Studio Decision Time Frame?

[bpmwriter]

Hi all,

I'm in the fortunate position of having a script released and it went into a number of studios yesterday. What's the typical time frame for a studio read and decision? Since it was released simultaneously to multiple production companies, there was some urgency and decisions were made quickly. Does the same hold true at the studio level?

Another question, arbitrary I know, but anyone have an opinion on what % of scripts that make it the studio level get optioned or sold?

bpm

[BROUGHCUT]

No. Could be 2 weeks; more.

Ask your agent or manager what kind of timescale they normally work to.

As to the last question, I think more get optioned (as part of a set-up deal) than get sold outright.

[EJ Pennypacker]

bpmwriter --

I take your agent was attempting for a quick 48hr turn around.

Did anything happen yet?

Best of luck,

EJ

[BROUGHCUT]

my bad. you will get passes within 24-72 hrs. Actual decisions to option/buy could take a week or two if not longer (perhaps the odds are so poor, that it becomes meaningless to hold out "hope", just saying bear in mind all is not lost after two or three days without a bite*). Obviously, prodcos who are positive about the project must act urgently (within 24 hrs) if they want a shot at taking it in.

bpm, you know what would be interesting and a good reference for people... if you could give an overview of the timeline once this has played out:

how many producers/prodcos your rep went "wide" to (were second tier and non-studio buyers included at this stage?), how many prodcos then took it into studios (did this happen the next day?)... and (assuming your rep lets you know) how long it took for each studio to give word.

don't mean to pry, just other people's perspectives on the process are interesting and appreciated.

*ce, for all intents and purposes is three days with no bidding basically the end of the round?

[Copywriter2]

Going wide is both good and bad. Good because it gives you a shot (albeit long) at winning the lottery. If nothing else, if they like your writing it might help you get an open ear in the future. But it's bad because your project is basically dead at those studios after they pass. But good luck. I hope you're the exception to the rule.

[phatgirl]

bpm -
Just wondering if you have any attachments to the script? (e.g., talent, a producer)

And good luck!

[argo]

BPM - In the same boat. My script went wide to first-tier producers/studios over last weekend. Found out from all but one by Tuesday and then the final just chimed in today. Basically one studio liked it, but thought it was better fit for their horror/thriller division so they sent it down there. So now I'm waiting on that...plus a few vanity prodco's and "independents" (Warner Ind., Weinsteins, etc.). Kinda nervewracking but cool.

And like copywriter said, even at the producers/studios that passed, it's opening some doors to meetings for me.