So I pitched a project to a producer the other day and they loved it. They said "Send it over!" I replied that it was at 2nd draft stage and I knew there was some stuff I wanted to do to it before I showed it to them. They responded that they could offer input into what direction that next draft should take. So, should I send it now, take advantage of their excitement, get them involved early and hope that the idea gets them over any issues with the writing (but risk them falling out of love with the idea as it is not quite ready)? OR... Tell them that they will see a solid version in 4 weeks? It will be better, but I would have denied them the chance to have early input and - who knows? - another project might catch their fancy in the intervening time.
Screenwriting : Producer asks to see early draft... do I give it to him? by Chas Franko Fisher
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You've been honest with them, so they know what they are asking for. I would say send it. Although I admit I have not been in that situation before. Good luck either way. That is a great problem to have.
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Burn the midnight oil, do the revise, send it.
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What the hell, I'll stake out the other position: you get one chance. Don't send anything that's not ready. If you can slap a coat of polish on in 1 week rather than 4, maybe give that a try. But if they love the idea, why send them a script that they might like less than the original idea? All that said, only you know how un-ready this draft is. I know that some of my early drafts would make me look completely incompetent. I would never let them be seen. That's my writing, though.
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Thanks guys. The structure is there and the concept is there but it could be executed much better. I decided to submit but with next draft notes so they know that I know a) that it isn't perfect and b) that I know how to fix it.
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Seems like a sound approach; a good way to marry expediency with quality given the circumstances. Let us know how it goes.
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Personally I'd let them see it. Maybe let them know any major plot/character changes you have in mind. I think you're rather brave pitching the idea before you've finished the script, and very lucky to get a favourable response so fast. I say strike while the iron's hot.
Thanks guys. The only reason I pitched it is because the other project I was pitching was sinking. So I threw this one in and they loved it. They were happy to wait for the next draft but offered to read and have input. I figured it was better to get then involved early and feel like they have some ownership (making it harder to say no).
And Lee: WGA registration actively works against writers. Copyright Office registration is the only way to secure statutory damages. In any event, I am writing an original idea on spec. Just by writing it, I have copyright. Also, prodco is Australian and they do things very differently. No work for hire. I own the work until I sign it over.
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First thing that sprang to my mind was "A bird in the hand..." if that's any help, Chas. Personally, I would bite their hand off - they're likely going to change it anyway, so maybe giving them an opportunity for early input might save you time and give you ideas you'd never considered. Just my personal opinion though.
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Received this initial reply within less than a week: "Hey Chas, Just wanted to say that I've read KEVIN, and there's a lot to like. I will formulate some proper notes - potentially not until the weekend-ish now - but just wanted to keep in touch and say thanks for sharing your draft at this stage. Best, M" So, overall, pretty happy with my decision. That said, "There's a lot to like" is a long way away from "Let's shoot this!"