How do I get a script developed?

MattC

MattC

Veteran
I'm not really a writer. But I've been toying with an idea for a script and I think it's a great idea (don't we all). My problem is I don't think I could write a script that would do the idea justice. Where do you find real, professional scriptwriters to develop a script and when you do, how much does this typically cost?

Thanks!

Matt
 
First off, I would try and write it yourself.

Failing that, inktip.com and mandy.com aren't a bad place to start.

Unfortunately everyone thinks they have the next **** hot idea, so if this was easy, everyone would be doing it.

I forget the guys name, but there's a famous producer who lets you submit a synopsis to him, and he will pitch it to execs if he likes it. Maybe that's worth a shot. Lemme think it over, and I'll try and post a link to his site ASAP.

EJ
 
Try writing it yourself. A script will be anywhere from 90 to 120 pages when properly formatted for a full feature film. Keep in mind a great concept is not enough. The concept has to be good enough to fill 90 pages of story. Once you start writing you may find as great as the concept is, it just doesn't have stamina or staying power for a full film.

However, it might make a good short! Give it a try. See what you come up.
 
Oh I don't know if I have the next **** hot idea, probably not. But it's a decent idea, everyone I've told about it likes it, and I'd like to film something like it. I'm not talking Hollywood here I come, I would just like to develop the best script I could to shoot and, since i don't fancy myself a writer....
 
You might try to see if there is a screenwriters group in or near your city. Try to visit their meetings and make friends with some of the writers.
 
Yeah, just try to solicit a writing partner. Craigslist could be good for it, just make sure you get SAMPLES of real SCREENPLAYS that they have written. There's plenty of nuances to the format, as I'm sure you know.

If I were paying a writer, just starting out or with a moderate amount of experience, to adapt a story to a feature screenplay, I think I'd be expecting to pay at least $10,000. A real professional writer would make significantly more, and I'm sure you can also find someone who will do it for significantly less... but if I were looking to pay a fair rate to someone with real knowledge and experience, I wouldn't start any lower than that.
 
Thanks guys, I've already started writing it, we'll making lots of notes and index cards and an outline. This will be fun to at least try. It will probably take me the better part of year, but hey, what else am I going to do?
 
At the very least, I'd get your idea into the form of an outline or treatment, then reg it with the WGA/WGAe, and then try and hit up websites calling for samples from writers, with the promise of the pay of XXX ammount on the selected writer.

EJ
 
Last edited:
MattC said:
Where do you find real, professional scriptwriters to develop a script and when you do, how much does this typically cost?
Click to expand...

Depending on how you look at it... Let's call this delivery of a non-original script: WGA minimum (2004 rates) -> $29,119

So....you're really probably looking for somebody good, not necessarily professional. ;)
 
I write on spec every once and a while. I've also done some ghost-writing. It really depends on the project, but if you want to shoot me a brief synopsis I'll take a look.

Take it easy.
 
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