PLAYDIGM Entertainment Licensing & Branding

A “spec” script is short for a “speculative” screenplay, which is a screenplay written without the writer being paid for their time and effort to create such a literary work.

Normally producers pay you to write a screenplay.  You are retained to write a draft of a script that they have come up with.  This commission is usually on a Work-For-Hire basis and the producer(s) own your work and copyright.

Even better is when producers pay you to write a draft or another draft of a screenplay you created under an option agreement. Usually they end up owning the rights to your screenplay and you make a small amount of money and if you negotiated well – even a small piece of the future revenue, if any.

Of course, the only thing better, is to develop your own screenplay with your own money and your collaborators/partners – as this will provide you with the maximum risk but also the maximum reward.  Of course, you will need a lot of money to do this but wouldn’t it be great to control how your vision would lookon film.

You, the writer are considered an element that is attached to a screenplay.  Just like producers, actors or the director are elements.  The more elements attached to your screenplay, the easier it is to be sold to a STUDIO or PRODUCTION COMPANY.

Selling to a studio is considered the best-case scenario as they have the distribution and marketing clout to do it right.  Plus they pay the most for writing screenplays.  Major studios, mini-majors and other production houses require you approach them directly but the likelyhood of an unknown writer getting through the gatekeepers is slim.  Having a producer or agency (especially a known one) is the kind of  middleman to act as a bridge between you and thestudio to ensure that the script is polished enough to be purchased by a studio.

So if you have finished your screenplay and are not successful at getting any producers or agents or managers to read it or become involved with your project, then try and attach an element or two to your project.  This makes it more attractive to other elements and a studio.

Also try and diversify your writing from just your screenplay  to a novel, comic series, graphic novel, video game or any other ancillary merchandise based on your license/brand.  This two will help attract other elements and non-film markets.

This is what I do and continue to do.  So can you!

Sandford Tuey

I have learned a secret about attracting interest from Agents and Producers.

1) Get a referral or introduction from someone who is represented by the agency or involved with the producer.  This is a best-case scenario.

2) Check out a copy of the Hollywood Creative Directory and/or subscribe to the Internet Movie Data Base Pro (IMDB.com) to locate agents and producers contact information.  First, call to confirm the contact information is correct and the person is still with the firm.

3) Contact these agents and producers with a Query Letter – you only get one chance to make a first impression, so ensure this is a professional document with no mistakes.  If you need to know what should be in a Query Letter contact me or seek this info online).

4) I have learned that ‘No’ means “Not Right Now”.   Never take ‘No’ or the lack of a response from those you contact negatively.  It’s just the business.  Get used to it.  The key here is to stand out from the million other screenwriters.  Be creative but in a very professional way!

5) By creating a one sheet poster and synopsis to go along with your Query Letter can improve your chances of being contacted. This has worked for me and I recommend it highly as it shows you are moving your project forward.

6) Of course the main ingredient for getting interest is to write a great script with the potential to make money for a producer.  This gets serious interest because it is not ‘Show Friends’ it is ‘Show Business’.  Just as every screenplay has to be written in the proper format – so does the financial side have to make sense.  The days of art films is fading fast – some say it is already dead outside the indie market.  Ensure your screenplay make a profit.

7) Follow up with ways to remind your new contacts who you are and that you exist.  Postcards, updates on the progress of your script/project, additional elements and talent that are interested or you have managed to get attached to your project (writer-producers are the way of the future).  Have an artist design the movie poster and send it out – this has opened doors that were closed to me before.

The more professional people you surround yourself with will improve your chances of getting your film made.

I have been in the entertainment industry since 1985 (Licensed and Produced the Bruce Lee game (endorsed by the Bruce Lee estate) and co-wrote a game with Robert Ludlum titled Robert Ludlum’s Game of Counter-Espionage.  Now I focus on comics/graphic novels and screenplays (one script optioned and another turned into a comic series).  Focus on your goals and you will reach your destination.

Good luck with your endeavours!
Sandford Tuey
www.Playdigm.com

info@playdigm.com