Hi all,
This is my first time posting. I usually read and respond but I have a burning question. I recently finished my screenplay, "Slow Bullet" and my editor's advice is to turn it into a series possibly for cable or streaming tv. A script consultant suggested that I write 12 episodes! I can do it because I have a story to tell. Any advice on what I should know about streaming services? How do I choose a producer who is right for the project? The director has a producer he uses for his projects. My concern is, how do I know he's the right for this particular project. It's a romantic adventure. Thanks in advance for all suggestions.
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It's my understanding an agent or manager typically handles that aspect. Have you been asked to find a producer, or are you taking the initiative?
My best suggestion would be to find shows that fit what you are trying to make, see who produces them and start there. You can also search news articles and see what online streamers are saying about their own goals for content. If, for instance, Hulu says they want to be the premier streamer for romantic adventures, that becomes another good place to start.
Best of luck.
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Hi Marsha, I am the Director of Script Services at Stage 32. Congrats on finishing your screenplay! That is no easy feat. The thing to know about steaming services is that - like all networks - they will most likely want an experienced show runner to help shepherd the project. So when looking at how to move your project forward, look to find a producer with some solid show running or Executive Producing experience. That will be massively helpful to you in approaching streamers.
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Follow the game plan of rookie TV creators (0 tv experience). Unicorn-writers like Mickey Fisher, Issa Rae, Steven Canals - they were backed by established showrunners & prod companies before they pitched to Buyers. Probably need to give up a percentage stake$$ on creative control/ownership.
Stephen Floyd Hi Stephen, thanks so much for your response. I mentioned that the director already has a producer he works with, and suggested this producer for the project. He made this suggestion because I want to be in on the project. He thinks I can learn a lot from this person. However, I'm not sure that this producer has done a lot of work with my genre. I like your suggestion about finding shows that fit my genre so I can research their producers. It did actually cross my mind. I'm also researching articles about streaming services. Thanks so much for your input. Much appreciated!
Jason Mirch Thanks so much for the encouragement! I will definitely take your advice about finding a producer with solid experience in his favor.
Dan MaxXx Hi Dan, I've actually been reading about the careers of Issa Rae, Ava DuVernay and Shonda Rhimes to name a few. It's so interesting to know how these ladies started in the business. I'm coming to terms with relinquishing creative control but with other projects. This one however, no. Thanks for your input Dan.
Kay Luke Your advice about begging any and all producers to get involved with my project is counterintuitive and contrary to all advice I've ever received since I've started this career. I think the consultant mentioned 12 episodes to give me an idea of how many episodes per season. Believe it or not, I like the idea of writing 12 episodes since I'm planning to write the novel anyway. Great idea about the show bible. I will be working on that soon. Thanks for your input.
If you can write all 12, go for it. Better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them.
Stephen Floyd Exactly what I said to myself.
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Marsha - I'm from the planet Film so I can't advise you much about cable (although I have my own cable show). The one thing I can advise you is to never come to the table as a beggar. You must look, act & sound confident even if you're not.
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Kay is correct RE you don't need to write 12 eps. A producer only wants to see a show bible and one script for the pilot. The only reasons to write all 12 eps are 1. Just because you want to, or 2. Because you plan on also directing/producing them yourself. If #2 is the case, why not try and make it a web series with short eps? Cheaper to do and it would give you the hands-on, creative control you want, control you would not be able to keep if a big producer picked it up.
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Listen to Kay. Do not write all 12 episodes. Your career would benefit more if you put that energy into your next project. Instead make sure that pilot is the most amazing thing you've written and then write a couple of pages outlining where the first season takes you. And then a paragraph of brief description for upcoming seasons. (I once sold a project to Showtime, in the room, and the reason they bought it was because they couldn't wait to see Season 3. Sadly we didn't make it... but the writer was paid and has a great sample to share.)
As Jason said, they will team you with a showrunner anyway who is going to have his/her own input. That's the reality. Unless it's going to air as some super low budget digital space, you're going to have to give up control for your first project. The good news is, even if you have to share that credit... if the show is a success everyone in town will know you created it. The payoff will come.
And it doesn't hurt to politely reach out to companies who you believe would be the right fit. Most will not accept unsolicited submissions, but as the tired expression goes: it only takes one. Here's a published list of tv deals that could get you thinking. (Yes it's a year old, but most will be current.)
https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/tv-facts-on-pacts-overall-deals-shonda-...
As you'll see, there more than enough to reach out to...
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Doug Nelson I totally agree. I don't agree with the begging thing.
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Phil Parker Hi Phil. I love the web series idea! Considering all the options.
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Travis Knox Hi Travis, I'm almost finished with episode two. I'm writing because this story has been with me so long and it keeps pulling me back. However, I do stop to write my poetry and outline another screenplay which is about slavery on Long Island. I agree that the pilot has to be on point. I'm going to write an outline for the first season, also the description for upcoming seasons like you suggested. All great ideas! Sorry about the Showtime deal but I'm sure you came away with a few gems. Thank you for the list. I really appreciate your input. Be blessed!
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Kay Luke Query letters are part of the process. You see it as begging. I do not. It's a tough business. Why add another level of vulnerability such as DESPERATION. I see the discussion took a fast turn towards ego or who is above the other. Let's not go there. If you met me in person you would see that I'm far from being cocky. Be blessed!
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You might consider contacting Shonda Rhimes.... shondaland.com.
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Always be sincere, whether you mean it or not.