Question for y'all: I have at least 3 ideas for short scripts (i.e., under 40 pages)
Assuming I'm not intending to produce them myself, is there still value in writing them other than as a learning experience? I.e., can a short script lead to writing assignments? Is there a market to actually sell a short script? Anything else?
To the extent it matters, the genres are horror, thriller, and a romance with a ghost story component.
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Laura Scheiner Thanks for the input! I tossed out 40 bc that's what I've seen in a few contest rules, but it certainly makes sense that shorter is better. But if there's little opportunity to get made through a producer, am I reading between the lines correctly in thinking that if I want to have a produced short in my portfolio, I probably need to produce it myself? (In which case I have to wonder if there's enough of an upside to make it worthwhile, since there are only so many hours in a day...)
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Julie The only films I produce nowadays are shorts and the only reasons I do that is for lack of a good provocative hobby and to help young 'uns (anyone younger than I) get a taste of the filmmaking process - you'd be surprised at how many can't do it.
1. Value in writing shorts? Absolutely there is. This is where you learn the basic craft of format, develop and hone your story showing abilities. A strong short is very tight and concentrated - much more so than a FL - and it allows you to really bore in on your topic without getting wrapped up in extraneous exposition.
2. A market for shorts? The hard core truth is basically is that they are of little/no monetary value. As a practical issue they are nothing other than an expense - the cost of actual production and the cost of exhibiting them on the festival circuit where you really pay to have folk watch your film.
3. But are they worth it? If you're serious about a filmmaking career, they are certainly 'worth it' - they're your first steps up that ladder. They can lead to writing assignments but often do not.
Generally try to keep 'em squeaky tight in the 10 - 12 page range at first; best in the typical contest/festival world. After success in that world - expand into the 20 page relm. Once you get the hang of it, you'll begin wondering about staying a writer of becoming a Director. When you finally create an OSCAR winning short - you'll be able to do whatever you want. It's a loooong hard push up that mountain - ask yourself if that's what you really want - if so; keep your eye on the prize.
Best wishes.
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Writing shorts definitely has value. You can write them for your own enjoyment and happiness. Plus you gain further knowledge, experience, and further hone your skills. Writing shorts may lead you to making new connections and working relationships with collaborators, and possible exposure if produced. Lots of different venues, festivals, and online possibilities for shorts. Director David Sandberg got so much online attention with his under 3 minute short “Lights Out” that it got the attention of producer/director James Wan, which lead to a feature length version and other projects. ;) So... a short film could incite interest in your work for bigger projects and/or for hire. Anything that gets you working with others or getting your work out there is a good thing and has value. ;)
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There is value if they are excellent as "business cards" so to speak of your grasp and skills as a screenwriter.
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The job of a working screenwriter is to have a body of produced work. Find a local college that has a film division and offer your short scripts to them. It's a win-win!
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Laura Scheiner thanks so much. I'm fine getting paid with "credit" but I don't want to produce myself. (Or, rather, I don't think I could find the time to produce it myself and do a good job).
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Doug Nelson and Bill Costantini - great advice! Thank you so much. And Bill, you're right. There's a great network in Austin. I need to get tied back into it.
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Thank you, Beth Fox Heisinger and Chad Stroman . And, yes, honing the screenwriting skills is part of the reason I'm thinking about shorts. I've written a few, but nowhere near the number of short stories, novellas and novels that are under my belt. And the format and rhythms of screenplays are different from novels, which is pretty much the air I breathe these days.
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Thanks Laura Scheiner -- I most definitely will. I'm a former lawyer (but have been out of that biz for years) and have optioned some of my books to studios and production companies, so I've got a basic sense of the rights to retain and the deal points. More importantly, I know enough to know I no longer know enough, and I've got entertainment lawyers I've worked with in the past I can reach out to. And for folks reading this who don't know the term, the WGA has a downloadable booklet on separated rights.
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Thanks so much CJ Walley ! Love your suggestion about the places to upload. Appreciate it!
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Julie, There is absolutely a VALUE in WRITING THEM! Earlier in my career, I wrote and directed a short that qualified for the Academy Awards. Off of that, I got tabbed to rewrite and direct, as well as produce, a feature starring an Oscar-Winner. There are plenty of experienced producers who enjoy making shorts and there is now a value in them with online, airlines, etc. You can even get shorts on DVD now, and even on cable television. You could even shoot for the Oscars! And, even if you don't want to direct, hook up with an experienced producer and hot-shot film-school director. You can even be a co-producer or associate producer on it and learn the producing game, so you get in the conversation. ONLY GOOD will come of it. GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! ;)
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How very cool to qualify for the Academy Awards, Sam Borowski! And the follow-up! I really appreciate your insight. And yes, I do want to dip my toe into producing.