Charli
cool little "title"
Horrorfest 2013 will soon be underway and a couple of films have issues with writers not signing a release form, thus threatening the director or producer with legalities. So many directors here think it best to write your own script as to not deal with the hassle.
I say, if you want to make a dent in this business, you need to "learn" how to film a screenwriter's story - someone who has spent time (years) honing the craft of screenwriting, and have them sign that release form before you shoot one frame of film.
Short films is a collaborative effort, but there is no excuse for a director to not have his ducks in a row and to not get his release forms signed by actors, composers, and most of all, by the writer. It's an important process I believe for directors to work with a "seasoned" writer, depending of course, if you want to hit the independent film market realm.
It takes an average of 9 scripts written before a screenwriter may sell 1 script, and even if they do, they may never sell another one again. What chances do you have to write a solid full-feature script that will make an impact in distribution?
Here's the uncomfortable truth. Many of you can't write a solid 6-minute script with a full story (beginning, middle, conclusion) even for these short film festivals. You say, "It's too short a time." No, it's not. A good writer can write a 1-minute story, 6-minute story, 10-minute story without too much of a sweat.
What I am saying is that it's a GOOD experience for directors to get out of their comfort zone and to work with a screenwriter. To learn this collaboration effort and to hone the storyline into the way you want to film it because in filmmaking arena, you will collaborate with a screenwriter paid by the production company to mold a bankable story.
Instead of shying away from working with a screenwriter and to do your own thing is all good and well if you want to stay in a small pond. For those who thirst for TV series, webseries, films, or any media which will break you into the business... learn to work with a screenwriter and get that release form signed.
I've worked with several directors here and never signed a single form, so why did not-signing forms work with me? Because I'm a long-standing member here. Been writing for you guys since 2006. I never signed one form, but I'm not here with an agenda or angle to promote myself either. I'm here to help the director make the best film possible for them. But that's not true for all screenwriters who want to make a name for themselves.
Unless you really know the writer, don't take that chance, and even if you know the writer, have them sign a release form just the same. There are not too many writer/directors who have hit the big time. You need to learn to work with screenwriters, that's the simple uncomfortable truth if you want to break into this business.
I say, if you want to make a dent in this business, you need to "learn" how to film a screenwriter's story - someone who has spent time (years) honing the craft of screenwriting, and have them sign that release form before you shoot one frame of film.
Short films is a collaborative effort, but there is no excuse for a director to not have his ducks in a row and to not get his release forms signed by actors, composers, and most of all, by the writer. It's an important process I believe for directors to work with a "seasoned" writer, depending of course, if you want to hit the independent film market realm.
It takes an average of 9 scripts written before a screenwriter may sell 1 script, and even if they do, they may never sell another one again. What chances do you have to write a solid full-feature script that will make an impact in distribution?
Here's the uncomfortable truth. Many of you can't write a solid 6-minute script with a full story (beginning, middle, conclusion) even for these short film festivals. You say, "It's too short a time." No, it's not. A good writer can write a 1-minute story, 6-minute story, 10-minute story without too much of a sweat.
What I am saying is that it's a GOOD experience for directors to get out of their comfort zone and to work with a screenwriter. To learn this collaboration effort and to hone the storyline into the way you want to film it because in filmmaking arena, you will collaborate with a screenwriter paid by the production company to mold a bankable story.
Instead of shying away from working with a screenwriter and to do your own thing is all good and well if you want to stay in a small pond. For those who thirst for TV series, webseries, films, or any media which will break you into the business... learn to work with a screenwriter and get that release form signed.
I've worked with several directors here and never signed a single form, so why did not-signing forms work with me? Because I'm a long-standing member here. Been writing for you guys since 2006. I never signed one form, but I'm not here with an agenda or angle to promote myself either. I'm here to help the director make the best film possible for them. But that's not true for all screenwriters who want to make a name for themselves.
Unless you really know the writer, don't take that chance, and even if you know the writer, have them sign a release form just the same. There are not too many writer/directors who have hit the big time. You need to learn to work with screenwriters, that's the simple uncomfortable truth if you want to break into this business.
