We're all aware of the online ratings for a series versus a feature film, massive difference; we get to live with the characters longer in a series, it's a comforting escape that keeps on giving in a different way to features.
So when I started writing feature screenplays just over a year ago I decided to make all three work as a series. Each of them work perfectly fine as stand alone features, you don't need any information from any of the others. I just think it's pretty cool to have characters re-appear helping the new protagonist(s) along their particular story, and seeing how they have progressed from theirs.
It goes a lot deeper than I'm explaining here, you really need to read all in a row to get the entertaining aspects of how I've managed the storytelling across each screenplay.
I'd just like to get some advice on here as far as, is this as worthwhile as it feels to me, and is anyone on here doing anything similar.
Am I shooting myself in both feet trying to find a manager to help me sell a series of screenplays?
I absolutely agree with you. Series are the way to go in the new world (always were, actually - they build and maintain the TV industry). We are Facet.TV take features but we focus on series - because they are easier to market and each installment leverages every other installment. Given the economics of the new era, it almost makes no sense to shoot a feature if you can do a series. That's my opinion.
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I wouldn't say you're shooting yourself in the foot but, if a writer insisted their screenplays were sold as a series, they would be massively limiting their market potential. The biggest market out there is low/mid budget independent film. There's very few people who would be able to secure investment into three feature productions, unless maybe they were based on existing IP with a sizeable existing audience.
Appreciate the feedback, and totally agree.
I have separate query letters for each and do explain that they work as stand alone features, but you're right about the budget part. I just know that if I find a manager who sees the value in them, that they could sell the idea of making the first 'A Bad Cold' with an option on the other two. A Bad Cold is more independent, the other two share actors and locations. I know a half decent producer could organise shooting in a way that saves a lot of money. Plus if A Bad Cold is successful, which if you read it I'm sure you'll agree on its potential, the next two will have a base to build on.
I have only just finished them so no one has actually read all three in a row yet. I'm apprehensive to say the least about certain services on other sites. I would pay for a reader on here like yourself CJ, completely trust this site and any advice or direction toward a reader.
Also I worked out the budget, ish, less than 10m each based on similar production models, plus the money saved in re-using locations will cut that projection down, evident in the screenplays, guess I'm just trying to keep my chin up, I know they work.
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In the history of American movies in the past 30 years, has any beginner screenwriter with original idea done what you want to do, make a trilogy, and received screenplay credit on all 3 movies?
Maybe John Wick screenwriter but he did a Dolph Lungren action movie paid gig before JW.
It's not that I want to make a trilogy, I have one other almost complete and two others I'm working on. They're simply set in and around the same town with some characters reappearing along with story reveals building a landscape.
Each of them work on their own. No one will be left waiting for the next movie to find out what's going on, simply exited to see some continuance with a couple of characters. I welcome you to read them, I'd be flattered.
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If they work standalone, then you're not shooting yourself anywhere. You're maximizing opportunities. When needed - present them as either a series or full length feature.
Just took my first step toward a series and my way into it was to make each episode have a theme to center the comedy around, I.E. "The Hurricane", The Mouse, The Executive, and on and on. But that's just me. I just write what I write. ::shrug::
Best thing that can happen to every filmmaker is endless franchise...like George Miller, living la vida loca outta Mad Max...what are the real chances this happening often?
I can't think of a movie who's creators hadn't had sequel, zillquel whatever in mind...but who's the real boss deciding this gonna happen or not even likely? His majesty ka-ching. So focus all your efforts on this one piece of story uve got, try ending up getting it on film, and even then see what chances are you up to...
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Gen Vardo, thanks for the extra info. Yes, it's mostly fine for your characters to share the same universe in some way. In Pulp Fiction, Vincent Vega is the brother of Victor Vega (aka Mr Blonde) in Reservoir Dogs and that's referenced in the stories.
However, you must make this clear to any producers you work with as they may not like any IP being shared with properties they don't own. As ever, it depends.
I've been in this situation myself where a character is referenced between scripts and the producer who optioned my material had no problem with it.
Appreciate all of you on here, really feels like a community out to help itself and everyone in it, unique for this industry?
The title page of each of my screenplays read: A BAD COLD | Baby Steps| Pop Scene. With A Bad Cold Above that line and so on, hopefully that gives away my intentions, hopefully to the right person. Like you said CJ they may not want to buy into a series.