I optioned a contained action-thriller script for a modest sum (and subsequently renewed that option) to a credible production company nearly 18 months ago. During the option period I've completed several actor-specific rewrites with the intention of attaching talent - none of which have been successful. They have also been seeking financing, also unsuccessfully.
Given this is easily my most commercial project - it can be made for a modest budget and play well internationally - I'm at the point where I just want to bite the bullet and take the script to studios as a naked spec and let the chips fall where they may. Is this an unreasonable position? Is there something else I could be doing to push this project along?
My agent says he is happy to get involved, but I'm concerned that the production company will perceive this as an attempt to wrest away control of the development strategy of the project. It seems from my discussions with them that they are determined to package the script even if it takes them years. Their concern seems to be that they have one chance to make an impression with the studios and they want to do so with their best foot forward and that means a well-packaged script.
I understand that sometimes projects take a long time to set up, but, while they are earning their weekly salaries merrily pushing this along in dribs and drabs, the reality is that I need to start earning money and would rather take a long shot risk on getting a sale, than drift along at a snail's pace for half a decade trying to convince Jason Statham or Denzel Washington to say yes to my project. I do also understand, however, that as they have paid for the option, the strategy is ultimately within their domain.
As is probably obvious from my above ramblings, I feel somewhat out of my depth about how things operate on the business side of things. Any advice would be appreciated.
Given this is easily my most commercial project - it can be made for a modest budget and play well internationally - I'm at the point where I just want to bite the bullet and take the script to studios as a naked spec and let the chips fall where they may. Is this an unreasonable position? Is there something else I could be doing to push this project along?
My agent says he is happy to get involved, but I'm concerned that the production company will perceive this as an attempt to wrest away control of the development strategy of the project. It seems from my discussions with them that they are determined to package the script even if it takes them years. Their concern seems to be that they have one chance to make an impression with the studios and they want to do so with their best foot forward and that means a well-packaged script.
I understand that sometimes projects take a long time to set up, but, while they are earning their weekly salaries merrily pushing this along in dribs and drabs, the reality is that I need to start earning money and would rather take a long shot risk on getting a sale, than drift along at a snail's pace for half a decade trying to convince Jason Statham or Denzel Washington to say yes to my project. I do also understand, however, that as they have paid for the option, the strategy is ultimately within their domain.
As is probably obvious from my above ramblings, I feel somewhat out of my depth about how things operate on the business side of things. Any advice would be appreciated.
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