I have newly, turned to screenplay writing about 3 years ago. I have written treatments for films for over 40 years. Believing in the old days, how you could ‘Write Treatments That Sell’ and using that book of the same title for a guide through years. But I found I still had to turn each into a flushed-out project.
There is the original concept, scribbled on anything handy when the idea happened. The synopsis, logline, summary, full treatment, etc. Or, I came up with an idea; what if I just published the story as a book first! Also designing the books like a movie. When you read the book and see the movie from the book, it is the same. No missing or combined characters, deleted scenes, or your lead male is now a woman, and so on.
Well, that was easier said than done. Time! This all took time, more time than I could dedicate to writing. But it seems time was slipping away and as the years passed, while I was working in other areas of film production, my actors I had envisioned to be in my films started dying off! All my books, to me, are really films. Now, everyone can be a screenwriter, with all the possibilities of software to chose from. But it is the content, content, content that has to be, not just good, but great! So, we hunt for that unique story.
Then I landed on something else. To retain the rights and show the original concept it is best to write screenplay adaptions from your own work! So, that little hidden line, in legal studio contract jargon, “A third party may develop a similar product varying from your original screenplay.” At that point you may be lucky for only, ‘based on a story by,' and that does not help you as a screenwriter. Well, at that point, I put in the contract the Stan Lee clause. “If optioned, and film goes into production; I am to be in the film as a camo actor and must be involved in the production.”
Today I look forward to all the opportunities to learn study and continue developing my craft. Plus, the possibilities to pitch a story to an active producer. Wow, what a difference the internet makes. In the 1980s, when I worked for Disney, Merv Griffin, and Bakshi Productions. I rode many an elevator in film production office buildings, in Burbank and Hollywood. In the hopes of taking a ride with that special person, I could pitch a film idea to. I left cards all over Hollywood, even on Michael Douglas’ car. Just in hopes to make that pitch. I parked in Paul Newman’s parking place, just to try to meet him. Lol, that didn’t go well.
Looking forward to meeting, and talking with other talented storytellers and screenwriters here on Stage 32. I am pleased my screenplay adaption, The Grizzly is posted on this site, it has won its first award this week. How cool is that!
HI Sid. Welcome! Tell me about it, writing and working towards that 'big break' must be a real passion, because if the 'break' doesn't come you have to still be at peace with yourself. From what you've written here, you seem to have had a whole lot of fun wearing all these different hats! Welcome to Stage32! Have fun perusing the many options to get real face time with executives (under Script Services). Enjoy the fabulous and inexpenisve webinars. If you're looking for community, join the Writer's Room. Looking forward to hearing more about your projects!