So, I recently won something with WILDSOUND film contest. And as a winner, they take your work (this was for a short screenplay of mine called CRY HAVOC), and turn it into an audio reading. Similar to that of a radio play. I have recently overseen a dramatic, filmed table-read of a different script of mine. The purpose of doing so, was more for proof of concept, related to a potential business endeavor. In your mind: Firstly) Whether as a writer of filmmaker or producer, would you see any merit / upside to paying for a service like this? (granted, much depends on pricing and quality). Secondly) Do you feel it would help or hinder in the marketing of a film project? Thirdly) Would you prefer audio or video or both?
I'm somewhat on the fence on a few of those questions. As most of these types of 'services' are typically leveraged as an award for entering a contest. But I believe it could have wider application. Interested in hearing the thoughts of others. (And before anyone feels a need to lecture about how this has been done before, etc... please don't. I am well aware of the likes of The Blacklist and others and their endeavors in this space). Again, just trying to spark a chat and see what some think.
1 person likes this
Congrats on winning, J.B. Storey. I really liked the opening scene (how you described the girl). I like how WILDsound used pictures for the narrator/characters when they spoke. I was able to visualize the script as I listened.
I think having an audio reading of a script can help market a project. It gives producers, directors, financers, etc. something to view/listen to as opposed to just having a script. Audio is great, but I prefer video (of table read).
1 person likes this
Maurice Vaughan Thanks for your feedback. Really helpful. Happy to chat 'offline', so-to-speak as well. As we are very much in the information gathering and planning stage of this initiative. And as I mentioned, I did a filmed table read of one of my screenplays: Seraphim's Miracle. And hopefully it should be available to watch by the end of February. But regardless of the quality (or the script!!!), the focus was very much on learning. The folks who I am working on this with are based in LA, and work more on the acting and writing on the TV side of things. But there is a mutual agreement, that a service of this nature doesn't seem to exist. Or, at least, hasn't ever gotten off the ground. However, I firmly believe that the application of it as a marketing vehicle is one such avenue that's a benefit. But there are others too that go beyond only having writers as a 'customer'. Like I said... move of an offline chat. But thank you again for your initial thoughts and impressions. Greatly appreciated, Maurice. Thx.
2 people like this
Congrats! If the prize if winning this contest requires you to pay for a “service,” run away fast. I’m not sure if that’s what you were saying, but just in case! Are you familiar with fiction podcasting? It has launched writers’ careers. “The Black Tapes” started as a feature, was adapted for audio fiction and landed tens of millions of downloads, was optioned by NBC for television (ended up not getting made), but one of the writers, Paul Bae is now developing a show for Amazon and has a 3-show deal with Spotify. I love audio fiction and it can develop an audience for your IP at a lower budget than film. It’s worth exploring. I worked on another audio show, "The Bright Sessions" that was optioned by Dark Horse and UCP. Other shows, like "Homecoming" and "Limetown" were adapted for TV (Amazon and Facebook Watch). But, yeah, no legit contest should be offering a service that you then have to pay for. Either you win and they give you cash or they pay for the production of your show/film. Otherwise it’s not really a prize/grant. But audio fiction is distinctly different from just a recorded table read. If you're not familiar, get on whatever podcast app you have (Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, etc.) and listen to a couple shows. You'll hear how you would have to adapt your script into an audio show, which may be challenging depending on the tone, genre, and concept of your short. But yes, love audio - it's underrated and underappreciated - especially by screenwriters and filmmakers, I think!
1 person likes this
Oh! I think I JUST realized that you're asking about possibly OFFERING this service to writers/filmmakers, and not that the film festival is trying to sell it to you. Sorry! The Stage32 app doesn't include video, so I didn't see that until I came to my computer :/ Yeah, the table read video you included is NOT equivalent to audio fiction or ficton podcasting. I don't think this would be beneficial other than as a learning tool, to help you improve your writing, especially your dialogue. I know of some writers groups that do stuff like this for free among their groups. I'd rather read a script than hear it this way. BUT, I'd love to hear an actual audio production with full cast/sound fx too!
2 people like this
Hey Jeremy!
First of all, CONGRATS on the win! Every win is a big step forward and proof that you are on the right track. Keep up the motivation! (By the way, I'm currently reading Seraphim's Miracle and looking forward to seeing the table read! I like your writing style).
First) Marketing: this is an IP thing, like writing a novel, starting a blog, creating a podcast. You can spread your idea, build a fan base, find a cheaper, more practical way to express your vision (of course, you could do a short film, but that's not practical for everyone or every genre). --> An audiobook or filmed table read is definitely a good idea!
Proof of Concept: a good idea, especially if you combine audio and video. Using photographs like WILDsound is an excellent idea. Think of pitch decks, look books, pitch videos, etc. So you are searching for images anyway. Why not use them for audio presentations or table reads? Even for someone who only listens to the audiobook on youtube, images reflect the mood, style and tone very well. You can even opt for a personalized look and partner with a graphic designer (or a composer to add custom background music).
Second) Collaboration: everyone’s looking for material! I own a recording studio and have worked with acting schools for years. These students need material to express themselves, and they need someone to record them --> they need demos! And when you're promoting the audiobook to find producers, you're also helping them promote themselves. (And they can do the same for you: so you get a street team for free).
The only thing is: you'll have to pay the recording studio because those people invested in equipment (like when doing a short film. Even if everyone works for free, some rent has to be paid).
Sometimes there are even local acting groups interested in doing a table read or an audiobook. The only downside is the lack of experience. But let's face it, we're doing an audiobook because we can't afford to do a blockbuster with A-list talent (yet).
Keep up it!
2 people like this
You're welcome, J.B. Storey. If you ever want to chat offline, let me know.
2 people like this
Colette "ByFilms" Byfield Thanks for your thoughts and the very interesting history lesson! It's interesting reading through most of the comments. I feel that I didn't use my words properly! Hence, a bit of confusion around what I was asking. In terms of application of creating 'dramatic' audio or video recorded table reads, it is most certainly NOT limited to writers alone. Here's one small example of a way it can be applied for a different customer. This one, is a Festival Organizer. There's hundreds of film festivals around the world. And we have seen many of them have an 'unproduced screenplay' category and many more are introducing them. Their pain point is this: most writers don't enter those festivals en masse, as they don't see a lot of upside. Not to mention, there's a few deviants out there that are just on the take. (Distinguishing between the two is easy, if you do some research). Anyway, these organizers want more participation from screenwriters. But the benefits / reward for the writer can effectively amount to a trophy. So, some of those mid-size festivals often will get about 200 to 300 screenplay submissions per year. They want to improve this. How do I know that? Because I've spoken to over 20 of them, as a part of market research. One thing some have tried to do, is introduce a table read - this really took off in 2020 COVID lock down year. But, they want to give something more tangible to the writer for winning the competition. They have a strong preference for being able to include a filmed 'dramatic' table read of a winning script at this festival. However, there's a lot to organize. But, if there was a turnkey solution (service), you could hire that packages it all together for you, at a certain price point, they believe more writers will enter their competitions, for this is a much more tangible benefit and award that most of us writers can understand. So, if entries go from 200/300 to 400/500, the award very much pays for itself and has the potential to also improve the competitions stature and brand.
Sorry, I'm waffling. And oversharing. But, just wanted to clarify, that this would be a service. Much like a film production agency, but the focus is on this particular genre.
2 people like this
Jeremy, make sure you own the audio rights and then post it on ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) and hopefully make some money on it