User Question: “How much value does coverage really add to the screenwriting process? I’ve heard that studios have given poor coverage to movies that ended up being huge hits… what does the whole coverage process really indicate about a screenplay?”

September 6th, 2008

Coverage can be valuable to a writer if you can keep it in perspective.

The reality is, every script in history has had at least one detractor. It’s simply not possible for everyone’s tastes to align on one project. So if your script is criticized or receives bad coverage, keep in mind that had it gone to another reader, it might have a different fate.

That said, a good script is a good script and will always get made. If you are getting read at the studio level, and your script is truly great, it will be bought. Just because one studio or one reader doesn’t care for it has no bearing on what another studio might think.

So, in short, coverage can be valuable – especially if you get constructive criticism that you can take to heart and use to improve your screenplay. But, remember, just because someone doesn’t like your work doesn’t mean it’s bad – it just means it’s not for them.

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User Question - picking an agency

August 10th, 2008
Good morning,
My name is Dexter and I have been working on a project for about 10 years. I’ve been going back and forth to the drawing board trying to perfect this project. It’s been a long hard road because I’ve never really had any help or knowledge of what steps I needed to take to present this project for consideration. Finally, after searching the web, I came across an article on how to create a Pitch Bible. I then created an extensive Pitch Bible for my animated series. After I completed my Bible, It was accepted by the first talent agency that reviewed it and they sent it out to an animation production company within 4 hours of receiving the Bible.
Should I commit to this agency or should I pursue other options? When I say other options, I mean, should I attempt to send it to production companies myself? Should I send it to other agencies?
Love the site and everything that scripped.com is doing to help us writers try to get into the biz. Have a great day.
Dexter, thanks for taking the time to write in.

It’s an interesting problem to have, but one many others would envy.

Without knowing the specific companies involved, it’s hard to make a completely informed decision, but I’ll do my best. You need to start by asking yourself some questions:

1) Do you trust this company? Do you think their interest is genuine or is there something funny about it? Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts.

2) Who else do they represent? If they rep other animation writers such as yourself, it sounds like you have landed in the right spot. But, this is information that should be available to you. If they don’t tell you, that’s a red flag.

3) Is there another company you’d rather go with? If you think some other agent is a better fit because of who they work for and with, there’s nothing wrong with putting in an inquiry over there. Also, you are free to do this even if you sign with the other place. People changes reps all the time - it’s just a part of the business.

The bottom line is if these people have credits you’re familiar and comfortable with, sometimes good things do happen.

If you decide your rep is legit, make a list of animation companies you would like to look at it before they commit to this other company. Remember that you are the writer and creator. Your say is the only one that matters. Maybe they have a prior relationship with this production company, but their job is get you a sale, and if you’d rather that be at a different company, speak up and say so.

I hope that helps. Feel free to write back and update me. Take care.

Danny

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How do I become a member of the WGA/start my screenwriting carreer?

August 4th, 2008

Those are really two different questions because the day you decided to become a screenwriter will not be the day you receive your WGA card.

If you’re interested in screenwriting, you should do one of the following: 1) Enroll in a screenwriting class or program or 2) Give yourself one. You can do this by buying several different screenwriting books - I recommend one on formatting, and another on character writing. But the most valuable tool you have is one writers often take for granted: movies. Watch and study your favorite films. Why did they work for you? What made them effective? What are the themes that speak to you? How did they structure their story and fill out the three acts? If you want to learn how to write, you need to become a student of film.

As for the Writers Guild, their outlines for membership are laid out pretty plainly at their site (www.wga.org). I can summarize, however. If you have produced credits, you can be a Guild member and receive their benefits. You likely won’t be a WGA member until you make that first sale.

So, immerse yourself in your craft as much as you can. Treat it like an actual job - give yourself hours and deadlines. All of these tools will help you become a better writer.

Danny Munso

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User question: Is it normal to write my screenplay out of order?

July 25th, 2008

It’s more than normal, it is the norm.

I am of the opinion that you cannot start a great story without first knowing what the beginning is and what the end is. Perhaps those will change throughout the writing process, but you need those elements before you begin in some form or another.

Many professional writers speak of the dreaded Second Act as the toughest to crack. This is usually the case. Even if you know where a story is going, that doesn’t mean you necessarily know how to get there.

The second act is usually the toughest part of most screenplays and will almost certainly require more planning and more drafting than your first or third acts. A lot can happen from Page 30 through Page 90, and don’t feel bad if you don’t figure it out quickly.

