Selling Yourself as a Scriptwriter in Hollywood: A 12-Step Marketing Plan for New & Used Screenwriters

by Peter W Smith

Overview

Learn The Hollywood Literary Marketplace New screenwriters need to learn the playing field before getting into the game. Above All Else You Must Look Professional This easy-to-read manual teaches new screenwriters state-of-the-art spec script format and selling techniques.

Learn Professional Tricks-Of-The-Trade Many of the tools needed by new screenwriters are readily available -- if you know where to find them.

Be Aware Of The Dos And The Don'ts No-nonsense warning of the common and not-so-common mistakes made by new screenwriters. Getting Your Screenplay Known In Hollywood After your screenplay is finished, learn how to uncover potential buyers and how to access reputable agents.

A Producer Or Agent Wants To Read Your Script What should you send? What shouldn't you send? Learn how to create an effective submission package. Screenwriting Contests & Fellowships Are they useful? Which ones are best? There are some great opportunities offered by Hollywood's major players.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780595188284
Publisher:	iUniverse, Incorporated
Publication date:	08/01/2001
Series:	Peterbrook
Pages:	244
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.18(h) x 0.68(d)

Table of Contents

	Foreword	xi
	The 12 Step Approach	xiii
	State Film Offices	xvii
	Business Plan	1
	Business Plan	3
	Time Management	4
	Budget	6
	Screenwriting Business	10
	Caveat Emptor	13
Step 1	The Market	15
	What's Selling	17
	Read Scripts	19
	Read the "Trades"	22
	Periodicals	24
	Features vs. Indies vs. M.O.W.'s	27
Step 2	Tools	29
	Support Services	31
	Support Groups	33
	Conferences & Classes	38
	Books on Screenwriting	44
Step 3	Creating Product	47
	Finding Ideas	49
	Structuring	51
	Software for Screenwriters	54
	Research	56
Step 4	Spec Format	63
	Spec Script Format	65
	Covers & Binding	66
	M.O.W. Format	68
	Script Length & Structure	71
	Title Page	72
	Format and Typeface	74
	The First 10 Pages	79
	Readers' Quiz	90
	Readers' Coverage	92
	Reality Check	94
Step 5	Do's and Don'ts	97
	Scripting	99
	Presentation	102
	Any Excuse to Pass	105
Step 6	Product	107
	Rewrite, Polish, & Proofread	109
	Script Consultants	111
	Registration & Copyright	117
Step 7	Selling Product	127
	Log Lines	129
	Synopsis & Outlines	131
	Pitching	133
	Competitions	135
	Screenwriting Contests	137
	Screenwriting Fellowships	140
	Film Festivals	143
Step 8	Clients	145
	Agents	147
	Managers	151
	Producers	152
Step 9	Sales Package	155
	Query Letter	157
	Release	159
	Reply Card or Envelope	162
	The Package	164
	Submission Records	166
Step 10	A Nibble	169
	A Script Request!	171
	Cover Letter	173
	Submission Package	175
Step 11	A Long Wait	179
	Now what?	181
	Should I Call?	182
	We Pass, but Good Luck	183
Step 12	The Bite!	185
	Signing with an Agent	187
	Agent Fees	189
	Entertainment Lawyers	191
	Purchases & Options	194
	Writers Guild Membership	198
	Resources	201
	Glossary	203
	Publications	209
	Web Sites	215
	Index	219