Selling screenplays

[McKellars]

I need some help. I am just about finished writing a screenplay for a dark comedy and I am just curious as to what studios are most interested in dark comedy's. I was thinking about sending it to Summit Entertainment, Miramax, and Fox Searchlight. Anyone know any other studios that may be interested?

[Sussudio]

Originally Posted by McKellars

I need some help. I am just about finished writing a screenplay for a dark comedy and I am just curious as to what studios are most interested in dark comedy's. I was thinking about sending it to Summit Entertainment, Miramax, and Fox Searchlight. Anyone know any other studios that may be interested?

FYI unless you have a connection studios don't just accept screenplay solicitations from writers. I'm a script reader at a studio myself, and what I would advise is you try contacting an agent to help you in your quest, as simply sending a script to a studio will not likely get you anywhere. Not trying to be negative, just realistic. Good luck!

[McKellars]

Originally Posted by Sussudio

FYI unless you have a connection studios don't just accept screenplay solicitations from writers. I'm a script reader at a studio myself, and what I would advise is you try contacting an agent to help you in your quest, as simply sending a script to a studio will not likely get you anywhere. Not trying to be negative, just realistic. Good luck!

Yes, but I have spoken with a very reliable source myself and I was told that it is best to not pursue and agent being as it is my first screenplay. I understand that it most likely will not get picked up but I have to be optimistic about my work. Thanks for your input.

[toef]

Originally Posted by Sussudio

FYI unless you have a connection studios don't just accept screenplay solicitations from writers. I'm a script reader at a studio myself, and what I would advise is you try contacting an agent to help you in your quest, as simply sending a script to a studio will not likely get you anywhere. Not trying to be negative, just realistic. Good luck!

Is it true that you need a connection to get that sort of job? I heard some of them even work out of their house now, which seems like a great job (even though you don't get paid very much).

[Sussudio]

Originally Posted by McKellars

Yes, but I have spoken with a very reliable source myself and I was told that it is best to not pursue and agent being as it is my first screenplay. I understand that it most likely will not get picked up but I have to be optimistic about my work. Thanks for your input.

hey if you respect the person's advice then that's awesome, i just know from experience that many many many many people submit scripts to studios and hear nothing. it's posted on all the major studios' websites that they do not accept solicited scripts and almost always require them to go through an agent, especially the big studios.

word to the wise if you haven't done so already: register your script with the writer's guild (costs around $20) and copyright if with the US govt before pitching it to anyone. if it ends up going anywhere it will be well worth the investment

and like i recommend below, i would suggest trying to submit to smaller production companies, namely those in the NYC and LA area. Mandy.com has a list of all them. If you still feel compelled to submit to big studios, I wish you the best and I admire your optimism!

Originally Posted by toefer

Is it true that you need a connection to get that sort of job? I heard some of them even work out of their house now, which seems like a great job (even though you don't get paid very much).

i dont work out of the house, i work at the production office and it is fun but can get very tiring. lots of reading and writing, and the job's not as fun when you have just as many bad scripts to read as good ones. to answer your main question, no you do not necessarily need a connection but that is the best way to get in. a good place to start would be your state's film commission and Mandy.com, which lists all of the production companies available in each state. obviously you'll have the best luck in NYC or LA, but you'd be surprised what you may find in your area.

[McKellars]

Thanks for all of your information Sussodio. I have a question though. On average, how long does it take for a script to be registered by the Writers Guild?

[Sussudio]

Originally Posted by McKellars

Thanks for all of your information Sussodio. I have a question though. On average, how long does it take for a script to be registered by the Writers Guild?

i'd guess from the day you send it out it takes roughly 1 month for them to receive/process/add it to their registry, but don't quote me on that. here's the WGA East FAQ for your information: http://www.wgawregistry.org/webrss/regfaqs.html

[ZackL]

Originally Posted by toefer

Is it true that you need a connection to get that sort of job? I heard some of them even work out of their house now, which seems like a great job (even though you don't get paid very much).

Think of how many people probably want it though.