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How do I get my screenplay to be produced and do I make profit off of it ?
I’m writing a screenplay about a married couple. The husband cheats on his wife with his assistances and his wife finds out and kills them. After killing her husband and getting caught she kills herself. I honestly think that the screenplay is good so far and I think it could do well. I just don’t know how I can sell it to producers or even make profit from it due motivated my age (14). Is this possible?
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6 answers
Updated
Susan Elaine’s Answer
As a person who has been in the business 20 years and won 5 screenplay awards, I can say it is almost impossible unless you form your own production company. That's why if you look it up, every major Actor formed their own production company because even they couldn't get their scripts done, it is too much competition. So contrary to popular belief, working in entertainment is harder than any other job ..so just keep your day job to pay bills, but enter script competitions and start studying YouTube videos on how to start your own production company
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hi, Joshua. Congrats on writing your screenplay!
One of the best things a writer can do at this early stage of a writing career is to focus on strengthening writing and storytelling skills, and defining to yourself what you want to say with your work. This will increase your chances of reaching your ultimate goal. And one of the best ways to do that is to do what you are doing now: writing (in addition to taking writing courses of all kind).
With regard to selling a script, a major studio or production company (for legal reasons) typically does not accept an unsolicited submission. (That is, a writer not represented by an agent.) A search for "screenwriter agents" will give insight.
Independent producers/production companies, however, are often more accessible and open to unsolicited submissions. One way of approaching them is to find movies with stories that are in the same vein or genre as yours and research contact information for the production company or producer who made the movie. There are also screenwriter associations writers can join. These groups serve as a way to connect writers with scripts to producers looking for material. A search for "screenwriter associations" will offer a list.
Writing a script and selling a script takes a lot of time and effort, and all of us receive 'no' more than 'yes.' Rejection is par for the course. It's normal. It can get discouraging, but we must be tenacious and strong. The one who achieves their goal is the one who doesn't give up, even if it takes years. Hope this helps, Joshua. I wish you much success.
One of the best things a writer can do at this early stage of a writing career is to focus on strengthening writing and storytelling skills, and defining to yourself what you want to say with your work. This will increase your chances of reaching your ultimate goal. And one of the best ways to do that is to do what you are doing now: writing (in addition to taking writing courses of all kind).
With regard to selling a script, a major studio or production company (for legal reasons) typically does not accept an unsolicited submission. (That is, a writer not represented by an agent.) A search for "screenwriter agents" will give insight.
Independent producers/production companies, however, are often more accessible and open to unsolicited submissions. One way of approaching them is to find movies with stories that are in the same vein or genre as yours and research contact information for the production company or producer who made the movie. There are also screenwriter associations writers can join. These groups serve as a way to connect writers with scripts to producers looking for material. A search for "screenwriter associations" will offer a list.
Writing a script and selling a script takes a lot of time and effort, and all of us receive 'no' more than 'yes.' Rejection is par for the course. It's normal. It can get discouraging, but we must be tenacious and strong. The one who achieves their goal is the one who doesn't give up, even if it takes years. Hope this helps, Joshua. I wish you much success.
Thank you so much, Steven!
Joshua
Updated
Henrien’s Answer
The first thing is your story. This is a great plot but will it get you noticed? You told us the ending and that you never do. There are many stories now but what makes your story stand out from the others? This is how you get noticed. Better to say she return as a ghost because she didn't do anything like everyone thought. She saw the person and the person got her and she came back to free her ghost by seeking out the daughter of the man who passed away
Once you have a good script decide what type of film you want to make and who your audience will be. This is important because this will determine who should produce it. I always encourage my student to make their own films even if its on a phone. If you are going to write a film make sure you are also going to produce it and direct the story.. If you are writing a family film go to Disney or Lionsgate. Also consider getting an agent to represent your film. Knowing who you want your audience to be will also determine how its marketed. First write a great story. Write it from your perspective. When a kid writes, they write in way that an adult cannot. Allow your vision to take over. From age 14 years to 30 years is the demographics that spends the most on movies. Appeal to this group. This is why movies are mostly rated PG-13. So they can get that demographics. (14-30). Take your time. Become a great story storyteller first. And the money will come.
