I want to make a film, but don't want to write a script...where can I get one?

Lori Starfelt · January 9th, 2009, 04:11 PM

Richard,

In point of fact, his original post was about how to find a script. That's what I responded to.

Again, when you're considering writing me a check to finance a picture, and you've signed an NDA, you can have those numbers. Jeeez.

Richard Alvarez · January 9th, 2009, 04:32 PM

Lori,

No offense intended, I apologize if it came off that way. And in point of fact, Douglas is interested in those numbers, so we're still 'on track' in this thread.

As a producer, your practical experience is invaluable to new filmmakers. I certainly wouldn't ask for specifc numbers, just some ballpark figures that work in your experience. For instance your are credited on SCHOOLED Lorenda Starfelt
which has a listed budget of 500k. Now, I understand that the budget is typically inflated for distribution purposes, but you could let us know that the 'average' budget of the six features was between - what? 100k and 500k? Something along those lines.

Did the other five go straight to video? Did half of them make money and the other half fail?Were overseas sales done pre-production? Things like this aren't really giving away the store - anymore than mentioning craigslist as a source for finding talent.

Here are couple of links about distribution models, and how they are changing. No NDA required.

indieWIRE: FIRST PERSON | Peter Broderick: "Welcome To The New World of Distribution," Part 1

indieWIRE: FIRST PERSON | Peter Broderick: "Welcome To The New World of Distribution," Part 2

Real practical experience from people on the front lines is what this forum is about.

Douglas Wright · January 9th, 2009, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lori Starfelt

Douglas,

Put the ad on Craig's List Los Angeles Writing Gigs. It will cost you nothing and you will have, easily, 150 responses and maybe far more. As I said before, I have had Academy Award winning writers respond to my queries. Specify that you want an urban script - there are hundreds and hundreds of them floating around Los Angeles and New York. Read the query letters that you get and only reveal yourself to the writers whose pitches interest you. Set a goal of reading 100 scripts. That's going to take some doing (which is how I wound up getting hired repeatedly to do it), but it's worth it - you'll learn a lot about what you're looking for in that journey. Most of them we'll be mediocre. Several of them will be good. And a few will be knock outs. Compare the knock outs to your resources. Talk to the writer and see if you click. Reread my post above because the details of what goes in the ad will help you weed out badly written scripts from the get go.

Honestly, no one is going to talk about budgets and ROI on an open board. I'm stunned that I'm even being asked. That's information that goes into business plans with an NDA.

This is my best work here:
YouTube - THE WATERMELON

This definitely seems like the best idea. So you're basically saying that I should go to the L.A. craigslist specifically, there will be a writing gig section, and I put that I'm looking for an urban script to film an independent film? Should I be specific in what I want or paint with a wide brush?

thanks for the help.

Lori Starfelt · January 9th, 2009, 05:54 PM

Doug,

Yes, go here and place you ad:
los angeles writing gigs classifieds - craigslist

You'll easily get 150 responses to an ad there - quite a number of which will be good scripts. I've probably read 1500 scripts from queries on Craig's List and you will get a huge range of submissions. But scroll up to the top of page 2 and read my first post on the subject. There are a number of things that you can do that will make your job easier - seriously.

I would simply say that you are looking for an urban script, with a limited number of characters and locations. Your specific idea, whatever it is, may be your second film rather than your first. Avoid scripts that call for lots of extras or night shoots - unless you already have the lighting for that. Kids are to be avoided as well. Don't lock yourself down into anything because it's very hard to make a successful indie that way. Indies call for flexibility and inventiveness. You have to be after quality but not necessarily the way it is typically done.

If you fall in love with a script and want me to take a look at it, to assess how do-able it is on your budget, I'll do that.

Douglas Wright · January 10th, 2009, 02:43 AM

Lori, I've followed your advice and posted an ad. I'm receiving some interesting scripts and my post isn't even a few hours old! Thanks for the tip.

Heath Vinyard · January 10th, 2009, 10:01 AM

Lori.
Thank you for the tip as well. I checked it out and found a production company looking for a character based drama. Exactly what I just finished writing and having covered/reviewed. I sent them a query email and they asked for the script.

