Script Sale Fun Facts

[kintnerboy]

Here's some fun trivia. In the past six weeks there have been 160 script sales listed here on DD. I was curious as to what percentage were specs, specifically specs by first time writers.

Here are the results:

40% of all scripts are to be adapted from novels, graphic novels and memoirs.

10% are remakes and sequels

20% are pitches, treatments and deals set up with directors in house.

2% are video game adaptations.

7% are bio/liferights deals.

15% are specs by established writers.

6% are specs by first timers.



The number of books sold astounds me. I think I'm going to become a novelist.

Of the specs by first timers, 70% were thrillers, 10% romantic comedy , 10% Sci-fi and 10% Drama.

One of the first timers (Chrisanna Northrup) sold here script after taking out an ad pitching it in Variety) and another won the Sci-fi contest at Slamdance.

The majority of the other first timers have spent time as production assistents, editors and other technical jobs in the industry.

Just thought youd like to know.

[yvonnjanae]

No wonder box office receipts are down! Wouldn't the logical answer to a downturn in movie-going be to put out a fresh crop of innovative movies?

[Ravenlocks]

I actually would've expected lower than 21% specs. Not that I would really know or anything (obviously).

[Scribble]

One of the first timers (Chrisanna Northrup) sold here script after taking out an ad pitching it in Variety).

I'm curious what the ad said. Anyone have a link?

[Ravenlocks]

/Scribble calls Variety to check the cost of placing an ad...

;)

[kintnerboy]

I believe the ad was in a couple of different trades.

The ad read as follows:


True Dramatic Thriller

She's sweet. She's beautiful. She's a conniving murderer.......

and she's watching your children.




The film is called Silver. The news articles said that the ad set off a bidding war, but considering that it sold for 100,000 to a small production co., I'd say it was more of a bidding scuffle.

Sounds like a Lifetime original movie.

[Scribble]

Sounds like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (which I have not seen). Why even a scuffle over a concept that's been done?

And haha, very funny, Rave. Now excuse me, I have some phone calls to make.

[yvonnjanae]

Kintnerboy, how did you find out that tidbit about the spec sales coming from assistants, editors, etc? Also, how does one know the true amount of a script sale. Seems like it would be in everyone's interest to lie about it.

[kintnerboy]

Its not that script sale amounts are hard to find out... but they are hard to understand. Trades typically report the sale amount, but fail to mention how much of it is up front, and how much is after production.

Unfortunately, most of these films will never be produced. But it must be nice to get paid something for the effort.

As far as spec sale trivia, I looked up every single writers name on IMDB (this was the only way to tell whether it was a first time sale or a veteran writer). While I was doing that, I noticed that a high percentage of new writers had other credits in technical fields or as PA's.

This makes a lot of sense. I have sent out hundreds of queries in my day, but the only reads I have ever gotten were from bumping into someone in the business in person.