Hello everyone, I received an email today from a stranger (not from stage 32) expressing interest in turning a nine year old short script of mine into a film. I'm a little skeptical about this person because the short script that he is interested in is easily accessible when you google my name and I fear that it's just someone toying with me. Here's the email I received. "Good afternoon my name is Shawn Morgan. I was interested in making a short film of your script "cabbage patch" how can I go about that? Honestly I love the script. I would film it hopefully. Show it to people.... im very good with a camera, and very talented. I currently do music videos with a production company, and of course you could have as many copies as you'd like. I'd also give you full recognition. On the cover and credits." Can you guys please advise me on what I should do to make sure he is legit and not just messing around.
Filmmaking / Directing : PLEASE HELP - Don't Know What To Do by Charles Bucar
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Do some research on him. Find out for yourself. If contracts are involved then a lawyer should be suitable
Hi Charles Good to meet you. I don't get the idea that this chap is very experienced, from the way he talks. Maybe he is just someone that wants to 'have a go' at it. Which may not totally be a bad thing, but may not be a good use of your time. I have people like this who are interested in my music often, and I just as them questions about their intentions...pretty soon you realise where they are coming from - a good way of working out if you want to work together. I hope this helps. Cheers, Gareth
What wouldn't be "legit" about it. Not everybody is or should be a screenwriter. Maybe the guy is a shooter and looking for scrips to showcase his DP and editing skills. Maybe his background is mostly music videos and he needs a narrative piece for his reel? It's a short, what possible harm could come to you if he produces and directs it? Are you concerned about not receiving mention in the credits if it makes it to and wins at a festival? Nine year old short script that's sat on the shelf? I think you should be celebrating that someone has shown some interest. If he asks you to invest in producing that short, then there may (or may not) be some cause for concern.
Hi JD, You said that I should be celebrating that someone has shown interest in my script. Well, I won't be celebrating because I've had people show "interest" in my scripts before, then for some odd reason I never hear from them again after that initial contact. I sent him some questions to see how serious he is about making it. I'll probably let him do it. Like you said: it's a nine year old script that's been collecting virtual dust.
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Explore it. If anything doesn't seem on the level you can cut it off at any time. I write a lot of my own stuff, but right now I have a project looming in January/February. Because of some family challenges, it is easier to have someone write within my parameters or find a script I like. So that is the route I am going with a fellow Stage32 member in this case. You might even take the opportunity to ask if they know about Stage32. You might be doing them a favor!
ZoZo hit the nail on the head.
Hi Charles, I'd recommend getting an option agreement in place if you're going to continue with this person.
Money talks. B-Sh*T walks. It's quite simple ask him for an offer (aka: Option Agreement) with a minimum of 15% non-refundable cash... God Bless... Dov Simens
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It's not a feature film script, it's a short. It's not a money making investment, it's going to cost the persons or persons money to bring your script to life. Even when completed, to get the completed short some notoriety is going to cost more money in the form of entry fees. Be happy that someone is interested in your story and share in the potential glory.
Thanks to everyone for their responses. So I asked Shawn some questions and I learned the following from his answers: He hasn't made a film, but it's one of his goals. There will be a budget for the short (I don't know how much; didn't ask him). The short will be entered into festival once completed. And he works for GP Productions. So does anyone work or used to work for GP Productions who knows this person? Edit: Also, what should I include in an option agreement? Does anyone have a template I can look over and modify?
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Hi Charles, if you have other entities vying for your short film script, then consider all competing proposals. If it's been 9 years, and you don't have others vying for your short film script, then consider giving Shawn Morgan a chance. Is he your best option in 2015? Maybe so if it's been 9 years. I agree with JD - it's a short film script, not a bankable feature film script. Meaning, you probably need Shawn as much as he needs you. Be respectful of the passion he's offering to use on your behalf. Before you put him through his paces and make him sign an option agreement, etc., just have a phone call or Skype with him and ask to hear his strategic proposal, informally. Is he Kickstarting his projects, does he have a network, etc. If it all feels good, then take it from there. He's a person, you're a person. No need to put him through his paces just yet. Have the prelim call first. That said, if you have a "floor" for how you'd want your script produced (e.g. Student Academy Award-winning filmmaker, $100k budget, etc.), and if Shawn doesn't meet that floor, then don't waste his time. Just pass and say I'm looking for XX for this film.
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IMHO, something is better than nothing. Better to have your script turned into a short film that others can see than to have it sit in your bookcase or on your computer drive, waiting for that perfect person with the perfect proposal. Curious, how many other scripts have you written and how many have been produced?