looking for writer

Mike,

To better help you and others, you need to clarify and provide lots more information about this situation than what you've done.

What you've stated thus far doesn't look promising nor professional.

EJ
 
I agree with EJ however, all good things start with a simple idea and hard driven passion. Mike if you havent already you will need to describe in synopsis form who (characters; anatgonist, protaganists, etc), what (conflict, twists, plot, etc) and where the location will take place. Additionally who you will pitch the synopsis too along with each party's detailed weakness and strengths when handing them and selling them on your ideas and storyline.

If you have already done this just disregard and post to give us some insight on where your thoughts are.

Best regards
 
You don't pitch a screenplay to studios.

Your agent pitches to real producers with studio deals and track records who then get the studio to option it for them.

And the studios abide by WGA regulations in the current contract which doesn't allow for writing for free based on promises of "profits" split 50/50.

Any writer worth his salt can write his own ideas on spec. You don't want to waste your time on a script that then you won't own because someone else has their name on it. You're not taken seriously that way and it's called "baggage" to have someone who isn't in the game attached.
 
cbln said:
You don't pitch a screenplay to studios.

Your agent pitches to real producers with studio deals and track records who then get the studio to option it for them.

And the studios abide by WGA regulations in the current contract which doesn't allow for writing for free based on promises of "profits" split 50/50.

Any writer worth his salt can write his own ideas on spec. You don't want to waste your time on a script that then you won't own because someone else has their name on it. You're not taken seriously that way and it's called "baggage" to have someone who isn't in the game attached.
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But then again, the only only thing harder than writing a great screenplay is coming up with an IDEA for a great screenplay. If you're that one in a million with a fantastic concept you don't need a writer. You're already armed for bear.
 
Brian, you bring up an interesting point. It is true that a fantastic, fresh concept is valuable. But I can assure you that 99% of the people who troll the internet "looking for writers" don't have that terrific, one-in-a-million concept. I think there are few times when a writer should consider teaming up with an idea person and that might be if the other person is an indie or promising wannabe director and about to produce the screenplay (and even then, something should be set aside in the budget for the writer), or if you have a fabulous true-life story. Even then, it's better to clearly define the roles and future payments instead of some vague 50/50 business.

Anyone who has any experience knows that profits can be hidden from the top tentpole flicks to the low-budget indie so always be wary when your only pay is described in terms of profits.

But I don't agree that just having a great idea for a screenplay means "you don't need a writer." That only works if you are in a pitchable position -- you've won a top award at a good festival and you're taking meetings where people are saying "What else have you got?" In those situations, you can pitch your great idea (because they already want you as a director) and they will find you a writer.
 
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