Re: Developing a script with a new director
Keith, I respectfully disagree.
First, if it's very famous material - someone probably owns the rights. My guess is that Universal wouldn't be pleased if they found out I wrote 50 Shades of Grey on spec just in case Kelly Marcel bombs it. What do you think the reaction will be when I start sending that out as my sample?
Second, adapting something you don't have the rights to is an incredible waste of time. I actually think that my writing has value. If I'm working in Final Draft, I want to be paid to do it or I'm doing it on the come that I think I can sell what I'm creating. Spending time writing something with rights complications limits who can buy. A better approach would be to write something that does have a chance to sell. And even if it doesn't, if it's fresh and original - that writer can get work.
Originally posted by keithcalder
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First, if it's very famous material - someone probably owns the rights. My guess is that Universal wouldn't be pleased if they found out I wrote 50 Shades of Grey on spec just in case Kelly Marcel bombs it. What do you think the reaction will be when I start sending that out as my sample?
Second, adapting something you don't have the rights to is an incredible waste of time. I actually think that my writing has value. If I'm working in Final Draft, I want to be paid to do it or I'm doing it on the come that I think I can sell what I'm creating. Spending time writing something with rights complications limits who can buy. A better approach would be to write something that does have a chance to sell. And even if it doesn't, if it's fresh and original - that writer can get work.
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