To respond to the end question: What matters more to me is getting it made. Since that is the purpose of a screenplay, then focusing on that end goal sharpens the mind (eyes on the prize) helps avoid being lulled into just writing for yourself, but rather for an audience market. As the film industry becomes more competitive (more writers, producers, ...) the quality bar gets higher --- and thus requires even greater discipline regarding what's created -- than before.
Getting it made is more important for me. It then becomes a creative adventure working and interacting with people you would otherwise probably not meet. And who knows where that networking may lead...
Oh man, that’s great advice to get the script to a similar movie you want to write and sit down with the script and watch the movie- which helps you learn the beats to a story that was already successful. Brilliant.
All the time I was writing my feature screenplay I was envisioning the movie; both how it would play out and how it would/could be made. I set out to make a movie. The screenplay occurred to me as the first step rather than a distinct component.
For me, I agree with Jim. If I finish a script that's a success for me. so getting it made into a full-on movie, well damn that actually might be better than getting paid.
I'm actually more interested in making the movie than selling the script myself. I never was a great salesman. My eyes are on the destination. (Maybe this is why I have scripts and no movies).
I'm going to chime in here. "A great script" does not guarantee ANYTHING. Rage is basically unknown, EVEN having a star actor as the lead. I can respect the 5 years of hard work to get something made. However, a lot of the thinking is backwards, as far as selling a story and getting something made. Unless you are making something small, no major company is going to stand behind an idea, without a superstar actor behind it. Writing is a desperate profession. How many writers have even sold ANYTHING? (Optioned is not sold!) I have written scripts and have tried relentlessly to earn a pitch meeting with anyone. It isn't going to happen, because it is nearly impossible to get that chance. I can assure you I will get comments from everyone and anyone who can't do anything to make this possible. Please do not waste your time replying, because it is pointless.
Amen. I want to make great movies, not impress script readers. 💀🔥
Hendrix didn't learn guitar just to sit in his bedroom strumming away...
Thank you Jim, great tips, and thank you Film Courage for keeping him talking.
Such great advice. I get too hung up on each script thinking it has to be “the one”, when in fact I’m just willfully blind to its limitations.
To respond to the end question: What matters more to me is getting it made. Since that is the purpose of a screenplay, then focusing on that end goal sharpens the mind (eyes on the prize) helps avoid being lulled into just writing for yourself, but rather for an audience market. As the film industry becomes more competitive (more writers, producers, ...) the quality bar gets higher --- and thus requires even greater discipline regarding what's created -- than before.
Getting it made is more important for me. It then becomes a creative adventure working and interacting with people you would otherwise probably not meet. And who knows where that networking may lead...
Oh man, that’s great advice to get the script to a similar movie you want to write and sit down with the script and watch the movie- which helps you learn the beats to a story that was already successful. Brilliant.
Good point. Completing pre-production was as far as I got.
What matters more, selling the screenplay or getting the movie made?
Getting the movie made is more important. But what good is a movie without a good script??
All the time I was writing my feature screenplay I was envisioning the movie; both how it would play out and how it would/could be made.
I set out to make a movie. The screenplay occurred to me as the first step rather than a distinct component.
Getting the movie made.
Getting the movie to be made..
But i right now i just need the money, soo... yea ._
Getting the film made for sure
For me, I agree with Jim. If I finish a script that's a success for me. so getting it made into a full-on movie, well damn that actually might be better than getting paid.
I agree 100%!!
4:31 so it's not just me...
I'm actually more interested in making the movie than selling the script myself. I never was a great salesman. My eyes are on the destination. (Maybe this is why I have scripts and no movies).
❤️
If i sold one i would be happy lol but yeah, after that you want the movie being made
Rage is a POS movie that should have never been made. Meanwhile, great screenplays sit on drawers. Btw, interviewer is great as usual.
Yada Yada Yada...
I'm going to chime in here. "A great script" does not guarantee ANYTHING. Rage is basically unknown, EVEN having a star actor as the lead. I can respect the 5 years of hard work to get something made. However, a lot of the thinking is backwards, as far as selling a story and getting something made. Unless you are making something small, no major company is going to stand behind an idea, without a superstar actor behind it. Writing is a desperate profession. How many writers have even sold ANYTHING? (Optioned is not sold!) I have written scripts and have tried relentlessly to earn a pitch meeting with anyone. It isn't going to happen, because it is nearly impossible to get that chance. I can assure you I will get comments from everyone and anyone who can't do anything to make this possible. Please do not waste your time replying, because it is pointless.
So we should not waste our time replying to your comment even if we agree? Lol