what is the procedure in hollywood?Is it a vicious circle?

[charvakajay]

hi
I am absolutely new as far as screenwriting in Hollywood is concern.I am from India.
Recently I am writing a script and to test the concept I send log line to producers and agents. Out of 23 query letters send I got only 5 favorable reply.
One production co. seems to be interested but ask me if I have fund for the same.
Is this the usual practice in Hollywood to ask fund from the screenwriter?
The same production co. also state that It is easy to get finance for established writer. Is that means that there is No scope for new writer?
Lastly they ask me to send them the synopsis or in depth analysis of my script!!
Experience writer please advice me.

[JakeSchuster aka Ostroff]

It's absolutely not right that a production company would ask the writer for money to find the project. You have a lot to learn and you've come to the right website. Start to browse some of the threads here and you'll pick up a lot of helpful information to help you find your way around this crazy business. You might also want to a look at a book entitled Swimming with Sharks, which lays out in very clear terms how the business works from a writer's point of view.

[Script PIMP]

Production companies shouldn't be asking you for money... they are the ones who should be giving you money. That said, they may have been asking if you already have other financing (another deal) in place... a legitimate question, albeit odd, considering you wouldn't be querying them if you already had a deal set up.

It is easier for an established writer with a solid track record to get financing, yes. BUT this industry thrives on new ideas and those often come from new and unknown writers, so don't give up.

They're asking for the synopsis from you so they don't have to do it themselves... most producers don't read every script that comes across their desk. They are too busy. They usually hire people to read the scripts and give them a synopsis and their opinion of whether or not the script is worth pursuing. However, they'll ask you first for that same synopsis in the interest of saving a) time and b) money.

Keep writing! Good luck!

Script PIMP Expert
www.scriptpimp.com