- 1). Write your script. A production company wants to know that there is writing talent behind your idea. Ideas don't sell but scripts do.
- 2). Format your script correctly. Script writing software makes this task easier and gives you a professional looking package to present. Final Draft is a popular software used by many professional screenwriters.
- 3). Register your finished script with the Writers' Guild of America -- either the East Coast or the West Coast office. You do not need to be a member of the Guild in order to register your script. Both Guilds provide information that is valuable to beginning writers. You can make changes to your script without re-registering.
- 4). Find an agent. Many agencies will read a "spec" script. Look for those that are open to new writers. Production companies only read scripts submitted through an agent or a manager. There are legal reasons behind this, the most important being the protection of your words and the "written by" credit on the first page of your script.
An official ambassador for your script provides a paper trail for the submission process and protects everyone involved. The Writers' Guild provides lists of agencies that are "signatory" to the Guilds' agreements with production companies. Studios rarely work with agencies that are not signatories. - 5). Network your script to industry insiders by attending networking functions. These can be found by reading trade newspapers such as "The Hollywood Reporter" and "Variety." Another publication that provides industry news is "Backstage." Be prepared to give your script to anyone connected with a legitimate agency.
- 6). Circulate within the acting community. You may find an actor who is appropriate for your cast and will be interested in reading and becoming involved in the process of selling your script. Many scripts have gone from the page to the screen this way.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -