basically, I’m really interested in screen writing. I haven’t written anything yet, but it’s something I’ve thought about doing. With film, how exactly does it work? If your a first time writer, how do you go about getting your script to a studio or a producer? Also, if you sell a script, does that mean whoever you sell it to can do what they want with it? Do you still get name credit for that script? How would you go about making sure no big changes are made to your story? Once someone sells their script do they no longer have any say in how it is handled?
Best answer:
Answer by Dave
You’ve basically got the hang of it.
You write a script- its great, innovative, marketable.
Next step is to get an agent- they work just the same as agents for actors/ athletes. No upfront fees, they take a % of your script sales. They will however recommended changes and for a 1st timer- possibly recommend you workshop the script with professional writers.
Next the agent will shop the script around, send it to various studios, producers, try to generate interest- this process can take years, with many close deals that fall through at the last minute.
So you get lucky, within months your script is bought by a studio- they cut you a check- since you’re an unknown, maybe $ 30,000.
At this point you will have to sell all rights and control over to the buyer, after a few successful scripts, writers may eventually wiggle their way into the production process, but if your not a big name- the studio or producer can do whatever they want with your script.
Often times you will be given a chance to be on set, this is basically a courtesy to you and if any rewrites are need during production- if a writer becomes difficult they will be fired. The writer will still get their name attached to it.
This is a general overview of the process, every script is different and some writers are given more, some less- it all depends on the circumstances.
The best way to protect your script is to just write the best possible thing you can, make it so good they won’t want to change it.
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