Submissions: Are less more?

[Pasquali56]

I have a screenplay based on a true story; I own the story and screenplay rights. A producer has been trying to set it up, but she's taking forever making submissions. She makes one submission at a time; the last company took three months to respond (with a pass). There are some other issues I have with this producer, so it may be that we'll be parting ways and I'll be making submissions on my own.

My belief is that I should query several companies at once. If I'm lucky enough to get interest from more than one party, so be it. I can decide which deal is better at that time. Of course, agents go wide with material all the time, but that's a completely different situation in that they usually have relationships with those producers/studios.

I'm wondering what you guys do when you're querying/submitting on your own -- without an agent. Do you use a shotgun approach? Or select just a few at a time to target? Keep in mind that this is a low budget (faith-based) drama. The fact that it's based on a true story and has received lots of media attention gives me hope that people will be receptive.

[jcgary]

What kind of submissions is the producer making? Is she sending it to production companies, investors, mini-studios?

[Pasquali56]

One submission was to a cable network/company; the other I know of was to a private investor. I would be approaching producers and private investors.

[NikeeGoddess]

one at a time would drive me crazy... esp since it can take so long waiting for a pass.
there are a few companies actively seeking faith-based scripts.
maybe you can research these and suggest them to your manager.

you can start here: http://kairosprize.com/kp/index.html
see if they have any sponsors you can query
and check out the movies they have and see what production companies made them

[jcgary]

It sounds like the producer either isn't very good at her job or isn't very interested in the project.

In either case, get out from under her in whatever way you can.

Seek out producers. Investors aren't interested in projects unless there's a producer. You need someone who will wake up every morning thinking about how to make your movie. You need someone who will beat down every door and go to every festival and talk to every person, who will pitch the movie ten times before lunch.

[Pasquali56]

Thanks for your comments; I agree. And the producer is definitely interested. In fact, just this morning she emailed the subject of the story and said she wants to chat -- and exclude me from the conversation. But I own the story and screenplay rights -- and the subject and I are very close. Another snake producer. Looks like an entertainment attorney might be my next stop.

[Manchester]

Originally Posted by Pasquali56

Thanks for your comments; I agree. And the producer is definitely interested. In fact, just this morning she emailed the subject of the story and said she wants to chat -- and exclude me from the conversation. But I own the story and screenplay rights -- and the subject and I are very close. Another snake producer. Looks like an entertainment attorney might be my next stop.

I love when **** like that happens. I mean, when it happens and you find out in a timely way.

BTW, does this mean you won't work with that producer or that you'll still consider it but wear protective gear?

[Juno Styles]

what a snake. why does it pain some people so bad to just be honest????

[catcon]

I wouldn't worry much, until the option renewal date gets near.

You got an option, right?

Not going by:

Originally Posted by Pasquali56

...My belief is that I should query several companies at once...

Okay, yes, absolutely blitz the market. Some tell you do 25 at a time. I say expend all the ammo NOW.

The glacial pace of events in this business is the thing that absolutely bothers me the most.

It helps if you have a few screenplay projects in the works, at different levels (outlining, final drafting, initial querying), because otherwise the waiting is unnerving. Then, when it crosses your mind, "Hey, I wonder what so and so is doing with that script I sent them?", you can check your database and see that it's been four weeks. Time for a follow-up! Yippee!