Newbie

[SarahJean]

Hi!

I'm newish here... Have been lurking for a short while and thought I'd better post something before people start thinking I'm some kind of dirty voyeuristic pervert! [img]wink.gif[/img]

Anyway, my name is Sarah-Jean. I'm a writer for fun but was struck by lightening inspiration a few weeks ago and am now writing my third script (but hoping to make something of this one!)... I was going to try and sell it state-side as I figured they had bigger budgets over there and to be frank, I haven't seen a lot of UK films I've liked... So spent last night watching UK films (mostly seemed to be gangster/romance related) and am now in two minds. My script is a thriller, and if done properly could be a real hit and I intend to make it so.

What do you reckon the benefits of keeping a English script in England? Or do you reckon I should just give up the ghost and sell state side? I've done some Directing in my time and really enjoyed it, but that was on an amateur level. I'm good at writing scripts as I'm a very visual person anyway, and I write the way I see it, if you can understand (which I'm sure you can!)... And I was also told by a US Based script reader (a friend I must admit) that once completed I could be selling it for big bucks over there... Money's good but not the be all and end all... Whatcha think? Could a good script be big over here or do you reckon I just sell straight to the US?

I was thinking vaguely of keeping it over here anyway, as I'd love to play some small part in making it all happen... I have a few thousand available and can get more, but if I gave my script to someone to make over here (like yourselves) what would happen to the finished film? How do you go about getting it seen or whatever?

Hmmm... Anyways, am rambling. I'll leave you lot alone now!!! [img]wink.gif[/img]

Hope to speak to you all soon!

SJ

[steven_craig]

hello and welcome, im me!

here are a few steps to success

(1) write your script - do everything poss to protect your intellectual property

(2) try and get in touch with your local film board up here its Scottish Screen and see if you can get onto a writers cource - try skillset.org to get the url of your local film board - there you will meet film makers, get contacts of agents, meet other writers and hopefully get work

(3) you will be told by some people to get an agent - however you cant get an agent until your worth something - you need to prove your a player and one of the best ways is to maybe get small time film makers or film skool or uni students to turn your script into a film... then you have something to show for your script

(4) go for the kill - blitz the film and tv companies with your idea by taking a note of producers names at the end of films or tv programmes and trying to get hold of their production companies telephone number or address and send them your idea for a film/tv programme

(5) BBC radio drama dept. give them a try - well known fact that some of the best programmes AND FILMS! have been tried out their first!

(6) you have a script reader friend - DUH!!!!!!

these are ideas and ideas only - try them out but i aint promising anythin, best of luck

as for you going to the states with you stuff- i dont really care, a bad script is a bad script whether its made/sold in the US or not

[SarahJean]

Thanks!

I have tons of short scripts that are fairly good, so I guess I'll make my first move by getting onto the local film/uni students! They are welcome to them, I have no real need for them these days (as if I ever did!).

Thanks for the comments, keep them coming!

SJ

[ac_01]

welcome to the board!

Sounds like you've got the hard part out of the way.... the writing..... all you need now is your foot in the door. I suggeest the bbc.... as much as we love to hate them they do encourage hopeful writers - www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom - anyway if you need more than one opinion try a site called zoetrope.com - founded by none other than Ford Coppola.... good place for opinions.

Good luck