Anybody Here Ever Sold a Screenplay? [Archive]

Leandro

07-21-2000, 06:16 PM

How 'bout putting a more positive spin on this question? Rather than seek responses which serve to add credibility, why not seek responses which serve to offer inspiration and encouragement? I, for one, would love to hear of the personal trials, tribulations, and triumphs of those who HAVE sold a screenplay (produced or not) and their anectdotal responses to some of the following questions:

How long did it take to sell your first screenplay?

How many screenplays had you written before selling the first?

How many, if any, rejections did your screenplay get before it sold?

How much money were you paid and what were the terms of your first sale?

What did you do to keep yourself encouraged and optimistic?

Any special advice for those of us who have yet to experience the orgasm of that first sale?

Bill Marquardt

07-21-2000, 06:24 PM

DS:

I haven't sold my screenplay yet, but I did star in "The Right Stuff". If you look closely as John Glenn (Ed Harris) rides into the Texas arena (really the Cow Palace near San Francisco) I am the guy in the white cowboy hat three rows up. I will e-mail my autograph to you if you want it.

I was also a security guard on the set of "Street Music", an independent film made in San Francisco. Oh yeah, my car was in "Streets of San Francisco", parked on Second Street.

Bill

Steve

07-21-2000, 06:39 PM

I make my living as a television writer. Had a bunch of meetings with producers on my last two screenplays and my agent is still marketing the last one. Just finished another that will go out when the previous one sells or is declared dead.

Hope that answers your question, D.S. Now to respond to it. You don't become a writer when you sell something. You become a writer when you sit your ass in a chair day after day and write. Your question is obnoxious and mean-spirited. This forum is a great source of information and support for WRITERS. Most of these people are working day jobs and writing in their spare moments. Yes, some are clueless, some are newbies, but most respect the craft of writing and they do not need to be told that because they haven't had a movie produced they are imposters dressed in "screenwriterly guise."

If you can't respect the craft of writing, don't write. And if you can't respect writers, stay off this board.

Otherwise, welcome.

Nemesis Unbound

07-21-2000, 06:41 PM

The orgasm of that first sale? Leandro the producer who buys your first script is going to be very confused (and somewhat frightened) by your reaction as you sign your name on that dotted line :lol

CRASH

07-21-2000, 06:44 PM

Leandro,

My advice: Always pull out.

gdover

07-21-2000, 07:11 PM

You said it succinctly (is that spelled correct?). DS I wonder what that stands for... let's see.

Dunce Scholar...no that's not it...two beats.

Dumb Schoolboy...that's not it either...ummmm...three beats...

Oh...I know. Dumb Sh.T...yes the visual is now appearing.

Be careful DS asking those loose cannon questions...us writers be a finnicky group. Your acceptance will be much more gracious when you have mastered the art of brinkmanship.

gdover alias rebel...........

GirlinGray

07-21-2000, 08:01 PM

Oh DS, we already know about all of us and are old news and boring, silly, but you are new and interesting. Tell us about you. Have you ever sold a screenplay that was made into a movie that anybody has ever heard of? Or are you just wearing a, what was it again? Guazey dress?

callit

07-21-2000, 08:12 PM

does any one here think we're all being a little too sensitive, a little too quick to pull out the guns on those who ask weak questions or interject their unsolicited or irrelevant opinions into active threads?

Are we letting the bennydumbasstones of this board make us jittery & withdrawn, unwilling to help each less experienced writers & each other?

Have we shed our rhinoskins & become Vampyres? it used to be good-natured banter & lively discussion. Now it's who's fightin' who next.

A silly question is a silly question, agreed. Why waste our time killing each other if we're in it for the same reasons?

We should agree to disagree but let's agree to think before we post also. I'm not singling anyone out, I'm not taking anyone's side. Hell, I'm as guilty as anyone else for such transgressions. I'm just saying we'd be better served working together instead of making enemies.

My opinion. You may attack now.

lilybet

07-21-2000, 08:27 PM

Yeah, you're right. But when somebody comes on board with that kind of attitute, I think it is perfectly appropriate to set them straight. Then if they want to play fine. If not, maybe new games of the type we've had lately will be nipped in the bud.

lilybet

TinaRM

07-21-2000, 08:42 PM

I am very new to this site - as in yesterday - so if anyone is interested, no, I haven't sold a screenplay...I haven't sold anything...matter-of-fact, I wouldn't even hold a yard sale because I am not a sales person.

