Don't let so many comments deter or discourage you in writing your next 100+M budget film. People love them. People want them. Just saying.
Big Budget Tentpoles
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Re: Big Budget Tentpoles
My manager is actually encouraging me to write one of these -- to think bigger than I have been. Much bigger. Especially since big budget action-thrillers with franchise potential are the types of screenplays that are selling right now -- and probably will be for some time to come.
From what I'm hearing, if you can write the next SALT/BOURNE, you're in good shape.
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Re: Big Budget Tentpoles
Writing/Thinking Big not only can impress the right people, but also demonstrate how well the writer can produce a "studio concept".
SALT/BOURNE, minus the whole CIA angle. Most people cringe if I mention CIA in a pitch (which I don't really do, except to say that mine is NOT a CIA flick).2011 Screenwriting Goal: 15 pages a day.
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Re: Big Budget Tentpoles
Originally posted by Lucha Scribre View PostDon't let so many comments deter or discourage you in writing your next 100+M budget film. People love them. People want them. Just saying.
People do love big budget tentpoles (including me). If that's what floats your boat, go for it.
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Re: Big Budget Tentpoles
It's not impossible but it's definitely harder, since the hugely expensive films hardly ever come from original specs but rather from novels, comic books and other IPs. Not as much with action thrillers, as SS said up-thread, but certainly with action adventure fantasies (LOTR, Harry Potter, Narnia, all the superheroes) --those flicks have HUGE built-in audiences before they even go into production.
I just had a guy at Warner Bros tell me my tentpole was the right place to start conceptually and that he was in fact seriously looking for that kind of material, but then my story specifically was not what he wanted. BUMMER.
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Re: Big Budget Tentpoles
Agreed.
Sometimes I get the advice "just write it low budget to improve your odds."
Hell no. I'll write the movie that needs to be written. Not big budget for the sake of being big budget and not low budget because I'm scared of finding someone to like it. It just is what it is. No sacrifices. Not when I'm writing on spec just trying to impress people.
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Re: Big Budget Tentpoles
Originally posted by Lucha ScribreDid he like the script?
Was it Warners directly, or a company with a studio deal?
There are many ways you can use the "not specifically for me" for referrals elsewhere.
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Re: Big Budget Tentpoles
Originally posted by emily blake View PostI think it's also a good idea to have another script that's in a more reasonable budget. That way if someone reads your tentpole and likes your writing, you've got something else to show them that might be more affordable to make.
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Re: Big Budget Tentpoles
Originally posted by Lucha Scribre View PostWriting/Thinking Big not only can impress the right people, but also demonstrate how well the writer can produce a "studio concept".
SALT/BOURNE, minus the whole CIA angle. Most people cringe if I mention CIA in a pitch (which I don't really do, except to say that mine is NOT a CIA flick).QUESTICLES -- It's about balls on a mission.
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Re: Big Budget Tentpoles
Originally posted by Lucha Scribre View PostDon't let so many comments deter or discourage you in writing your next 100+M budget film. People love them. People want them. Just saying.
That said, for those looking to land a rep, it might be an idea to also write something a little more budget conscious. Buyers love clean hooks and high concept, but they also love scripts that are cheap to make. At least that's my theory on the whole game. And I'm sure you also know that I'm not suggesting you go out and write another contained thriller inside a box, ala Buried.
EDIT: Sorry, some people already suggested that advice.Last edited by Terrance Mulloy; 12-13-2010, 05:21 PM.
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