I’ve a few quick questions. Two months ago, I pitched a feature film project (with script) to numerous prodcos and studios. Two of the former and one of the latter have voiced interest (all informal at this point) and things are moving forward. I have let each know that “others are interested” though (as I have no formal agreements) I have not yet disclosed anyone’s name. What is the acceptable practice in this situation? I am more than slightly anxious about being seen as misrepresenting the project and jeopardizing my relationship with these entities. Can anyone who has had this experience give me advice on what I should do?
Screenwriting : Naming Names by John David Higham
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1 person likes this
This is a hurry up and wait industry ... saying "other people are interested" doesn't do all that much, usually, because this isn't a leverage industry. Most times if someone's offered up an option, but you're trying to shop it still, they assume you're not serious with one or both.
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I’ve been encouraged to pitch to only one producer at a time to avoid this very scenario. Part of the problem is producers gossip and you don’t want your name coming up as someone who plays games and isn’t taking the process seriously. Whether or not you actually are, that’s how they could see it. On a lighter note, good job getting three fish to bite.
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I'd pitch to as many producers as I could at one time.
If you're applying for a job in a non-film industry, and you've got your list of companies you're hoping to work at, do you send your resume out to one at a time and wait for them to respond before sending out the next?
And, back to the film industry, if two producers want to hire you for some sort of work based on reading your script at the same time, and they're ready to pay you actual money, how is that a problem?
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Like Kay mentioned, unless you're a writer with a significant track record, you have no leverage. The only person who should be saying "others are interested" is someone like your agent, and they would only do that if the 'other' party were a major player, and there was a real possibility of a bidding war.
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This is an employment mindset for me. When I am looking for work, I send my resume to everyone.
Bidding wars can only happen when more than one person is involved (in everything).
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I think it's less like finding a job and more like dating. If you make the same ovations of commitment to different people and they find out you've been playing the field, they would rightly be irritated. Filmmaking is a relationship-centered business. If you treat people like commodities, such as inquiring hither and yon for interest in your script, it undermines your ability to work with others.
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Thank you for the perspectives.