What I am is a writer and I know this because like Steve said, I sit my butt in a chair day after and day and write. I already felt that same way even if the outside world...probably including the IRS would only agree with me when I can produce a W-2 form.

Tina

"Basset Hounds Rule....and drool"

gdover

07-21-2000, 08:44 PM

After further reflection and reading Callit's comments maybe I was too harsh
on DS. My apologies Sir.

As a long time subscriber, I guess I should be more understanding when someone jumps in out the blue and starts hammering away.

DS, most of the people at this site write and hope to sell their screenplay. During the time away from working, writing...most of us I would assume, welcome the opportunity to converse about screenwriting and share thoughts about one's work. There are those writers on this site that have reached various levels of achievement and continue to pursue what I call "writer's heaven" which is
the ability to tell the "perfect story". This may be unobtainable but we all seek to explore the edge of the envelope while continuing to improve our own skills which are easily forgotten as we move into the different genre's of the craft called screenwriting. I would imagine some of the old pros who scan this site learn something new every now and then. (pardon my grammar tonite its been a long day...

callit

07-21-2000, 09:11 PM

Lil,
You're absolutely right on setting attitudes straight. I think we handled the whole larry lozetto thing perfectly.u

GirlinGray

07-21-2000, 09:28 PM

You know, Tina, you don't have to turn a profit to claim business tax expenses. It is recognized some businesses lose money some years, make money other years, and start up companies especially are known to operate in the red for a bit before they turn a corner. I am not sure how many years you are allowed to claim a loss, before the IRS gets testy, and the IRS does not like the arts at all -- they get mad about that writing off movies thing I think, jealous bastids -- but you can claim a loss on a legitimate business enterprise.

To do that, you have to show you are actively trying. So you need records of submissions made and sale attempt of a product, i.e. the writing. But you can do it.

Bill Marquardt

07-21-2000, 09:49 PM

GIG:

You may be touching on a subject that should be explored, possibly in its own thread. What experiences have some of us had with writing as a business? I worked as a freelance writer (non-fiction, computer stuff) for five years and had no problems with deducting my expenses. I kept good records and actually made some money eventually, so maybe that's why I didn't draw any attention, but I remember writing off about $3,000 of computer equipment.

I am currently running my screenwriting activity as a business, and expect to deduct a whole bunch of stuff. I went so far as to get a business license and a home use permit, but this is not necessary. (I am a "film production company" - whoopee!)

This would be a boring topic for some, but it might help others. Wat u ppl think? (sorry)

Bill Marquardt

TinaRM

07-21-2000, 09:53 PM

GIG - Now that's a piece of advice I can definitely use. I am, of course, kicking myself in the butt for all the times over the last few months I have stood in my local post office and said, "No thank you, I won't be needing a receipt!" ARRRGGGHHH!!! Well, I'll just chalk that hundred bucks or so up as a lesson learned.

Now paper - card stock paper - brads, envelopes (big and little) - that is all stuff I can dig up Walmart and Office Max receipts for. (Where is that handy dandy shoe box?)

I work from home anyway (my day job of coding information for the net - SGML) and so I already claim my computer and anything else I can think of on my taxes...can't hurt to add a few more little things....like my telephone bill from talking to two separate agents for nearly an hour each. I thought I talked alot, but those two people were VERY talkative. I now know that one of them has four children - the oldest is practically a genious (sp?) - her husband is an engineer - her father an architect - it goes on and on. The other told me some great stories about why agents are so short with people most of the time (I had to ask the question). I'm not complaining...even at 10 cents a minute....but I am claiming it on my taxes.

Tina

07-21-2000, 10:35 PM

Sweet Jesus, I hope you people aren't writing comedies.

FYI, Stan's on Wilshire is selling senses of humor two-for-one the month of July. Crowds on weekends, good shopping weekdays.

Dick S.

lilybet

07-21-2000, 10:44 PM

You're really cute, I guess we were right to pile on. If that's your best line, perhaps you should avail yourself of that opportunity. By the way, what was that you said you sold?

