It seems the most prolific caveat from producers looking for scripts that I continually encounter is “no period scripts, please.” I wrote a script that happens to be a period piece as a labor of love for the subject matter (artists--painters in particular), the time period (around WWI), and the place (Paris). And while it made it to the top 20% at the last Nicholl Fellowship screenwriting competition, it would appear for the time being that it will remain a labor of unrequited love. Is anyone else having any success in attaining interest in their period scripts?
Screenwriting : Are period films really dead? by Richard DeVeau
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I have a director interested in doing a script I wrote about the Easter Rebellion now I just have to find a producer.
Thanks, Margaret! Delighted to hear there is hope. And congratulations on gaining a director!
If period films are dead, so am I. My script, "The Fabulous Hudson Hornet", although it was finally rejected, caused quite a stir at "The American Film Company". I was back and forth over a period of weeks with them. The company is owned by billionaire, Joe Ricketts. Their mission statement in the HCD said they were looking for great stories from American history. Their only movie, "The Conspirators", is about Mary Surratt, hanged for abetting the Lincoln assassination. I understand they are now filming a project about the ride of Paul Revere. Maybe they will like your script.
Thanks, Frank!
I honestly believe period scripts aren't dead. It's just the dictate of current economics. Producers are hesitant to shell out that much money to produce them especially since there is no guarantee they'll earn it back with ticket sales. But there's definitely producers out there who are still willing to take the risk. The only thing we can do really, as writers, is to make it the best script they've ever read, with the hopes of them buying and producing it. Good luck with your script!
Thanks, Jaclyn!
Thanks Nick, Jimena and doubly so to you, Emmett!