Screenwriting : Selling Short Scripts by Linda Hullinger

Hey Linda, I wrote a series of articles on that subject - www.anthonycawood.co.uk/articles they might prove useful.

Thank you, D.E. :-)

Thanks so much, Anthony! I will check them out. :-)

Thanks for posting this. I just finished a short script. I will film it if I can't sell it but ideally I want to sell it.

LOL - just clicked on the link and realised it's an interview with ME ;-)

Oh, wow, Anthony. I thought you had already clicked on it and that's why you were letting me know that you had written other ones too. :-) Anyway, I went to the link you sent, and have been reading the articles. Very interesting and informative. Thanks again. :-)

And you're welcome, Desiree. Hope it helps. :-)

Some great links in that article. I have a few short scripts I'd like to see produced and I am not looking for much compensation beyond seeing my credit on the finished film. I did make my own short once, but decided I'd much rather leave the directing to others and just focus on the writing.

Anthony – I just read your interview and I have to say you’re spot-on - you’ve been reading my playbook. I think (can’t prove it) that there is less remuneration available for short scripts here in the US than you have in the UK and Europe.

@Doug, thanks for taking a read of the interview, I've expanded on these thoughts in a series of articles at www.anthonycawood.co.uk/articles In terms of remuneration... difficult to say really as I've sold more shorts to US producers and directors than I have UK or Euopean ones. But I think it would be impossible to make a viable living from selling shorts alone... but if you make a few $000 a year then it aint so bad ;-) The one thing I have observed is how releuctant some writers are to ask the simple question 'do you have a budget to buy the script?'

Funny, but I just posted the above link a little while ago, because I came across it on another site today, and found it so helpful once again. Then I realized that I had already posted it a while back. So, I deleted it.... and then decided that it must be needed for new members, and to bring it back to the forefront. (if that makes sense lol)

Thanks again, Anthony for sharing your knowledge and experience. I do enjoy writing the short screenplays. :-)

Vitaly: No disrespect intended, but a lot of actors, and production/tech/crew people start/started in short films.

Pleasure Linda, always happy to help!

As a mini update to one of my articles on getting your work/name out there and specifically websites and social media... had one feature optioned after a producer found me via a Google search and a paid commision initiated on twitter... all in the last six weeks - it pays to advertise!

Congratulations, Anthony! That's great! Your success is motivating. :-)

Blushing!

There isn't much money in shorts and they are usually real low to no budget so why don't you think about producing it yourself with other people trying that are trying to break in.

I speak as a retired Producer. My hobby is producing shorts for inexperienced wannabe & gonnabe filmmakers. It costs me money (feeding cast & crew, festival entry and marketing...) to produce these little films - I don't make money (there is little/no money to be made). It always amazes me - the number of inexperienced and unqualified folks who seek remuneration for their education. I find that there are quite a lot that I can't work with or help.

Dan, I appreciate your suggestion, but I’m very sure that by no means am I qualified to produce a short film for today's market.

Before becoming a member of S32, I had no idea that short screenplays even had a market. So, after I adapted one of my traditionally published short stories into a short screenplay, I decided to see if there was a place for it, and Anthony’s article was helpful.

I realize there is very little money in it, (if any). I adapt/write screenplays because I enjoy it, and if some of my work sells then I’m thrilled, if not, I'm okay with that, too. :-)

I understand. However maybe you should try to joint venture a producer that can produce it at least that way you can get it made. Just a suggestion. Good luck either way.

I'll keep that in mind. Thank you. And I think it's so cool that you're working with Judy Norton. I've been a fan of The Waltons since the 70s. As a matter of fact, I watch "The Homecoming" every year at Christmastime. :-)

Linda. I like working with Judy.