by Jacob Kamhis
If you're writing a screenplay for yourself, that's great. You can do anything you want. But if you want to sell your work -- exchange it for money -- it has to be something the buyer wants.
Writing is exciting. Seeing your words on a screenplay-formatted page or manuscript can be even more thrilling.
But sometimes we forget the screenplay's concept has to be desirable to the producer. Producers must take on projects that improve their livelihood, their careers and reputations. They often must make your story acceptable to their partners, which may include financial backers who want a return on their investment.
Let me give you an example of what happened to me. I wrote a screenplay involving an old air force veteran who finds that the only way to be a good father to his two middle-age sons was to become involved with a woman their age.
A stage play of the same story had a reading in Los Angeles, and the comments from the actors were positive.
At pitch fests, several producers were interested in the idea. Some asked for a synopsis and others requested the screenplay. Their responses were eye-opening.
One barrier seemed to be finding someone old enough to play the lead role. A second problem was convincing financiers that there would be enough interest from moviegoers, who generally are younger people.
When developing a screenplay concept, unless you decide to produce the movie yourself, consider the available viewer market that will reach for the movie.
Anyone can put a story out there. The question is this: Will it be acknowledged by a large enough market to be considered successful?
Now I have a question for you. Are you writing for yourself or are you writing to market yourself?
© 2013 Jacob Kamhis All Rights Reserved
If you're writing a screenplay for yourself, that's great. You can do anything you want. But if you want to sell your work -- exchange it for money -- it has to be something the buyer wants.
Writing is exciting. Seeing your words on a screenplay-formatted page or manuscript can be even more thrilling.
But sometimes we forget the screenplay's concept has to be desirable to the producer. Producers must take on projects that improve their livelihood, their careers and reputations. They often must make your story acceptable to their partners, which may include financial backers who want a return on their investment.
Let me give you an example of what happened to me. I wrote a screenplay involving an old air force veteran who finds that the only way to be a good father to his two middle-age sons was to become involved with a woman their age.
A stage play of the same story had a reading in Los Angeles, and the comments from the actors were positive.
At pitch fests, several producers were interested in the idea. Some asked for a synopsis and others requested the screenplay. Their responses were eye-opening.
One barrier seemed to be finding someone old enough to play the lead role. A second problem was convincing financiers that there would be enough interest from moviegoers, who generally are younger people.
When developing a screenplay concept, unless you decide to produce the movie yourself, consider the available viewer market that will reach for the movie.
Anyone can put a story out there. The question is this: Will it be acknowledged by a large enough market to be considered successful?
Now I have a question for you. Are you writing for yourself or are you writing to market yourself?
© 2013 Jacob Kamhis All Rights Reserved