Ideas for movies - What to do ??

Question

If you have an idea for a movie (i mean an actual new movie, not some daft idea or existing movie re-hash) who do you go to to discuss it / is there anybody to talk to about these things?

I do a bit of writing but i write in the movie style (script) rather than a novel style, and therefore find it hard to get published.

The concepts / storylines are good (recognised as such by the publishers) but are in the wrong format for a book, yet ideal for a movie.

Does anybody out there know of a place that accepts new scripts; or better still a place where the concept could be discussed with 'an actual person'??



J.

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Answer 1

as stated earlier - ideas are cheap.
but that doesn't discount the thought of selling your screenplay.

you've got a few ways to go:

one - find an available screenwriting professor/or take a class - and ask him/her to read and critique your screenplay. film class professors are connected and are happy to champion one of their students and the next great screenwriter.

two - locate a professional reader and pay him/her to review your work(in Hollywood, people get paid to read [and not recommend] screenplays) - a professional reader can give you good suggestions on how to make your script stronger and maybe even clue you in as to which studios would be most receptive to your work

three - write "pitch" letters to literary agents. in a BRIEF letter, tell them who you are, what your script is about and ask them if they would be willing to read it. if they're intriqued - they will probably get a professional reader (or their assistant) to read it and if it's good, they'll read it before meeting with you.

The Hollywood Reporter is a good place to start for more info.

Studios will buy a spec script (one written on speculation) but very rarely will they pay someone to write a good idea who has no credits to his/her name. It's very easy for a writer to pitch an idea and for that idea to turn into a very different screenplay once it's written.

Your best bet is to polish your screenplay - in the proper formatting - and find someone to champion your work. Check with the WGA (writers guild of america) on how to copyright your work. Many, many, many - ok, almost all - studios and production companies will not open and read a manuscript that is not represented by an agent or manager. This is because they do not want to be sued if your idea is similar to a project they're working on.

another good way to talk to an actual person about your work is to join a writer's group. feedback from your peers usually offers good insights into what works and what needs work.

One last note - if you believe in your work, don't give up. Some movies (Platoon, Unforgiven) took years to sell and get produced. Great work will eventually get noticed. Movie genres go in waves. A great WWII picture screenplay may have to wait another 10 years before a studio is willing to produce another.

hope this helps.

Answer 2

Get a book on how to write scripts find out what the standards are for formatting. My friend did exactly this - one way is just to buy a script of some movie you like and do yours in the same style. It doesnt have to be exactly the same. Then you can find out who to send it to by searching on the web or reading up on producers in London. Present it nicely though - most go in the bin.

Answer 3

ideas are cheap, Finish a script to a 3rd draft then submit it. By the time its polished shopping it will be the easy part! Write write write go on get off here

Answer 4

Call Channel Four and talk to the Head of Film/Video.
Or get yourself an Agent with contacts in the Film Industry.

Good Luck....You will need it!

Answer 5

i have few ideas for movies based on true stories. but I know that alot of people dont like them.