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
Categories: Marketing, Selling, Pitching, Q&A Series
Comments: 5 comments
