How would I get a screenplay ,I've written, seen by filmmakers?

Question

Who whould I Send it to. Producers, Directors, Or Actors? And what are the steps in doing this?

Answer 1

Who to send it to? Anybody and everybody! Producers, directors, actors, agents (if you don't already have one). Ultimately, it'll be a producer's decision whether or not to make the film, but the other half of the producers job is to package a film project together. That is to put the script, the director, and the actors together to make the project attractive to investors. So if you can get a director or an actor to back your work and attach themselves to it, you've done half of the producer's work for him. Plus, many directors and actors are producers themselves.

So how to go about doing this? First step is to ask these people permission to send your script. One way to do this is by sending a query letter. The query letter is a short one page letter of three paragraphs. The first paragraph introduces who you are, your background, and your knowledge of the subject matter explored in the story, if it's relevant. The second paragraph is your logline, and a quick summary of the story, three or four sentences, beginning, middle, and end. The last paragraph thanks your target for their time and formally requests that they read your script. Its a good idea for you to also include a SASE for their response. If they want to read the script, there will be release forms included in their response to you.

The other way to ask permission is through a verbal pitch. It works essentially the same way as a query letter except on a face to face basis, and the only two ways for an unestablished writer to get an opportunity to pitch someone is either through a chance meeting (rare, but you never know), or through a pitch-fest, which is sort of like a speed dating event for writers and prodcos. The thing to remember about pitching is to know your story inside and out, be confident and enthusiastic about it, be concise in telling your story (nobody wants to hear a two hour pitch), and be polite, even if you're rejected. This might not be the right project for them now, but you never want to burn your bridges for an opportunity for a future project.

Once you've pitched, if they like your idea, they'll request your script. It'll first be read by a reader or a low-level development exec, and then go up the ladder from there. If the decision makers decide to buy or option your film, they'll contact you and you can go from there.

Get a copy of the Hollywood Creative Directory and/or the Hollywood Representation Directory. They're essentially phone books for the entertainment industry, and also include good information such as names of key contact people and submissions guidelines for each.

Final word of advice. Do some research if someone solicits your script without you ever having contacted them. There are some scam artists out there who want to take you for a ride by feeding on your hopes to get your script produced.

Answer 2

First things first, go to www.wga.org and register it so the idea remains yours. Then you should try getting an agent who will help you shop the script around. Work on your 'pitching' skills! You have very little time to impress people once you walk in the door.

Most big studios won't take a chance on a previously unsold writer, so be prepared to do it as a low budget indie and take it the festival route for reshoots and distribution. There are many small production companies who are eager to do good projects, but you have to know whether you're wlling to hand over your material or be a bigger part of the project from day one (ie produce and or direct yourself). Actor's don't come in until you have the backing so you need producers, then a director, your crew & then actors.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Unless you are going for a local production and know individuals, you are going to have to submit to an agent and get one to accept you. EVERYBODY thinks they have the next great script and then thinks they will sue if a director comes up with anything remotely similar. An agent provides focused placement (no slasher movies to Disney, etc.) and prescreening so most of the worst junk is filtered out. Most movie operations won't touch a script that doesn't come through an agent.

Answer 4

Well try acting it out as professionally as possible. then send the video out. if nothing goes then send it to a small director or producer then see if that works then if it is big enough some1 might recognize it.

Answer 5

producer.
he selects the script and actors and manages the budget.

the director obviously directs the movie, and the actors act out the script and make it in to a movie...

Answer 6

send a letter to a small producer, if they are interested they will call you back, make an appointment to see one, and let them read a few scenes. If they like it, you're hired, if they are not sure, move on, because you could have better deals.

Answer 7

film it on digital and post it somewhere on the net. if u get decent actors it wont be worse than blair witch