Once you have a good script decide what type of film you want to make and who your audience will be. This is important because this will determine who should produce it. I always encourage my student to make their own films even if its on a phone. If you are going to write a film make sure you are also going to produce it and direct the story.. If you are writing a family film go to Disney or Lionsgate. Also consider getting an agent to represent your film. Knowing who you want your audience to be will also determine how its marketed. First write a great story. Write it from your perspective. When a kid writes, they write in way that an adult cannot. Allow your vision to take over. From age 14 years to 30 years is the demographics that spends the most on movies. Appeal to this group. This is why movies are mostly rated PG-13. So they can get that demographics. (14-30). Take your time. Become a great story storyteller first. And the money will come.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Edwin
Updated
Lawrence’s Answer
Joshua, in the arts anything is possible but getting a screenplay optioned, let alone produced at all, let alone one where you're going to make any money is a real long shot for anyone, teenagers all the way up to well-established, academy award winning screenwriters. My suggestions to you are this:
1. Workshop it. In other words, get into a class or even cast it with friends so you can hear your words out loud. Often there's a big difference between what things sound like in your head and what they actually sound like out loud. This is one of the best ways to find out what works and what can use some work.
2. Send it out to screenplay festivals and get their feedback. There are A LOT of them and none of them are cheap so do your homework and find the ones that are most legit. You can start with checking out this site: 15 Best Screenwriting Contests of 2024 (that are worth the submission fee)
3. As you're doing all of the above (or none), keep revisiting your script and spending the time and effort to first make it the best script you can. And when you think you're done, put it down for awhile and begin to write something new. You may find that as you grow up, so does the way you look at things and verbalize them. Chances are time will only make your concept and your storytelling better.
4. Make sure you have a logline, synopsis and treatment in case you do find someone who's interested.
5. Studios won't read your script if you don't have an agent. And if they do, they may ask you to sign a document that gives them full rights to your script. While there are legal means to help cover you, they're expensive and it may not even matter as they likely have better lawyers than you do. Consider finding a literary agent while you also try to find smaller, independent production companies that may be more accessible.
6. Remember there are no rules to this game. There's no recipe for success. Don't get too discouraged if things don't go as you'd like them to go. Instead, just keep at it. A lot of people have spent 10 years or more to become an overnight success.
I like your concept. Good luck!
1. Workshop it. In other words, get into a class or even cast it with friends so you can hear your words out loud. Often there's a big difference between what things sound like in your head and what they actually sound like out loud. This is one of the best ways to find out what works and what can use some work.
2. Send it out to screenplay festivals and get their feedback. There are A LOT of them and none of them are cheap so do your homework and find the ones that are most legit. You can start with checking out this site: 15 Best Screenwriting Contests of 2024 (that are worth the submission fee)
3. As you're doing all of the above (or none), keep revisiting your script and spending the time and effort to first make it the best script you can. And when you think you're done, put it down for awhile and begin to write something new. You may find that as you grow up, so does the way you look at things and verbalize them. Chances are time will only make your concept and your storytelling better.
4. Make sure you have a logline, synopsis and treatment in case you do find someone who's interested.
5. Studios won't read your script if you don't have an agent. And if they do, they may ask you to sign a document that gives them full rights to your script. While there are legal means to help cover you, they're expensive and it may not even matter as they likely have better lawyers than you do. Consider finding a literary agent while you also try to find smaller, independent production companies that may be more accessible.
6. Remember there are no rules to this game. There's no recipe for success. Don't get too discouraged if things don't go as you'd like them to go. Instead, just keep at it. A lot of people have spent 10 years or more to become an overnight success.
I like your concept. Good luck!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Edwin
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Joshua,
Getting a screenplay produced and making a profit from it can be a challenging process, especially at a young age. However, it is not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to try to get your screenplay produced and potentially make profit from it:
1. Polish your screenplay: Make sure your screenplay is well-written, properly formatted, and free of errors. Consider getting feedback from trusted individuals or joining a writing group to improve your script.
2. Research production companies: Look for production companies that specialize in the type of content you have written. Research their submission guidelines and see if they accept unsolicited scripts.
3. Attend film festivals and pitch events: Networking is key in the film industry. Attend film festivals, pitch events, and industry conferences to meet producers, directors, and other industry professionals who may be interested in your screenplay.
4. Consider hiring a literary agent: A literary agent can help you navigate the industry, pitch your screenplay to producers, and negotiate deals on your behalf. However, finding an agent can be challenging, especially at a young age.
