I was approached by a screenwriter who's interested in putting together a treatment for an adaptation of one of my novels, which we would then partner up to pitch to studios. His resume indicates he's fresh out of Academy of Art University. He also says he and his partner have just signed with Intellectual Property Group. Since I have little screenwriting experience, would it be better for me to pitch with a screenwriter, or do studios usually have their own people they like to use, meaning I'm better off pitching alone? I'd appreciate any advice.
Screenwriting : Which is better? by Eva Pohler
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
2 people like this
Good question. I would assume pitching it with a finished script would be better, but I'm not an expert on the subject.
Thank you, Jean-Pierre. That's the way I'm leaning.
2 people like this
Eva: Do you have a literary agent for your novel? My experience has been mostly with producers and a literary agent. But I would have a script in hand before I pitch to any professional level companies. Because when you generate interest, people have short attention spans. Besides looking at someone's resume, I would read one or two of their scripts to determine if you like what they're doing. If this is a straight spec deal there are still lot's of good writers out there that might want to collaborate with you.
No literary agent. Thanks for the advice. So maybe I should talk to other screen writers before committing myself.
Right now I'm listening to a live pitch by authors without screenplays. So I'm still pondering.
1 person likes this
only seasoned writers with proven successes can pitch without a screenplay. so if those guys are fresh out of school then it's unlikely that they have proved themselves to be successful yet. you yourself can do some research and find agents who specialize in novel adaptations. there are a few who only do that. maybe they option/sell the novel to producers OR maybe they have writers who they can put up for the gig of adapting the "optioned" novel. i don't know.
1 person likes this
if you go out and find a screenwriter to adapt your novel then you'll have to do all the vetting yourself AND you'll probably have to pay the writer something. this choice all comes down to how much you'll pay someone to adapt your novel into a screenplay. in this case, the you get what you pay for is definitely something to consider. wannabe writers will work for peanuts while seasoned writers will demand more money, and connected seasoned writers who can take their projects and pitch to producers are extremely expensive.
Excellent advice, Lisa. Thank you.
1 person likes this
Thanks, Kathryn. I just listened to one of Joey's pitch sessions and will definitely reach out to him.
2 people like this
Dan, I actually have several IP's, but the one these guys are interested is a teen fantasy based on Greek mythology. I do have two other projects that are thrillers, and one of them, The Purgatorium, is on the cusp of horror, though it doesn't really cross completely into that genre. It's about a suicidal teen who is sent to an island off the coast of California to an experimental facility called the Purgatorium. There are a lot of terrifying moments and the suggestion of ghosts based on the island's legends, but through the course of the story you gradually realize that the doctors are orchestrating this cathartic therapy, which though ultimately successful, crosses a lot of ethical lines.
1 person likes this
Will do, Dan. Thanks!
3 people like this
Eva, before someone hounds you into a corner with what seems like a limited offer deal, Google them and check out their credentials.
3 people like this
Wow. I've been here for a little over 24 hours and I've already received amazing advice and guidance. I initially thought this to be a big and scary place, but all I can say now is that this place rocks. I'm very excited to keep on learning. Thank you so much.
1 person likes this
Eva -- that Purgatorium idea is a good one. think of how successful The Hunger Games & Divergent are -- both involve crossing the ethical lines involving teens. i'm sure the hunt for more like this is going on now. big production companies usually plan years in advance.
2 people like this
If you have a literary property that is both published and popular, you need an agent more that a newbie screenwriter's treatment. Your published work is the real pitch and an agent can both set-up and handle these meetings. Producers will most likely, if they want your book, find their own seasoned screenwriters to create a script. If, on the other hand, you wish to write the screenplay yourself, a treatment might convince a producer that you have the necessary craft, but nothing says you can write a script like a script. If your screenwriting friend wishes to write a treatment, he or she should option your book.
@sam and @dan PMSL ...
2 people like this
damn muggles