Eventually, if you know what your end point is, you will naturally find a way to connect the dots in your story.

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User question of the week: “How do I get my script to an producer, or agent?”

July 17th, 2008

DANNY MUNSO (Creative Screenwriting):

The best tool you can use is persistence. If you believe you’ve written a great script, then you will find it easy to do anything you can to get it into the hands of the right people.

It’s beyond cliché at this point, but sending out query letters to agencies really does work. We just did a piece in the magazine where these two guys peppered the town with their logline and only one person read it. That person is now their manager and brokered a million-dollar spec sale for them that will be directed by Jason Reitman and is going to star Jim Carrey.

If you’re going to send out letters, be smart about it and do your research. Look up each company’s credits and make sure their in step with your idea. Don’t send your family comedy to a company that exclusively deals in horror films. Get to know the industry as well. What are some of your favorite films or films that inspired you to write your script? Look up their producers and give that a try. There are a million ways to do it – you just have to want to put the work in. (NOTE: The Hollywood Creative Directory is a great place to find information about every production company in town.)

Another way is simply connections. It is who you know that matters – because everybody knows somebody and if you’re script is good, it will be passed around. This happens all the time and all it takes is one glowing recommendation to get the ball rolling.

The bottom line is, you need to get your script out there one-way or the other. If it’s good like you think it is, then it will be found. But they can’t find it if the only place its located is on your hard drive.

Get your work out there and have it read!

AMY DAWES (Editor, Creative Screenwriting):

Know what you have, know who is most likely to be looking for it, figure out how you can reach those people, and present your idea well.  And of course, be sure at the outset that your idea is written and protected.

JEFF GOLDSMITH (Senior Editor, Creative Screenwriting):

This is a common question with one true answer.

Of course the old school which still has weight was: Register your material with the WGA and then copyright it and then get it out to as many friends and friends of friends as you can because this town is always looking for new great material. The concept was that if the script is good someone, somewhere might have a friend who likes it and who can then help you bring your material to a new person who in turn might be able to help get it along its merry way.

This does still work, but nowadays with the Internet, people are able to connect a lot easier than the simple old school chaos-theory of simply throwing it out there. Sites like www.Triggerstreet.com are user-feedback venues where you can get other writers to evaluate your work, first and foremost, but if your work is up to par you might also catch the notice of an agent, manager or producer who looks at Triggerstreet or even might end up high-rated on the site, which again means people are reading and reacting to your work which is a good thing.

Screenwriting contests are also always good ways to bring attention to your work, as are fellowships. Both of these venues mean that someone else is reading and evaluating your work and if they react well to it - it will inevitably continue to end up in the hands of the right people. At Creative Screenwriting Magazine, we hold screenplay competitions year round - our big one ending at our Expo and have multiple awards and categories that can be entered. The honor of winning an award or even placing at any contest sends a strong message to those in search of material saying that yours is worth a read. There’s no guarantee that it’s going to get your script greenlit, but it certainly is the best way for someone who doesn’t have a track record to begin building one.

Best of luck and of course always keep on writing!

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Our First Post!

July 10th, 2008

Scripped Writers,

We at Creative Screenwriting Magazine are very excited to partner on this new blog with our friends at Scripped.com.

Its main purpose will be to give back to the screenwriting community by answering your questions about writing, filmmaking, the business of Hollywood, or really anything at all – just keep in mind that dispensing personal advice is probably not our strong suit.

Our magazine prides itself on bringing our readers more coverage on the craft and business of screenwriting in every issue and we will bring that same dedication to this space.

Being a writer is a tricky profession, whether you are just starting out or have been hammering out scripts for years. It’s tough to navigate the often-rough waters of Hollywood on your own, and we are more than happy to offer any kind of help we can provide.

We will start answering inquiries soon, so please start writing in. In the meantime, there are a few tools we offer that you may want to take advantage of. One is CS Weekly, a free e-newsletter that is mailed to 90,000 people every Friday. Each issue contains a feature article or interview as well as reviews of latest film and DVD releases.

The second is the Creative Screenwriting Screening Series. If you live in the Los Angeles area, you should sign up for these events, which feature showings of both blockbuster and independent films that are followed by interviews with the writer or writers.

Click on the links to sign up if you’re interested and we look forward to hearing from you.

Danny Munso
Creative Screenwriting Magazine

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