So I'm in a bit of a quandary. A production company wants to option my script, and they want an answer by Friday before they leave for Tribeca. Candidly, they've been a bit pushy about it (calling me directly, and re-cc'ing me on e-mails after my Manager removed me so they could negotiate). That said, they have a very good track record of films getting great buzz at festivals and getting picked up by great distributors/sales agents, etc. The scripts they take on get made, and get good directors/cast for their budgets. The producer already has interest in it at the major agencies. The problem is, other places are still reading the script, and even with a push to read, we aren't going to know by tomorrow. So do I take the deal with this place or gamble hoping one of the bigger places reading will take it on?
Pros of taking it:
Film almost certainly will get made.
Will likely get an agent out of it.
Could be a good career intro (I've optioned stuff, big generals, had a small film made, but nothing major).
They work closely with CAA, WME, Preferred Content, etc.
Cons of taking it:
They see it as 500K-1M...A., I don't think the film can optimally be made for that. I think it needs at least 3M...B., obviously we're talking a low purchase price for the script...you do the math...
Someone bigger could want it and get back after I say yes. This script has gotten the most buzz of any of mine yet. It's a unique Horror, which is very in (but also it's very dark which rules out most Studios). Several places have been interested already, but the better places (Good Universe, Amazon, Lionsgate, etc. are still reading).
If I do it with the interested company, we're likely looking at the Festival/Limited Release route, vs. a Wide Release if a big company is interested.
My Manager thinks we should hold out, but understands if I want to move forward. What would you do? Feel free to PM.
Pros of taking it:
Film almost certainly will get made.
Will likely get an agent out of it.
Could be a good career intro (I've optioned stuff, big generals, had a small film made, but nothing major).
They work closely with CAA, WME, Preferred Content, etc.
Cons of taking it:
They see it as 500K-1M...A., I don't think the film can optimally be made for that. I think it needs at least 3M...B., obviously we're talking a low purchase price for the script...you do the math...
Someone bigger could want it and get back after I say yes. This script has gotten the most buzz of any of mine yet. It's a unique Horror, which is very in (but also it's very dark which rules out most Studios). Several places have been interested already, but the better places (Good Universe, Amazon, Lionsgate, etc. are still reading).
If I do it with the interested company, we're likely looking at the Festival/Limited Release route, vs. a Wide Release if a big company is interested.
My Manager thinks we should hold out, but understands if I want to move forward. What would you do? Feel free to PM.
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