Thank you again. Here's to hope! :)

Lori Starfelt · January 10th, 2009, 12:32 PM

You're very welcome. What a cheerful way to start the day. Best of luck to both of you.

Lori Starfelt · January 10th, 2009, 03:46 PM

BTW, flaggers can get out of control on Craig's List and get perfectly good posts deleted. If your post gets deleted, simply repost it. Do not say it's ultra-low budget, that you're a first time feature director or that you can't write a big check. Under payment, write "rate" or "negotiable". Sometimes you have to put it up a couple times before it sticks.

I had a friend who posted an ad for an editor for a feature film a few months, and was paying $6000 - a perfectly reasonable fee for a low budget indie and it got flagged off. I have no idea why. So, don't get miffed if it happens to you.

Douglas Wright · January 10th, 2009, 04:11 PM

thanks, I was just about to ask you about that, this is what I posted and it got flagged twice:

Date: 2009-01-10 11:00:18
PostID: 987635348
Title: (writing gigs) Urban Screenplays Wanted for Independent Film
I'm looking to make an independent film with an urban environment and characters. I'm looking for something along the lines of: Hustle & Flow, Baby Boy or Spike Lee's early flicks. The story could be very different than those, I'm just referring to the type.

I'm searching for a script that hopefully only involves 2 or 3 main characters, while the other roles could be played by extras. Also, as I'm not looking to make a big budget blockbuster, I can only consider scripts that don't include too many locations or that possesses scenes that would be very expensive to shoot. It's going to be shot in the Miami, Florida area.

I'm looking to make a full "feature" film that I can shop at festivals and/or seek distribution for, not a short film. If you are interested in working with me, please email me your script and if it meshes with what I'm trying to do, hopefully we can make something happen.

legendsfilms.com

* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
* Compensation: I'm seeking to option the script.

Heath Vinyard · January 10th, 2009, 07:22 PM

Douglas.
Might I suggest something like this?

We are currently looking for a great feature length script in the same vein as: Hustle & Flow, Baby Boy or Spike Lee's early flicks.

Script should involve 2 or 3 main characters and locations must be limited. Script must be in a completed state and not work in progress. Please email logline and a brief synopsis.

legendsfilms.com

As a screenwriter, I would never send a script blindly to a post on Craig's list without knowing more about who I'm sending it to.

Plus you can wade through loglines faster then full length scripts and it will help you weed out who is a good writer and who is not. Also, you want to make sure you have them sign a submission form or release form of some kind and you'd state that when you email them back and ask for the script, if the logline and brief synopsis applealed to you.

Just a thought.

Douglas Wright · January 10th, 2009, 10:16 PM

thanks for the suggestion, I posted it just like that.

I have one script that I received that I'm interested in so far, but I would like to have more to choose from....hopefully whoever it is that keeps flagging me will stop.

Douglas Wright · January 10th, 2009, 10:26 PM

As far as optioning a script with one of the people that hit me up, what would be considered a reasonable arrangement?

Richard Alvarez · January 10th, 2009, 10:50 PM

Whatever is determined to be 'reasonable' between you and the writer. My options were for a little over WGA minimums, but this was an established production company.

Basically, you'll be offering an option for a specifc ammoun of time to develop the script. How long do you think you'll need to get it made? Six months? Twelve? Eighteen? You offer a cash payment against the total price, for the specified time. Lets say you offer to pay twenty thousand for the script, (Which is FAR less than WGA minimums)... and you want twelve months to develop it. Typically ten percent is offered but you could offer less... but say two grand for twelve months. You then have twelve months to develop the property. IF at the end of twelve months, the script doesn't get made - the rights revert back to the writer and they get to keep the option money. (The balance is due if the script IS made...)

I've made quite a bit of change off of options that didn't get made. I'd RATHER the scripts get made - but if they are going to be 'off the market' for a specific time, then I want to get paid for it.

All of these numbers and details are negotiable. For instance, you could offer a 'step deal' for re-writes, but you generally want a script that's as close to ready as you can be from the get-go in an indy situation. Payment might be negotiated for start of production, or as a 'back end' deal.

Read up on it, and download some sample options. http://www.encyclopediapro.com/mw/Sc...ract_(Sample_1)

http://www.absolutewrite.com/screenw...lay_option.htm

(My google-fu is strong)

And if a script is REALLY HOT, be prepared to negotiate for it. You might have to either increase the option money, or shorten the option period, depending on what the writer wants.

