Hi everyone, my name’s Matt I’m a producer and actor based in Sydney, Australia.
I come from an acting background and have worked as an assistant producer on web series, have directing experience alongside experience in international distribution and attending major film markets. Over the years, I’ve built an extensive international network, with established relationships across distribution, sales and industry contacts.
Right now, I’m developing an Australian-set action thriller and am in the process of finalising a professional, industry-facing treatment. I already have great crew and some notable cast attached with interested distributors (waiting for that 1st draft) which makes the project feel very real and actively moving forward.
Where I’d really value the community’s insight is at the script stage. Like many independent producers, I’m finding the jump from treatment to a fully funded first draft challenging particularly when standard quotes for first draft sit in the $20–30Kaud range.
I’d genuinely appreciate any advice, recommendations or examples of alternative development pathways whether that’s working with emerging writers, development labs, grants, co-development models, or creative deal structures that others here have successfully used to bridge this stage.
If anyone is open to sharing their experience or pointing me in the right direction, I’d be very grateful to connect.
Already having such fantastic and skilled people interested including distribution makes it such a tease not having that first draft. I’d love to connect!!
Thank you!,
Matt
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Matt Williams - are you going to try to write the script or are you looking to have someone write the script? If you are writing the script, I hate to say it but you'll have to write it on spec and do it out of the passion for the project and you probably won't see the payment until you get it optioned or sold. If you are looking for a collaborator to write the script for you, I think being here in the Stage 32 community is a great place to start. There are probably a great number of screenwriters who would want to get involved in writing the story on spec if they jive with your same creative senses (action/thriller, with details of the project) - only problem is that you have nothing listed on your Stage 32 profile - no bio, no information about your project, the logline, the information about the people who are interested, etc. If you have that information on your profile then when you post this people will be able to look at your profile and be able to say "hey, I creatively align with Matt, I'd want to take a stab at writing that script on spec because I believe in the project" - keep us all posted on how it evolves!
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Hi Amanda! Thanks for your comments I really appreciate it.
Although I could write the script, it wouldn't meet standards if I did as I am not a seasoned writer.
I’m looking to collaborate with a screenwriter with me closely involved on story, structure and development that can engage audiences and investor, distributor and financier conversations.
While the project is still pre-financing my intention is to offer a modest upfront development payment, with the balance payable on greenlight to attract the right level of writer and ensure a strong, story-driven first draft. I originally was just putting a feeler out but I'll take your note on the profile and job update and make it more specific. Thank you again for your input and yes! I'll keep you posted. Many thanks,
Matt
1 person likes this
Matt Williams Congratulations on your project. Amanda Toney is absolutely right about your profile. I see a bio now but no links (and she commented five days ago). You'll need to provide a ton more information on your profile before the kind of screenwriter you want would respond to a request. Otherwise, you'll get solicitations for their projects instead. All the best on your project - keep us updated!