TinaRM

07-21-2000, 10:46 PM

DS - Was that really necessary? Isn't it possible we are just talking? This is a place to relax and chat - not try to prove our writing ability.

By the way - my screen play is a romantic comedy...and yours? I mean with that little tidbit you added at the end, I'm sensing you would like to write comedy.

I have to wonder if the effects of being rejected is starting to get to you - like a drowning victim - pull down those that try to help you. A great majority of the people in here seem to want to help - quit being ugly.

Smile, it won't kill ya!

Tina

lilybet

07-21-2000, 10:52 PM

Welcome aboard, Tina. And some of us will be rooting for you.

lilybet

GirlinGray

07-21-2000, 10:53 PM

Well Tina, if you paid cash, you are out of luck, if you put it on a credit card or check, you've got paper on it and can claim it.

DS, I'm sorry, have you said something funny ? I have been pulling all nighters and probably just missed it.

TinaRM

07-21-2000, 11:07 PM

I appreciate that, I can use all the support I can get.

Meanwhile, because of my limited experience, I don't have much advice to offer in these types of forums, but I am here to cheer all you good guys on! Maybe I'll be some help to someone who is even newer at this than I am.

GIG - I'm sure I have left a paper trail from the post office because I never have cash on me...too lazy to go to the atm when everyone now accepts that atm card as cash. I knew things were changing in this world when I found myself teaching my young children how to use atm debit cards.

Tina

Bill Marquardt

07-21-2000, 11:15 PM

DS - is that one higher than DR? You sound remarkably like someone else, but I shan't go there. I shall assume you are a serious person wanting information. However, this board has been tormented by people who seem to believe this is a good place to prove their ability to out-snipe someone else. Your initial question was posed in a very rude manner. If you are a young person, that might be excusable. If you are over 21, please learn to be more polite.

But to give you an answer, I can name at least 18 produced movies written by members of this board, none of them by me as I am a hopeless untalented hack. I enjoy bantering and bickering politely with the real writers here, as it makes me feel like I am one too.

If all you wish to do here is to belittle those of us who haven't made it yet, please go away. Our shrift is getting shorter and shorter in regards to contentious people with nothing to contribute. Choose to respond within those threads that amuse or inform you. Start your own. But please, please do not start any more fights. And if you are just a character that someone is test-driving, please go away even faster.

Bill Marquardt
real name
real person
former movie extra
lousy screenwriter

p.s. I'll be attending the Academy Awards next year. Will you? If not, does that make me better than you?

steeves

07-21-2000, 11:51 PM

YES
i have sold a screenplay.

in my naivety looking for scripts and influence, i once bought the published version of Pulp Fiction - realised it was of no value

sold it to a friend for a beer

does that count? :)

jetty

07-22-2000, 01:03 AM

Bill please don't say you are a lousy screenwriter. I for one refuse to believe that. Do you need some cheering up? If so I'll do my best in One on One. I'm serious. And if you were only being facetious, I place the dunce cap on my head for the second time today.

DS... It's a persnickety bunch here. If you're persnickety too, you'll probably fit right in. But you'll have to buck up first, and reveal yourself/intentions.

jetty

PS. Fun word that persnickety. Of course I mean it in the most charming of ways ;)

07-22-2000, 01:04 AM

steeves,

It only counts if after you sold it, your friend thoroughly wrecked it.

DS

wcmartell

07-22-2000, 03:32 AM

I wasn't here for this thread (I was in Priscilla's Coffee House writing), but I think I might also have reacted strongly. The reason why: DS needs only to read a few threads to find the answer to his question. That's really not much work. If I were going into a new community, I'd hang back, learn the local customs, try to get a sense of who people were. I don't think I'd just barge in and demand that the community bring me up to speed and introduce themselves to me.

A Priscilla's Coffee House story: It's kind of like Cheers, but with coffee. When I first discovered the place, I was an outsider. So for a while I just drank my coffee and used my laptop. After a while, I'd nod or wave to regulars. Right after that I began introducing myself to people, entering into conversations, etc. Now I'm a regular.

I might have just barged into conversation on my first day, but I'm not sure I would have been accepted.