(I'm fortunate in having an IP attorney who negotiated my options.)

Good luck!

Heath Vinyard · January 10th, 2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Douglas Wright

thanks for the suggestion, I posted it just like that.

I have one script that I received that I'm interested in so far, but I would like to have more to choose from....hopefully whoever it is that keeps flagging me will stop.

That's awesome. Keep this thread going. I'd love to hear how you're doing with it. Oh yeah, don't forget to send out the submission/release form to them when you ask for the script.

Lori Starfelt · January 11th, 2009, 12:03 AM

Douglas,

Check your PM. I sent you some stuff.

Lori

January 10th, 2009, 10:01 AM	#36
Heath Vinyard Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 296	Lori. Thank you for the tip as well. I checked it out and found a production company looking for a character based drama. Exactly what I just finished writing and having covered/reviewed. I sent them a query email and they asked for the script. Thank you again. Here's to hope! :) __________________ Heath Vinyard www.ghostlandmedia.com

January 10th, 2009, 07:22 PM	#40
Heath Vinyard Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 296	Douglas. Might I suggest something like this? We are currently looking for a great feature length script in the same vein as: Hustle & Flow, Baby Boy or Spike Lee's early flicks. Script should involve 2 or 3 main characters and locations must be limited. Script must be in a completed state and not work in progress. Please email logline and a brief synopsis. legendsfilms.com As a screenwriter, I would never send a script blindly to a post on Craig's list without knowing more about who I'm sending it to. Plus you can wade through loglines faster then full length scripts and it will help you weed out who is a good writer and who is not. Also, you want to make sure you have them sign a submission form or release form of some kind and you'd state that when you email them back and ask for the script, if the logline and brief synopsis applealed to you. Just a thought. __________________ Heath Vinyard www.ghostlandmedia.com

January 9th, 2009, 04:11 PM	#31
Lori Starfelt Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles, california Posts: 228	Richard, In point of fact, his original post was about how to find a script. That's what I responded to. Again, when you're considering writing me a check to finance a picture, and you've signed an NDA, you can have those numbers. Jeeez.

January 9th, 2009, 04:32 PM	#32
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Lori, No offense intended, I apologize if it came off that way. And in point of fact, Douglas is interested in those numbers, so we're still 'on track' in this thread. As a producer, your practical experience is invaluable to new filmmakers. I certainly wouldn't ask for specifc numbers, just some ballpark figures that work in your experience. For instance your are credited on SCHOOLED Lorenda Starfelt which has a listed budget of 500k. Now, I understand that the budget is typically inflated for distribution purposes, but you could let us know that the 'average' budget of the six features was between - what? 100k and 500k? Something along those lines. Did the other five go straight to video? Did half of them make money and the other half fail?Were overseas sales done pre-production? Things like this aren't really giving away the store - anymore than mentioning craigslist as a source for finding talent. Here are couple of links about distribution models, and how they are changing. No NDA required. indieWIRE: FIRST PERSON \| Peter Broderick: "Welcome To The New World of Distribution," Part 1 indieWIRE: FIRST PERSON \| Peter Broderick: "Welcome To The New World of Distribution," Part 2 Real practical experience from people on the front lines is what this forum is about.

January 9th, 2009, 05:54 PM	#34
Lori Starfelt Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles, california Posts: 228	Doug, Yes, go here and place you ad: los angeles writing gigs classifieds - craigslist You'll easily get 150 responses to an ad there - quite a number of which will be good scripts. I've probably read 1500 scripts from queries on Craig's List and you will get a huge range of submissions. But scroll up to the top of page 2 and read my first post on the subject. There are a number of things that you can do that will make your job easier - seriously. I would simply say that you are looking for an urban script, with a limited number of characters and locations. Your specific idea, whatever it is, may be your second film rather than your first. Avoid scripts that call for lots of extras or night shoots - unless you already have the lighting for that. Kids are to be avoided as well. Don't lock yourself down into anything because it's very hard to make a successful indie that way. Indies call for flexibility and inventiveness. You have to be after quality but not necessarily the way it is typically done. If you fall in love with a script and want me to take a look at it, to assess how do-able it is on your budget, I'll do that.

