Friday Q&A: International Screenwriters Submitting to American Studios and Agents
Q: Is it really ever worth a UK writer submitting a screenplay to an American studio or agent? I know you guys have all the money to get films made but that’s not my point. What I refer to is subject matter. In my mind, it is more than the Atlantic that separates us. Our cultures seem miles apart. In other words, are there American studios willing to read stuff without a car chase or explosions every five minutes? – Ian Harris
A: Thanks for your question Ian. To answer “Are there American studios willing to read stuff without a car chase or explosion?” I don’t recall seeing any car chases or explosions in The Blind Side, Precious, Crazy Heart, A Single Man, Up In The Air, or dozens of other successful films that were released this year. It’s apparent that not everything that comes out of Hollywood is an action-adventure film. Yes, plenty of those types of films are produced because they sell tickets, but that’s not the only genre being released.
In my opinion, the bigger challenge for a UK writer (or any screenwriter) is not living in Los Angeles. If you’re serious about being a screenwriter (and you’re not already established) get thee to L.A. Can you sell a screenplay to Hollywood from afar? Absolutely. However, you increase your odds as a first-time screenwriter if you make your home in the City of Angels. Check out Ashley Scott Meyer’s insightful posts on his experiences as a screenwriter relocating to L.A.: Do You Have to Live in Los Angeles to be a Screenwriter? and Moving to Los Angeles and Preparing for the Long Haul.
Posted: February 5th, 2010
at 5:00am by Laura
Tagged with pitching a screenplay
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Categories: Marketing, Selling, Pitching, Q&A Series
Comments: 5 comments
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5 Responses to 'Friday Q&A: International Screenwriters Submitting to American Studios and Agents'
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6 Feb 10 at 12:02 pm
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6 Feb 10 at 1:34 pm
The first seven sentences of the first link is all I needed to be convinced. Simple logic. My problem isn’t opportunity, but fear. With a geology background “I’s skeered.” Irrational? Probably to an extent. Tomorrow and a hundred years from tomorrow are the same moment in geologic terms.
The question that comes up for me is: At what point do I consider myself qualified to persue this writing thing seriously? If you’ve completed several screenplays and are encouraged, take the step. If you’re still trying to figure out if you can write, it might not be the next wise move. Although, it could be a source of great inspiration to experience the change, at any level of expertise.
A man, 40ish, struggles with irrational fear of earthquakes as he is desperate to pursue a career in screenwriting. <- up for grabs.
Steven
6 Feb 10 at 5:48 pm
Hey Steven – thanks for your comment and “logline” (with some tweaking I think it has “high-concept” potential. LOL
If screenwriting is your passion and you are truly committed then you are “qualified to pursue this writing thing seriously”. One great thing about screenwriting is that it’s a craft that can be learned. If you’re trying to still “figure out if you can write” – that’s normal. You’re still learning the craft and like any other endeavor – with time, training, hard work, and perseverance – you’ll get it. Hey even some established, well-respected, award-winning screenwriters have moments of doubt and lack confidence – so don’t beat yourself up. Take the leap, L.A.’s not so bad….
Best,
Laura
Laura
9 Feb 10 at 10:07 am
i am a screen writer resident in nigeria. i have a script i want to sell to hollywood. It is the story of an unusually dark,illegitimate, teenage son of a dead prostitute who becomes involved with eight other brave men in search of the queen’s crown in the evil cave.
seun
28 Feb 10 at 11:03 pm