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Unsolicited scripts
- Thread starter benj09
- Start date
Tough one,
Most producers (even me) won't accept unsolicited scripts for legal & time reasons*. You need to talk to someone associated with a producer and convince them your story is good and hope they give the producer a nudge.
* The legal issue with unsolicited scripts is if you submit a script that they read and then they producer a movie with a "similar" story/idea you may turn around and sue them.
The time reason is simple, if I get 100 scripts it will take me longer to read all of them then to write my own.
Most producers (even me) won't accept unsolicited scripts for legal & time reasons*. You need to talk to someone associated with a producer and convince them your story is good and hope they give the producer a nudge.
* The legal issue with unsolicited scripts is if you submit a script that they read and then they producer a movie with a "similar" story/idea you may turn around and sue them.
The time reason is simple, if I get 100 scripts it will take me longer to read all of them then to write my own.
Solicit it.
For the most part, "unsolicited" means you've just sent them the whole thing out of the blue. No one will read that. Send a query letter or e-mail first, containing a BRIEF description of the piece and any information about your own experience that you feel is relevant.
If they are interested they will ask to see more. I also recommend you do a little homework first to find out something about the producer or agent, i.e. what are they looking for in material and/or a client? Are they only interested in established talent or are they open to unrepped writers?
I don't recommend it. Some may ask to see only that much after you've queried them.
My experience with short stories and novel ideas-if they openly say on their website "No unsolicited material will be accepted", they mean it usually.
2001 is right on the money, you don't HAVE to get an agent (of course they can help-for a fee), but "feel them out" with query, ect. If they still say "we need this from your agent", then you know.
Most times I've found they appreciate you letting them know, and they can tell you if it's what they're looking for with the query.
2001 is right on the money, you don't HAVE to get an agent (of course they can help-for a fee), but "feel them out" with query, ect. If they still say "we need this from your agent", then you know.
Most times I've found they appreciate you letting them know, and they can tell you if it's what they're looking for with the query.
Just to be clear, no reputable agent will charge a writer an up-front fee. S/he receives a percentage of what, if anything, the material options for, usually 10-15%.
Yep. What he said.
I had several agencies request to read my script after sending my queries. Too bad my query was written better then the actual script.
. The key word being "reputable"thanks for the advice, do you think this site is a good way to get a foot in the door. Do you think that producers will be able to look at scripts or even just a few pages. I know if a producer looks at a scipt of mine they will be very impressed. The screenplays I have been writing aren't high budget, but they have great characters and good stories