January 10th, 2009, 02:43 AM	#35
Douglas Wright Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 61	Lori, I've followed your advice and posted an ad. I'm receiving some interesting scripts and my post isn't even a few hours old! Thanks for the tip.

January 10th, 2009, 12:32 PM	#37
Lori Starfelt Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles, california Posts: 228	You're very welcome. What a cheerful way to start the day. Best of luck to both of you.

January 10th, 2009, 03:46 PM	#38
Lori Starfelt Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles, california Posts: 228	BTW, flaggers can get out of control on Craig's List and get perfectly good posts deleted. If your post gets deleted, simply repost it. Do not say it's ultra-low budget, that you're a first time feature director or that you can't write a big check. Under payment, write "rate" or "negotiable". Sometimes you have to put it up a couple times before it sticks. I had a friend who posted an ad for an editor for a feature film a few months, and was paying $6000 - a perfectly reasonable fee for a low budget indie and it got flagged off. I have no idea why. So, don't get miffed if it happens to you.

January 10th, 2009, 04:11 PM	#39
Douglas Wright Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 61	thanks, I was just about to ask you about that, this is what I posted and it got flagged twice: Date: 2009-01-10 11:00:18 PostID: 987635348 Title: (writing gigs) Urban Screenplays Wanted for Independent Film I'm looking to make an independent film with an urban environment and characters. I'm looking for something along the lines of: Hustle & Flow, Baby Boy or Spike Lee's early flicks. The story could be very different than those, I'm just referring to the type. I'm searching for a script that hopefully only involves 2 or 3 main characters, while the other roles could be played by extras. Also, as I'm not looking to make a big budget blockbuster, I can only consider scripts that don't include too many locations or that possesses scenes that would be very expensive to shoot. It's going to be shot in the Miami, Florida area. I'm looking to make a full "feature" film that I can shop at festivals and/or seek distribution for, not a short film. If you are interested in working with me, please email me your script and if it meshes with what I'm trying to do, hopefully we can make something happen. legendsfilms.com * it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests * Compensation: I'm seeking to option the script.

January 10th, 2009, 10:16 PM	#41
Douglas Wright Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 61	thanks for the suggestion, I posted it just like that. I have one script that I received that I'm interested in so far, but I would like to have more to choose from....hopefully whoever it is that keeps flagging me will stop.

January 10th, 2009, 10:26 PM	#42
Douglas Wright Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 61	As far as optioning a script with one of the people that hit me up, what would be considered a reasonable arrangement?

January 10th, 2009, 10:50 PM	#43
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Whatever is determined to be 'reasonable' between you and the writer. My options were for a little over WGA minimums, but this was an established production company. Basically, you'll be offering an option for a specifc ammoun of time to develop the script. How long do you think you'll need to get it made? Six months? Twelve? Eighteen? You offer a cash payment against the total price, for the specified time. Lets say you offer to pay twenty thousand for the script, (Which is FAR less than WGA minimums)... and you want twelve months to develop it. Typically ten percent is offered but you could offer less... but say two grand for twelve months. You then have twelve months to develop the property. IF at the end of twelve months, the script doesn't get made - the rights revert back to the writer and they get to keep the option money. (The balance is due if the script IS made...) I've made quite a bit of change off of options that didn't get made. I'd RATHER the scripts get made - but if they are going to be 'off the market' for a specific time, then I want to get paid for it. All of these numbers and details are negotiable. For instance, you could offer a 'step deal' for re-writes, but you generally want a script that's as close to ready as you can be from the get-go in an indy situation. Payment might be negotiated for start of production, or as a 'back end' deal. Read up on it, and download some sample options. http://www.encyclopediapro.com/mw/Sc...ract_(Sample_1) http://www.absolutewrite.com/screenw...lay_option.htm (My google-fu is strong) And if a script is REALLY HOT, be prepared to negotiate for it. You might have to either increase the option money, or shorten the option period, depending on what the writer wants. (I'm fortunate in having an IP attorney who negotiated my options.) Good luck!

January 11th, 2009, 12:03 AM	#45
Lori Starfelt Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles, california Posts: 228	Douglas, Check your PM. I sent you some stuff. Lori