DS can learn a lot if HE takes the time to look for answers before asking the questions.

Also: What GIG said. I introduced myself at Priscilla's, I didn't ask who everybody else was. If DS had introduced himself, I think we would have all welcomed him. There's still time for that.

- Bill

Julian7

07-22-2000, 08:09 AM

DS---unless you happen to be an agricultural student, you probably haven't seen my films, "Teasing and Rectal Palpation of Brood Mares" or "Feedlot Production". Likewise my other screenplay sales, including the highly praised "Hand-Tinting Black and White Photography". In all about 12 of these for-hire scripts of mine have been put to film. But according to my agent, by this time next week I will have an option contract on one of my "real" screenplays, a comedy with two well-known stars attached. So you never know. As for the prevailing sense of indignation you'll find here asking such questions, I've never been able to figure it out either.

CRASH

07-22-2000, 08:10 AM

Mr. Martell gives good advice to newbies. I watched this board and the dynamics of its member for a very long time before posting.

I started "lurking" when Professor Winterbottom accussed Done Deal of censorship. I sat through the Kevin Williamson episode, holding my tongue and watching itself play out, and took in how the members dealt with it. I watched Dominic Riggio and...well, you know the rest. And what did I learn from all of this? Be fair, don't contradict yourself, be helpful, be respectful (though some may feel I have not been at times), admit when you're wrong, write intelligently, don't monopolize the board, keep most of your posts brief and concise, which allows you the luxury of the occasional lengthy post when neccessary.

I also will try to practice what I preach.

Bill Marquardt

07-22-2000, 08:33 AM

Julian - the dvd of your brood mares film should properly be listed under "Animal Husbandry", not Agriculture. ;)

CRASH - Right on.

And for the record - what was offensive about DS's original question was not the first line, but the second. My original response was meant to be a sarcastic poke in the ribs, but it went unheeded. It's no fun when you have to explain everything. And I hope no one takes any of this stuff seriously. This board runs the gamut from "Dear Abby" to being a virtual "Fight Club". Somewhere in the mix, we can learn about screenwriting. Or maybe teach.

Bill -  en guise de l'écrivain

Zeeman13

07-22-2000, 08:46 AM

Julian7, you wrote "Teasing and Rectal Palpation of Brood Mares"? I loved that piece.

dance

07-22-2000, 09:43 AM

I've seen FEEDLOT PRODUCTION at least fifteen times. the first time, though, i really was disturbed by act one which i thought went on and on forever. silly me, i just didn't know that all of that backstory about the farmer's son's preoccupation with leather halters was really necessary (and so brilliantly done, too). then, when that piglet got his head wedged in that feeder (the one jeb had just bought at the co-op), god, i laughed till i cried. i don't mean i laughed so much that it made me cry. i mean i laughed hard and then i cried, both within a span of one minute. jesus, what a scene! then, at the end, when the holstein heifer comes around the corner and sees...oops, don't want to give it away.

Julian7

07-22-2000, 10:14 AM

Hey, I've got few enough screen credits to want to occassionally brag about my meager accomplishments. Rectal palpation is a method of determining if a mare is pregnant, and you all know what teasing is. I started out writing these educational videos and films, but I also have eight completed feature scripts, and believe it or not I'm close to a deal on a low-budget comedy. I appreciate that my work has not attained the status of cult favorites, but we've all got to start somewhere, even if it's the rear end of a brood mare.

Zeeman13

07-22-2000, 10:22 AM

Just kidding.

Roxanne Battle

07-22-2000, 02:28 PM

Hey DS, I'm pretty sure I know who you are, and keeping with your obviously condescending first statement (wich is unlike you) I'll just say, in all honesty if your career is some kind of measuring stick, those on this board would be well advised not to end up where your career now rests, in the desert out of gas. Nothing personal DS, and I never took you for bitter, and if this isn't the DS I think it is will you please list all your accomplishments? (and sticking three fingers two digits deep into your rectum doesn't count) We must be in the presence of greatness!

Roxanne Battle

Teris1

07-22-2000, 06:02 PM

I guess I'm the only one who thought your first comment was funny.

Le Vampyre

07-22-2000, 06:10 PM

Dear Mr D.S.

