Oh, the Horror!

[kfoy03]

I have a finished script that has been sitting around since early November. I had the intent to shoot the film then but factors fell out of place or just left. I haven't really looked at or thought much on the script since early December.
I know that in the meantime, until a production date is set back up or I sell it, I should read it over again and possibly edit it, but I've lost interest in it.
Inspiration comes easy for me and I can usually force it upon myself to reignite ambition for a project, but I kind of want to be done with it and have for some time.
It is my first solid feature length script and would be my first feature length film to direct, which leads me to this question.
I know this is one of those questions I am able to and should answer on my own, but I am requesting input and personal experience with the matter.
If I pawn this script off to someone else or sell it and just move on, knowing it was my first main script, will I regret not being part of the whole movie process?

Thanks.

Ken

 

[TheBuck]

1) If you haven't re-read it and edited then it's not solid.
2) You're right it's only a question you can answer. I mean how bad do you really want to be apart of the production? If you're answer is very then yes you will be sad and regret it. If you don't then I don't think you will care.
3) Good luck with whatever route you take.

 

[Murdock]

The horror is this is your first post. Welcome to the forum. Woopee!! If you think this screenplay is done, then register it with the SWA and sell the thing. What do you care who makes it? After all you haven't thought about it since Xmass??

 

[Unknown Screenwriter]

It's a NUMBERS thing...

I have a finished script that has been sitting around since early November. I had the intent to shoot the film then but factors fell out of place or just left. I haven't really looked at or thought much on the script since early December.
I know that in the meantime, until a production date is set back up or I sell it, I should read it over again and possibly edit it, but I've lost interest in it.
Inspiration comes easy for me and I can usually force it upon myself to reignite ambition for a project, but I kind of want to be done with it and have for some time.
It is my first solid feature length script and would be my first feature length film to direct, which leads me to this question.
I know this is one of those questions I am able to and should answer on my own, but I am requesting input and personal experience with the matter.
If I pawn this script off to someone else or sell it and just move on, knowing it was my first main script, will I regret not being part of the whole movie process?

Thanks.

Ken

I don't think any of us can begin to speculate whether or not you'll regret not having been in on the future of your script if you hand it off to someone else...

Having said that...

IT'S A NUMBERS THING.

The NUMBERS say that since this is your first completed feature-length script, it's PROBABLY not up to snuff PROFESSIONALLY speaking i.e., you probably won't be able to sell it.

But even if you were able to sell it, selling a spec doesn't necessarily mean you also have the option and or opportunity to be involved with the future of said spec.

So whether you sell it or sit on it... No big deal. Of course, it's always NICE to have a piece of spec screenplay real estate working for you while you decide what to do next but the absolute WORST thing you can do with that spec is to send it out before it's ready to be sent out.

Send a piece of junk out there and your name will go into the "piece of junk database" and then it will be that much more difficult for you to even get someone in the business to read your future work LET ALONE SELL IT.

What you are current experiencing isn't isolated just to you... This happens to a lot of writers. If I were giving out advice (WHICH I AM NOT), I would tell you to just sit on the damn thing until you feel enough inspiration to give it another couple of passes on the current draft.

Then and only then, you might want to pop for at least 3 pieces of coverage to be completed on the script JUST TO SEE what a reader has to say about it. Coverage is cheap insurance as long as you resolve whatever issues the readers have about the script before trying to market it.

At any rate... Congrats for finishing up a draft.

filmy

 

[kfoy03]

I appreciate your responses.
I do want to clear up something. This script/story has been a work in progress since 2001. In the past couple years I worked it into a script from a story that evolved over the years as I thought about it from time to time. It has had several drafts. I've studied scriptwriting and let myself be inspired and guided by a select number of screenplays. I've combed it thoroughly.

To read it again for editing meant, in my mind, that nothing is ever perfect and I can always find a simple little detail to change or improve.
Editing and repiecing together a puzzle that you thought was rightfully done is an entertaining activity, but once exhaustion sets in, as it has now, spirits get drowned.

My overall life is exhausting. I am pathetically lacking ambition and focus, so I've turn to this forum to connect with others who share similar passions and aspirations. And your external help is fuel for my ambition and hope. It's that sense of feeling more part of a community. I live in Upper Michigan, so there are not that many people up here who are dedicated or consistently interested in filmmaking.

I have poured so much energy into this script in hopes of shooting it with my own misfit crew and now I just want some form of happiness, to be freed up from this daunting task of transferring my story to screen.
I need to get my life rolling, financially and even socially. I doubt I'd make much money if I did sell the script, but what I guess I want is to see an end result in my project. I'm quite sure I will feel more at ease and accomplished knowing something I created was finally finished for all to see.

I strive to be considerate and understanding of people's weaknesses and actual reasonings for such babble, so I appreciate your continued feedback.


Thanks again

Ken

 

[VPTurner]

Would it help to know that you aren't the only one lacking focus? Hell, I'm ADD, so I deal with it everyday.

You sound like me. Except my first script hovered in limbo for 20 years. That's why it's important to have more than one script in the works. I have about seven in various stages. Of course, none of them are getting anywhere near completion, so what do I know.

Sometimes you just have to move on to a different project to get your mind off it, then come back with a fresh perspective.

 

[Adeimantus]

Filmy had some very good points.

It really doesn't matter how many years you've been working on it and refining it, in my opinion. And it's a good sign that you've studied screenwriting.

But the reality is, and I don't think it's fair, but first-time screenwriters are held to a higher standard than the pros. I do believe quality is "read into" their script, and they are given more of a benefit of the doubt than someone trying to shop their very first spec.

Accordingly, you'll need to be "perfect" in all areas to make it to a point where you're even given consideration, let alone an option or sale.

You really do need some pro feedback and coverage. It's a wise investment and will keep you from wasting your time shopping it around.

Screenwriter Terry Rossio and his partner wrote 12 feature spec scripts together over a period of 3 years before they felt they were ready to even venture out and shop around a single script. I'm not saying your script isn't salable. But it's probably not. That's just a fact.

You might want to consider contests, although I'm torn about their usefulness. A few do provide feedback analysis, like Bluecat, and for a relatively small sum (usually in the neighborhood of $50), you'll not only get a chance (a small one, because the competition is fierce and heavy) at placing and geting some notice, but you'll get a decent analysis. True, they usually employ film students, but they've been screened, gotten decent training, and want to do a good job. For decent pro coverage, I think around $200 for a script is about average (at least that's what the one's I use charge).

Anyways, best of luck!

-Charles