Okay, folks. Follow along with me, here:
I've been a professional writer for 20+ years, mostly for corporations, radio, and I have a novel published. Always had a passion for screenwriting, though.
So, I took the classes, bought Final Draft, and waited for inspiration. Late last year, it hit me.
I discovered an established film franchise is hoping to make a new prequel film within the next 3-5 years, and I came up with a great idea for it.
I resisted writing it at first, as I know writing for an established franchise limits you to ONE producer/rights holder. And if they say "no," that's it. But the story kept growing and growing in my head. I had to get it out.
I wrote out notes, then into a rough synopsis, and then I fell into a lot of extra downtime. So-- I wrote the whole script. And, quite honestly, I think it turned out pretty great.
I researched (it's a period piece) and re-wrote and polished until I was very happy with the end result. I then asked some acquaintances who are "experts" of the franchise to read it, and they raved about it and told me I had to pursue it.
SO -- I reached out to the production company and spoke with one of the producers' assistants.
She said they'd love to read it, but it has to be presented to them by an agent, manager, or attorney. Otherwise, they can't touch it. But she did say they will read it if I could do it that way.
Also, there's currently a rights lawsuit that's been going on for the last few years with the franchise. She did mention that nothing can be done at least until that's settled. So that gives me some time.
So now, I'm not sure whether to approach a script agent, manager, or entertainment lawyer with it. I do realize if they agree to represent myself and the script, we'll have to sit on it until the lawsuit's resolved. But it seems to be smarter to have everything established and ready to go when the lawsuit ends for quick submission, rather than starting the process then (and perhaps getting beaten to the punch by another writer.)
Any thoughts on what my next step should be?
Thanks in advance.
- Skunk
I've been a professional writer for 20+ years, mostly for corporations, radio, and I have a novel published. Always had a passion for screenwriting, though.
So, I took the classes, bought Final Draft, and waited for inspiration. Late last year, it hit me.
I discovered an established film franchise is hoping to make a new prequel film within the next 3-5 years, and I came up with a great idea for it.
I resisted writing it at first, as I know writing for an established franchise limits you to ONE producer/rights holder. And if they say "no," that's it. But the story kept growing and growing in my head. I had to get it out.
I wrote out notes, then into a rough synopsis, and then I fell into a lot of extra downtime. So-- I wrote the whole script. And, quite honestly, I think it turned out pretty great.
I researched (it's a period piece) and re-wrote and polished until I was very happy with the end result. I then asked some acquaintances who are "experts" of the franchise to read it, and they raved about it and told me I had to pursue it.
SO -- I reached out to the production company and spoke with one of the producers' assistants.
She said they'd love to read it, but it has to be presented to them by an agent, manager, or attorney. Otherwise, they can't touch it. But she did say they will read it if I could do it that way.
Also, there's currently a rights lawsuit that's been going on for the last few years with the franchise. She did mention that nothing can be done at least until that's settled. So that gives me some time.
So now, I'm not sure whether to approach a script agent, manager, or entertainment lawyer with it. I do realize if they agree to represent myself and the script, we'll have to sit on it until the lawsuit's resolved. But it seems to be smarter to have everything established and ready to go when the lawsuit ends for quick submission, rather than starting the process then (and perhaps getting beaten to the punch by another writer.)
Any thoughts on what my next step should be?
Thanks in advance.
- Skunk
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