Hi, I'm writing a horror script and am wondering the best way forward with it once I've finished it - either to sell it or direct the movie myself (preferable).
In the Florida section I've been criticised for not having gotten an executive producer before choosing my cast etc. for my female led action movie 'Killer Eyes'. So what is the best way for me to get one much earlier in the process? Just write to them?
I'm sorry you felt I was criticizing you. My intent was to offer some insight
into how the business works and point out that your method restricted your
options and adding challenges. As I said several times, your method could
happen.
I'm going to suggest that rather than find someone to raise money for your
movie you write a very low budget horror script that you can finance yourself.
That's a path many first time writer/directors have chosen. It shows others
that you actually have the talent to make a terrific movie. It's very, very rare that
an experienced EP will find financing on contingency for a first time writer/director.
Another path is to make a few excellent short films. You could spend the next 10
months (as you find an EP for "Killer Eyes" and that EP raises the money) making
five truly great shorts - a couple of horror films, a kick-ass action short (starring
your "Killer Eyes" actress) and a couple of music videos for local bands. All no
budget. Show what you can do with no money. Show that you are a versatile director.
But that doesn't answer your question, does it? I don't know the best way. Research
20 first time writer/directors and you'll fine a dozen different methods. With your
finished horror script you could write to producers; it could happen. All it takes is
one so write to 200 of them. You could join your local film commision and contact
your local film office to expand your local connections. You could keep the budget so
low that you and your friends and family can finance it.
Of course you could sell the script. A script sale would expand your contacts. If the
script is good enough you may be able to leverage that to get the job directing. Of
course that would be easier if you had a few excellent short films finished but you
never know, it could happen.
There are so many paths available to you. The "best" one will be the one that works.
But like anything worth having it takes hard work. Try every path.