Update: New script – But what now?
July 11th, 2010
Sorry for my long absence. I’ve been working on completing a new feature script and it’s finally done!
Now I have to switch gears to a marketing/salesman position. After completing a feature script, the job is far from over. Getting the script into the right hands is another challenge all in itself. So, here is my advice for after the script is finished:
First, copyright and make sure the script is finished. Get some friends to read it and get their feedback or take it to an editor. You’ll be surprised how many small mistakes you overlooked.
Second, write out a solid logline, query letter, and imagine how you’d see the poster. A logline can be tough but it’s possible. A query letter can be even more difficult but rewarding. Get to the point in your letter because you only have seconds to grab their attention. As for imagining the poster, that’s only for you to get the sense of your story’s appeal to the public. This will help when you have to sell someone on the idea to read it – pitching it.
Third, buy the Hollywood Creative Directory and make a list of companies/agents to send the script to. This step can be tedious but worth it. Make sure you take detailed notes of each company and what happens.
Fourth, be patient. I’ve heard the word no so many times that I don’t even flinch now. James Cameron has been told no. George Lucas has been told no. Be patient and keep going.
Finishing a new script is like having a baby. It’s become a part of you and it’s finally out of your brain. Be excited and take the next challenge along the way… selling the sucker.
Filed under: screenwriting