5. Explore online platforms: There are online platforms like The Black List and InkTip where you can showcase your screenplay to industry professionals. These platforms can help you gain exposure and potentially connect with producers.
6. Be prepared for rejection: The film industry is competitive, and rejection is a common part of the process. Don't get discouraged if your screenplay is not immediately picked up by producers. Keep honing your craft and trying new avenues to get your work noticed.
As for making a profit from your screenplay, if it gets produced, you may be able to negotiate a deal for a writing credit, royalties, and potentially a percentage of the film's profits. However, the specifics of any potential deal will depend on various factors, including your age, experience, and the terms of the contract.
Overall, while it may be challenging to get your screenplay produced and make a profit from it at a young age, it is not impossible. Keep honing your craft, networking, and exploring opportunities to get your work noticed in the industry.
Good luck!
Jennifer
Getting a screenplay produced and making a profit from it can be a challenging process, especially at a young age. However, it is not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to try to get your screenplay produced and potentially make profit from it:
1. Polish your screenplay: Make sure your screenplay is well-written, properly formatted, and free of errors. Consider getting feedback from trusted individuals or joining a writing group to improve your script.
2. Research production companies: Look for production companies that specialize in the type of content you have written. Research their submission guidelines and see if they accept unsolicited scripts.
3. Attend film festivals and pitch events: Networking is key in the film industry. Attend film festivals, pitch events, and industry conferences to meet producers, directors, and other industry professionals who may be interested in your screenplay.
4. Consider hiring a literary agent: A literary agent can help you navigate the industry, pitch your screenplay to producers, and negotiate deals on your behalf. However, finding an agent can be challenging, especially at a young age.
5. Explore online platforms: There are online platforms like The Black List and InkTip where you can showcase your screenplay to industry professionals. These platforms can help you gain exposure and potentially connect with producers.
6. Be prepared for rejection: The film industry is competitive, and rejection is a common part of the process. Don't get discouraged if your screenplay is not immediately picked up by producers. Keep honing your craft and trying new avenues to get your work noticed.
As for making a profit from your screenplay, if it gets produced, you may be able to negotiate a deal for a writing credit, royalties, and potentially a percentage of the film's profits. However, the specifics of any potential deal will depend on various factors, including your age, experience, and the terms of the contract.
Overall, while it may be challenging to get your screenplay produced and make a profit from it at a young age, it is not impossible. Keep honing your craft, networking, and exploring opportunities to get your work noticed in the industry.
Good luck!
Jennifer
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Joshua !
You have received some very fabulous advice here on what you've inquired about and I would like to contribute about things that you can do now as a high school student that will possibly help you in the future.
If you are serious about writing for film, you will also have to consider writing for television, User Generated Content, advertising commercials, skits for television and become an all-round entertainment writer. Some people do want to just write screenplays but they have additional skills that help support them financially as they navigate the process and wait to sell a screenplay. But let's say that you want to be professional grade at this. There are some things you can do now.
In high school, be involved in everything connected to video, creative writing and even take an acting class so you will know how to write for characters. You will need to learn how to write screenplays, teleplays and all of the technical aspects of what professional directors expect from a script - the treatment, form, style, character development and how to write direction or action in the scenes. Screenwriting is more than just characters talking or a story. That is why I advise going to college and majoring in Communication Studies so you can learn the technique and standard way of writing a screenplay. Take some classes in screenwriting, character development, directing and any writing courses your college will offer.
Good screenplays come with life experience. You will need to learn how to write for men, women, children, teens, elderly people so getting personal life experience and growth will provide you with the ability to realistically create characters and scenes. You will also need knowledge of different time periods and the way people spoke, thought and behaved during different eras. For right now, write about what you know. Get a few short scripts written and form a group at your school so that you can direct some actors and video your script. The entertainment field requires a lot of hard work and time investment and commitment for learning and gaining experience. So, for now, write for your peer group and draw upon experiences that you know enough about to realistically bring the story to life. Even though you may not sell a script tomorrow or next week or next month, if you are serious about this as a career, you can take gentle steps that will assure you that you know exactly what to do and when to do it. You have to be involved first. It can't be just a thought - you must take active steps to hone the skills and obtain the knowledge for any career.