Firstly, by attempting to create a "You against the world" diversion, it's both old and boring. Nobody cares.

Secondly, mneasuring success by sales is wrong and misleading. Measure success by "success".

I sold my 1st at age 19 for min of 30'000 pounds. I thought i'd arrived. Spent bulf of money, nothing came of film.

Sold second for more. Nothing came of film (again). script adapted into another film. Got no credit.

Sold third, months ago. Forget to rember signing the *** i hereby acknowledge and sgree that there are no prior or contemporaneous oral agreements in effect between me and you and me pertaining rights to said materials. No promises of P.R meetins/publicity and/or promises of any other kind other than the submission by me of ideas/formats/scripts/plots/characters and T.V. I further agree no obligigations exist or shall exist. I irrevocably and unconditionally understand and accept that Real Creatives remains permission to never precced said material in development and retains rights (sound/broadcasting) without bondage of time **

Y'see? A sale is nothing. I have money, sure. Yet no credits. So, as a screenwriter, my greed overtook my rationality.

Don't make the same mistake.

Get the thing made. Then ask questions. When you have none, money seems all that, if you value success above cash, you'll realise it isn't.

Maybe you should reconsider your candour. And re-evaluate success.

Le Vampyre :[

07-22-2000, 07:14 PM

Sheesh! Who would have thought a little sartorial insinuation would flutter the dovecotes so?

None here knows me, but to believe so is to puff my ego. Thanks.

Does attending the Oscars make Bill better than me, Bill asks? Nothing is more certain.

Second to lastly, I have sold no screenplays to any studio. I did, however, on a particular studio whose name I won't name's strong recommendation (Miramax's), buy a screenplay. Unlike advertised, it did not help me "model" my current screenplay and it ended up a prop under my air conditioner.

However but all the same, I have come nearer to greatness than any of you, and I know that. I was once at a restaurant and William Goldman all of sudden appeared out of nowhere and was just kind of standing next to me and then just kind of asked me to hold his carry-out box while he scraped some awful grey gunky matter from his shoe with his car key. Who among the members of this board has a nearer claim to greatness? There is none.

DS

PS Let us disrobe of our battle armor and re-dress in our screenwriterly guise and return to talking the trade.

lilybet

07-22-2000, 07:40 PM

You started it. Your above post was almost amusing. If you'd like to check the services section on the board, someone is offering a comedy writer's site if that's what you're interested in. But, golly gee, sometimes people say funny things here. Now, do you have anything you'd like to contribute or ask? If so, feel free to join in, even if you haven't sold anything.

Johnny Cash touched me on the shoulder.

steeves

07-22-2000, 10:33 PM

i WAS that gunky grey stuff that king bill scraped off his shoe. try to get closer to that! ;)

in reality i have had the pleasure of some ongoing email correspondence with mr bill... a genuinely nice guy, it seems, his attitude matches mine in many ways (particularly the part about ME, let alone body, knowing anything, but people actually listen to him :)

GirlinGray

07-22-2000, 11:03 PM

Um, well, I slept with Bill Goldman, does that count?

(Kidding!)

wcmartell

07-23-2000, 12:38 AM

I also slept with Bill Goldman (but I was dressed in women's clothing, and had recently waxed my chest, so he probably didn't know).

Can I ask why any of this would ever be important? I've had about a half hour conversation with Jack Nicholson, got beers all night for Sean Young at a party, and a couple of weeks ago Sara Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze, jr were sitting at the table next to mine in Priscillas locking lips. None of it matters.

What matters isn't me.
Or people I may know.
Or people I may claim to know.

The only thing that matters is what's on the page.

We're screenwriters, dammit! And don't you forget that!

- Bill (not as rousing as that speech in Henry V, but the best I could do)

Le Vampyre

07-23-2000, 01:16 AM

Bill.

Sarah Michelle and Freddy Prinze are an item? When did this happen? (Whilst was i out of the country one assumes)

I'm off to retreat into an auratic enclave of bitterness and jealousy.

On reflection I prefer Faith the slayer, anyway.

Sorry, just warbling. Ignore.

