I joined this group recently and in a month now recognize about 5 names of people who seem to visit and post. I'm trying my best to wade through the chaff with witty responses -- that leaves a copuple on either side of me with any noticable skills. The next round is on me! :)

Roger,

Like any forum, we've had some great members come and go. I hope you stick around because you clearly know your stuff.

Also, it may be my imagination but the activity-level here seems to pick up during the summer months. So you arrived at a good time. Hopefully.

Thanks for the welcome. I like the forum topics and discussions I have read.

I plan on sticking around as I *think* I can contribute to some and pass on my mistakes and successes.

Definitely.

Cheers!

Yes, welcome Roger. I don't post very often because I'm trying to stay focused on my new script while I wait for the greenlight from my procrastinating prodco on my last script. I think they're getting cold feet because the budget is getting too big. But whenever we talk they say they want to make it and when I pitched my new idea they seemed really excited. Oh well, that's the movie business I guess.

Some come and go, then come back.

I always miss the forum during an absence, and kick myself realizing what great info I missed.

The down side toi having to work for a living.

Alex

quote:

Originally posted by Troy:
I think they're getting cold feet because the budget is getting too big. But whenever we talk they say they want to make it and when I pitched my new idea they seemed really excited. Oh well, that's the movie business I guess.

Hi Troy
I am new to screenwriting and am unfamiliar with the business side. If a script has elements that increase the budget do they ask screenwriters to rewrite it without those elements or do they just decide whether to make the movie or not make the movie?

The problem is that many screenwriters consider all these screenwriting message boards as their life.

So they post on these sites constantly rather than actually writing their scripts and marketing them.

I used to be a member of, at various times, Trigger Street, Zoetrope, The Artful Writer and Done Deal and I discovered that most of the people on those sites have no idea what they're doing and that those sites are their life.

As soon as I walked away from them, my career picked up and I landed sales.

So I think it's normal for writers to sign up to sites like this, stick around for a while and then disappear. Message boards can be very addictive. Sometimes, you just need to walk away.

And if you can't walk away from certain message boards even though you know it's sucking away all your writing time then you really shove get yourself banned from those sites so you CAN'T go back.

I don't know how long I'll be around here but I'll post occasionally. Nowhere near as much as I used to on other sites though.

Writing scripts comes first for me these days.

Hi! I have some questions about my script and would really appreciate any help or response anyone could give.
I've written a scrip that is my 'True Story', based on events and a story that was part of my own life. It's a good script , very well written, formatted.

My question is- Is it possible for a scriptwriter to keep control of the casting and development of the movie? A friend of mine (Scriptwriter) who has a Hollywood agent wants to introduce me to his agent..but he says once I submit the script I can forget about trying to control much of anything. Sure it's great if this script is made into a movie but I really wouldn't want the production to lose the thread of my own story and also it would be disappointing to see people casted as myself and my friends that are not somewhat true to the original. I'm not a director and don't imagine myself to be one, but how can I keep this story 'True'.
thanks for you time and good luck with your work. Any advise would be welcome.

p.S- This isn't a case of someone wanting full control or having the inability to withstand some script changes to advance the attractiveness/readability of the story, I just want to know if there are any suggestions or advise for someone who has written a 'True Story'. i have tons of books and checked the Internet..but there isn't much information on this subject. - thanks

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sheena Zulpilcher,

I honestly do not (yet) have experience in this arena, but from what I have read, you usually need to be already established to be in a position to make many demands. That being said, if a script has gotten attention...obviously, they want it, and a delicate balance might be made between having your prioroties instilled, and becoming too big of a pain in the ass. Not sure if this helps, but I am very interested in seeing others input here!

Achilles16 - you make a very good point or two here. Established positions would help immensely. I suppose alot would fall back on what deal was made at time of purchase.

The big question here Sheena... is HOW important is this to you. You could hold this close to your heart until you are in that established position, or you can make a deal, that may not be all that you want, but which moves you closer to the next step towards getting to an established position. I know, it's a pain in the brain cell.

But, I'm thinking that once sold you'll lose your connection with it.

Penelope.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Penelope,

quote:

The down side to having to work for a living.

Don't you hate it when life gets in the way. ;-)

quote:

My question is- Is it possible for a scriptwriter to keep control of the casting and development of the movie?

Reality check time. Do you want the harsh answer or do you want me to sugar coat it?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Troy,

Sugar is only really good with Tea or Coffee....

I'm a screenwriter and could use feedback on my latest script. I tried my own thread and it seems to be taking a bit to get it up so I decided to go ahead and post this in this one (hope no one objects). Anywho, here goes:
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Logline: Waiting for Guffman meets Slapshots. A civil rights attorney starts a left handed polo league and experiences how it feels to be a misfit.

"RIGHT HAND SNAILS": A character driven comedy with dramatic elements.
--
Upon learning that left handed play is banned in polo, Tyler Herndon, a civil rights attorney and horse lover, starts his own league for southpaws. Along the way, he realizes love and meets some rather unexpected resistance.
--
The work is 101 pages and is a classic pitting of an underdog against the status quo. The comedy is derived from the hilarious incidents that arise due to the different personalities that are brought together and how they deal with adversity. The light moments are mixed with times of drama that gives the story earnest heart.
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If you're interested in giving this thing a read and passing on your reactions and such, please either post on here or send me an email to lycandavis75@hotmail.com Any feedback would be most welcomed. Thanks much, in advance.

btw, you'll get to make the decisions about actors once it's your money being put up for the movie. Have some in mind for your pitch (aka when you're making the sale), just in case they ask for your opinion, however, know that ultimately, they're BUYING your script. You get a nice paycheck and they get to do to it what they wish. I'm not sugar coating this for ya'. If you direct it yourself (and probably produce), you get to pick the stars. Hope that helps.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ly. Davis,