Screenwriting : Hello, I have recently written a historic period screenplay (a biopic). Has anyone out there done the same? If so please let me know how difficult it is to promote or receive finance/funds for such a project. by Richard Essilfie-Bondzie

Working on one for some time. In a nutshell, the odds are GREATLY stacked against you. Firstly, you need to ensure that your idea is public domain, so that you don't have any legal issues. If not, have a good entertainment lawyer and tie up any rights necessary. Second, you need to have enough dramatic elements so that the screenplay works. There have been a few biopics/period dramas of late that have been clunkers, because they were not engaging or entertaining and this in itself makes a spec sell on this topic EVEN HARDER. These kinds of script are usually Oscar bait and that usually means a studio will get behind a project, hire a known writer and work from there. It doesn't mean it can't be done, but you'd better make sure your screenplay is absolute platinum. Also beware hat studios may be working on a similar idea and that the material can be easily changed so that they can make it theirs. PAGE and Nicholls are a good place to enter Biopic screenplays - here you will get the necessary credit and attention to get your idea off the ground.

Eoin...many thanks for the comment! You are right, writing a biopic/period drama is indeed a challenge but I believe the journey is worth it. Strangely enough, by writing the biopic I have found out more about myself and want it means to have an undying passion or vision. The journey has only just began!!!

Richard I feel your pain. I've written more than one period piece. The fact that I LOVE history may be a curse. And yes it is VERY difficult to get them off the ground. As Eoin mentioned the studios may be working on a script about the same topic. It may increase your odds to write the script from a different angle. For instance if you are writing about the American Civil War don't limit yourself to writing a script about General Robert E. Lee but perhaps write it from the prospective of his wife. Hope that helps. And who know perhaps one day we will both be competing for Best Screenplay at the Oscars.

Many thanks for the response Margaret. Indeed it has been a challenge but one of the strong points of my screenplay is that not many people outside of the character's country know about her. Think...'Last of the Mohicans' meets 'Apocalypto' via 'Zulu'!!! Although the screenplay is 145 pages long, I believe the story is extraordinary enough to keep the audience engaged. I however do not believe we will be competing for Best Screenplay at the Oscars simply because we will be in a different category (most of the dialogue in my screenplay will not be in English...therefore it will come under Foreign Language Screenplay). However, we should try and keep in touch and compare notes...who knows we might even meet at the Oscars but not as Competitors!

I've been told to write whatever it is you are passionate about. You have to make it a great story and screenplay. After you have finished, have others critique it. If you are a new writer, don't waste your money on high priced readers. Have other writers do it. They can point out mistakes, things that work and don't work, and typos. Once you have done a few rewrites then pay for coverage. Good luck!

Sounds like some good advice to me Richard!

Richard I co wrote a short about Countess Constance Markieviez one of the few female leaders of the Easter Rebellion. I'm pretty sure there aren't a lot of people outside of Ireland who know about her. There may not be too many who know about her IN Ireland. Being a woman it's always nice to be able to write about other women. I'm hoping with the centennial of the Rebellion coming up in 2016 someone will want to produce it. I also have a feature that I wrote about the Rebellion taken from the point of view of an American who got involved in it. Of course it's a fictional character. But again I am hoping that taking a different angle will give me an edge. If the woman you are writing is not known outside of her own country and it's a riveting story I would like to think that the cream will rise to the top so to speak. Everyone loves a good story and that is what it is all about.

Many thanks for all the comments and advice. Margaret...it is interesting to hear about Countess Constance Markieviez, I had never heard of her, I will try and find time to Google her. My character is Yaa Asantewaa, she lead her people against the British in a brutal and savage war from 1899 to 1900. She was eventually captured and exciled to the Seychelles where she lived out her remaining years. I am even thinking of writing a screenplay about Lady Mary Alice Hodgson, the wife of Governor Hodgson, Yaa Asantewaa's main rival. This is because I would like to explore the view point from both opposing sides (think...Clint Eastwood's 'Letters from Iwo Jima' and 'Flags of our Fathers'). Both women went through extraordinary and remarkable situations and it will be a great pity if their stories are not shared and appreciated by a wider audience.

Richard, Funny how both are subjects were fighting against the British. But I think it is important that the stories of women like the countess and Yaa Asantewaa get out there. I have two nieces, ten and three and I'm hoping that can have an appreciation of the women who have made an impact on history.

Just finished playing Roger Casement in a play. 2016 should see plenty of interest in 1916 leaders. A strong heroine like the Countess with a good angle would make for a compelling script.

Well said Margaret!!! Chris...I see you know your Ashanti history. I shall take your advice on board and explore your suggestions.

This is indeed very useful information. So far the only famous or influential people I have met since this journey began are Margaret Busby OBE and Ned Dowd. Margaret Busby is one of the first black female publishers in the United Kingdom (hence her knighthood), she wrote a popular radio play and theatrical play that toured London and Kumasi about Yaa Asantewaa. Ned Dowd is one of the producers of 'Last of the Mohicans' and 'Apocalypto'. Both expressed keen interest in the project but I think they want more concrete assurance other than my enthusiasm that I can get the project off the ground. I will indeed do some research on the Ghana Educational Trust, Chinese Investors and other potential investors like Oprah Winfrey, Russel Simmons etc. I will keep you updated.

Period pieces are usually not low budget. Sounds like you are connected to influential folk. Suggest you make a business plan (or outline one). http://smallbusiness.chron.com/write-film-business-plan-699.html

Thanks Chris and everyone else for the sound advice!