Screenwriting : Curiosity about Volume by Canaan Kennedy

I have a lot of scripts and A LOT of ideas ready and waiting if a producer asks what else I have, Canaan Kennedy.

I have 6 completed scripts and an idea mine of 50+

Three completed feature screenplays and an eight episode Western TV series, an almost complete three-part period drama and countless other ideas in the making.

Don’t believe in convincing someone to what I have to offer. If I’m here, ask or do your homework. Good dope sells itself. Ima say it again. GOOD DOPE, SELLS ITSELF. So if you buying, hear it go. If not, get the fuck on.

8 features and 4 pilots. A producer recently requested to read 5 scripts --- 4 features and 1 pilot. We'll see what happens....

I have 4 or 5 pilot scripts (with pitch decks) and trying to hammer out a feature, just in case.

I have 3 projects that I’m confident about that are ready to go and I’m also working a few new things.

Canaan, I've got 30 features and a pilot ready to go...and a producer's trying to find funding for one of those features. (Okay...he and I went in on the story and I wrote the screenplay itself, based on his and my ideas. But I'll take it.)

Great question!

I haven’t been asked this question yet, but I believe the successful producer you care about is not the one who will ask you what you have already written, but rather what new ideas and future projects you have — not old ones. He knows very well that your success in attracting a producer likely came from your latest work. That’s why the number of old projects won’t matter to him; he’ll probably assume they are incomplete or have already been pitched to others. So focus on the quality of your upcoming works. Trust me, it’s not the quantity that matters, but the quality. Perhaps you can prepare two clear and mature ideas that prove your artistic and literary maturity for the future — I think that’s enough. But it’s also fine to mention some of your past works, not all of them, only those you consider artistically mature

Two pilots. 5 features and about 20 short film scripts. Just need to find that producer.

In the past six months, I’ve written and circulated two pilots and a feature, each earning multiple top awards and accolades. The pilots are part of a television franchise universe that my co-writer/wife and I created. Beyond that, we have several projects actively in development and a roster of 20+ more ideas for TV and film across nearly every genre. I haven’t gone into detail on those yet, but I can when it’s helpful. For us, developing unique stories is something we love doing, not a forced sales tactic, but a natural part of our creative process.

I have two other feature length, a short screenplay, and an audio fiction podcast they can listen to.

I'll go ahead and admit I have 3 projects that still definitely need some work, but the very first 1 I started working with my colleague has made a lot of great progress. the other 3 are more or less personal projects

Six features, two pilots

Ten

Canaan Kennedy what a great and important question you've asked - having a 'portfolio' of work has been encouraged by members and execs on this platform continuously for a long time. the benefits should be obvious:

- the exec wants to work with the writer but the pitched project doesn't fit the current mandate

- the producer loves the writing and wants to see if 1) there is consistency in quality and/or 2) if there are other projects the producer may want to also take on

- the producer/exec may interpret lack of more than one/two projects as a signal of the relationship potential going forward

Again, a very constructive and self-reflecting question - I'm coming 'back' to writing after a looooong absence, so I only have one pilot I'd be willing to 'take out' and am finishing two more scripts (feature film book adaptation and original series pilot). Ideas are many, but that's likely a later conversation a producer would want to have. I should be mad at you for making me reflect on how behind I am on my own goals haha - but I think I'll choose to thank you instead for intentionally or unintentionally giving me a nudge. Same sentiment I extend to all the inspiring writers who've commented above :)

I have 6 projects. I was speaking with a producer recently and the topic of my 'other projects' came up. He wanted to know about two of the other screenplays but I hadn't prepared to discuss those scripts and I wasn't sure of character names or specifics. He understood and recommended that when pitching I should always be ready to pitch my other scripts, should a producer ask.

To everyone who commented, thanks it’s interesting to know where people stand on this journey! Much appreciated all the reactions and comments. Happy Writing!

You're welcome, Canaan Kennedy. Happy Writing!

“I have a book series as well as two independent books. The screenplay for the first installment of my series is already complete, the second installment is ready for screenplay adaptation, and the third installment’s story and novel are currently in development.”

I have 5 completed scripts, two in draft. Working on selling one script and working on a pilot. I have been revisiting the other completed scripts - lightly polishing them 'ready.'

Canaan Kennedy Tbf, I've never been asked "what else do I have." Producers I talk to usually just say No and hang up the phone!

I have heard from a producer, if you have 7 completed feature scripts that then you are ready to be taken seriously by representation and producers. But I have also heard the number 11 completed feature scripts thrown around once in the same context.

7 completed screenplays, almost my 8th completed and a full length novel. I'm just waiting for a producer to ask the question hahaha what about yourself?

Michael David, it just takes one yes!! We keep calling until we get that magic word!!!

I would politely tell that when it comes to screenplays, I always write in such a way that I can film them myself as no-budget projects, but I also have plays which can be adapted into screenplays.

I have a folder in my drive full of ideas ala Michael Lewis except he does his with manila folders. Each folder has an idea and one or two sentence synopsis.

Currently I have 23 completed screenplays. I write in pretty much all genres as I like to have my bases covered.

Five movies, four one-hour TV pilots, four half-hour TV comedies. A Five book YA sci-fi book series, and a couple of others, excluding collaborations and those previously sold.

I actually have a few projects ready to go! Aside from my main fantasy script, I’ve also developed a concept inspired by Totally Spies! — something fun, stylish, and character-driven. I keep a small portfolio of ideas in different stages (from outlines to drafts) so that if an opportunity comes up, I can quickly share a range of stories that fit different tones and genres.

How about you — do you focus on one project at a time, or keep multiple ideas in rotation?

A rotation is good, it helps build your pool of work and keeps things interesting. If you're stuck on one, jump to another. If you land an option or shopping agreement, focus on that one.

Being new to this, I am curious how often that happens. I have heard others mention to be prepared for that eventuality. Do you think the question generally arises from the idea that they like the writing and see the talent but they aren't connecting with that project specifically so they want to see other examples OR they do really like it but they want to see if this is a 'fluke' or if you can provide examples of other quality work so they know the caliber of writer they are working with?

I have three under one banner of work (2 TV shows, one being limited, the other - 3 series), and a film... With a prospect of expanding the universe. Then another TV show which seems to be a large ensemble piece, and two more movies - all of which are outside of the previous 'universe' but still are psychological thrillers with a hint of horror... just as I like it ;)

There are 2 series and 2 independent books. I wrote the feature-length script for the first book of the 2 series, now it's the 2nd series' turn.