Vampyre :[

wcmartell

07-23-2000, 02:29 AM

They've been an item for a while. They were lip locked until their friends showed up. Then they talked about Sarah finally buying a wallet (she has never owned one before) because her handbag was such a mess. She said she now feels like an adult because she has her money, credit cards, and drivers license all in one place. Then they talked about credit cards for a while... If I'd have remembered you were a Buffy fan, I'd have taken notes and paid better attention. I was trying to work and they were sitting inches away from me (when I left my table for a minute, I had to ask Freddie to scoot in a little bit so that I could pass).

Sarah looks normal. I was surprised when I met Heather Graham last year (she was with Ed "not kooky" Burns) at how plain she looked (except for her eyes). I know women who are more beautiful in person... but don't look as good on camera.

Sorry I couldn't remember more.

- Bill

CRASH

07-23-2000, 03:22 AM

You must have caught Heather on an off day, cause I've met her a few times and everytime she's been stunning.

What's Ed "not kooky" Burns? What does the "not kooky" refer too?

steeves

07-23-2000, 03:51 AM

she must slay him!

wcmartell

07-23-2000, 04:02 AM

77 Sunset Strip - the actor who played the parkinglot kid was named Ed "Kookie" Burns, which is why the non-kookie burns is Edward.

There were a couple of hit songs about how cute Ed "Kookie" Burns was (really). He was kind of a James Van Der Beek of the late 1950s.

Of course, all of this was before I was born... but I know about all of the private eye, cop, and mystery shows on TV and radio. "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar", "The Whistler", etc. I can give you the plots for Suspense radio theater episodes, too. I also know crime pulp magazines. I love that stuff.

Of course, I know a lot about movies, too... but that's my job.

- Bill

Roxanne Battle

07-23-2000, 12:54 PM

"Return to our writerly guise"? Isn't that the very same crap that spewed from your anus like mouth and pissed most of us off in the first place? Well if the choice is my usual battle dress or your flippant guise, (god you need a bitch slapping) sword please!
You are so obviously a stroke who needs the last word, well as far as I'm concerned sir you've officially made the top of my "people to crush list", the short list. Hey' Vamp I think you're off the hook!

Roxanne BATTLE

GirlinGray

07-23-2000, 03:04 PM

Roxanne, you are such a delicate flower. (wink)

TinaRM

07-23-2000, 04:24 PM

Everyone else has gotten to mention the famous people they have met, I must put my two cents worth in here because I met several really great actors while working at a Hotel in Richmond, VA. I was the front office manager so they called me directly when the wanted something.

I became pretty tight with Linda Hamilton. She and I would hang out and drink beer after a long day. She was a guest at the hotel for a few months. She is super - very down to earth and because of my naivity (non-groupy personality), I had no idea she was anyone famous til someone told me. I had seen a lot of her movies, but didn't recognize her in person and didn't recognize the name.

I also met Charlie Sheen. He tried to give me $20 for finding his baseball bat. I refused the money - he shoved it in my hand anyway...I felt like a moron! He stayed at the hotel a lot and so I ended up chatting with him quite often...I think it was during his drug days tho. He didn't seem quite with it.

I met Sinbad. He's just great! Very friendly to everyone. I watched as they filmed First Kid and then later hung out with Sinbad.

I met Kato Kaylin (spelling) who is not really a celebrity -but more a goober who was trying to gain fame from OJ's situation. He walked in one day acting all @#%$y and came to the desk, where I happened to be walking by, and asked if anyone had been looking for him. I asked him who is was...he was shocked.

I met a guy off of the Young and Restless (Brad...don't remember his real name). He was so full of himself that I had to laugh. He's much shorter in person than I would have guessed. He came to his door wearing nothing (hiding behind the door) after calling downstairs for a tooth brush.

I got into a terrible arguement with Sam Waterston (Law and Order)...long story, but he called me later and apologized for his "prima Donna" behavior and so I offered to give him a much needed ride to the airport, which he accepted, but then I sent him by hotel Limo. Turned out he was nice too.

I spoke with Walker, Texas Ranger...(dern what is his name?...Aaron something...shoot!). Anyway - didn't get to see him, but arranged for a babysitter for him.

That's all I can think of, but there were quite a few more. I'm not bragging, just sharing stories.

Tina