While you are in college, you will meet a lot of people that can advance your experience and collaborate with you in getting some of your teleplays or screenplays filmed or recorded. You will need to learn of what each individual in the collaborative team does and have a full understanding of it. You are already in New York City, so you can take advantage of some great opportunities for teens. You can take workshops and a one year screenwriting program at the New York Film Academy's Screenwriting School. I have left a link for you below to read about Summer Screenwriting Camps for teens which you can consider if they're still open or for next summer. As a teen, if you believe that your script writing skills are ready, you can participate in New York City Midnight which will give you an opportunity to compete worldwide with other screenwriters by writing a script on a random subject. I left the link for their website below.
How your experience with screenwriting goes will be totally up to how much dedication you give it. I have left a fabulously informative website in a link below for you to learn who buys scripts and how to sell a script. Although it was written last year, it has a lot of information that you can introduce yourself to now and consider for later. Once you know what goes into the business, you will understand more about what steps to take.
I hope that this is helpful. Live in the moment and think about the here and now before wondering about how your writing career will go. Do the things that are necessary now and you will be happy in the future ! Best wishes in all you do.
SUMMER CAMPS FOR CREATIVE TEENS https://www.socapa.org/
NYC MIDNIGHT - THE SCREENWRITING CHALLENGE https://www.nycmidnight.com/
WHO BUYS SCREENPLAYS AND HOW YOU SELL YOUR SCRIPTS https://kievkelvin.com/blog/who-buys-screenplays/
You have received some very fabulous advice here on what you've inquired about and I would like to contribute about things that you can do now as a high school student that will possibly help you in the future.
If you are serious about writing for film, you will also have to consider writing for television, User Generated Content, advertising commercials, skits for television and become an all-round entertainment writer. Some people do want to just write screenplays but they have additional skills that help support them financially as they navigate the process and wait to sell a screenplay. But let's say that you want to be professional grade at this. There are some things you can do now.
In high school, be involved in everything connected to video, creative writing and even take an acting class so you will know how to write for characters. You will need to learn how to write screenplays, teleplays and all of the technical aspects of what professional directors expect from a script - the treatment, form, style, character development and how to write direction or action in the scenes. Screenwriting is more than just characters talking or a story. That is why I advise going to college and majoring in Communication Studies so you can learn the technique and standard way of writing a screenplay. Take some classes in screenwriting, character development, directing and any writing courses your college will offer.
Good screenplays come with life experience. You will need to learn how to write for men, women, children, teens, elderly people so getting personal life experience and growth will provide you with the ability to realistically create characters and scenes. You will also need knowledge of different time periods and the way people spoke, thought and behaved during different eras. For right now, write about what you know. Get a few short scripts written and form a group at your school so that you can direct some actors and video your script. The entertainment field requires a lot of hard work and time investment and commitment for learning and gaining experience. So, for now, write for your peer group and draw upon experiences that you know enough about to realistically bring the story to life. Even though you may not sell a script tomorrow or next week or next month, if you are serious about this as a career, you can take gentle steps that will assure you that you know exactly what to do and when to do it. You have to be involved first. It can't be just a thought - you must take active steps to hone the skills and obtain the knowledge for any career.
While you are in college, you will meet a lot of people that can advance your experience and collaborate with you in getting some of your teleplays or screenplays filmed or recorded. You will need to learn of what each individual in the collaborative team does and have a full understanding of it. You are already in New York City, so you can take advantage of some great opportunities for teens. You can take workshops and a one year screenwriting program at the New York Film Academy's Screenwriting School. I have left a link for you below to read about Summer Screenwriting Camps for teens which you can consider if they're still open or for next summer. As a teen, if you believe that your script writing skills are ready, you can participate in New York City Midnight which will give you an opportunity to compete worldwide with other screenwriters by writing a script on a random subject. I left the link for their website below.
How your experience with screenwriting goes will be totally up to how much dedication you give it. I have left a fabulously informative website in a link below for you to learn who buys scripts and how to sell a script. Although it was written last year, it has a lot of information that you can introduce yourself to now and consider for later. Once you know what goes into the business, you will understand more about what steps to take.
I hope that this is helpful. Live in the moment and think about the here and now before wondering about how your writing career will go. Do the things that are necessary now and you will be happy in the future ! Best wishes in all you do.
Michelle recommends the following next steps: