Where can I find Free Feature Scripts ?

donkathon

Carbonite Member
Does anyone know of a website that has feature-length scripts for little cost?

Now that you know that I need one, is anyone interested in writing one with me, over email?

EDIT- After much controversy, and questions, I have put up the beginning of something I was writing. Its on page 4.
 
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John Hudson, if there is one thing I know, is it is that you have to look something up before asking questions on the forum. I have used google, and everything costs a little too much.
 
Are you looking for free unproduced scripts or free scripts of movies already out there? If it's the latter, check out Kholi's link.
 
Check out the forums on DoneDealPro.com ... There are some really talented writers on there. You can post an ad saying you're looking for a cheap/free feature script to film and that the upside for the writer is that they get to see their work on screen. But be ready to have your credentials challenged and your manhood stricken from your body as they tell you that a feature film has no hope of success without the story and you're asking for that for free. Be prepared to negotiate a script deal for 3 to 5% of the feature budget. Any less would be an afront to the writer. You'll likely get some interest and may even find a gem.

My recommendation would be to offer 5% of budget and a distribution bonus of say 5% of net profits. Usually you'd give a smaller distribution bonus than this to a writer, but here you're not paying much of anything up front. They're taking as big a chance on you as you are on them and they should be rewarded for it if the film gets distributed.

Also be clear that you're looking for an ultra-low budget feature script so they don't send you their Vin Diesel vehicles.

Not sure what budget level you're looking at, but I've got a Carolina story that'd be cheap to shoot ... single location thriller. However, I wouldn't sell the script for less than $10,000 up front and a decent distribution bonus.
 
In that case I suggest you write it yourself, because it likely won't be worth anyone else's time.

But why a feature? Why not a short?
 
Because I feel that shorts are too short. You have no time to connect with any of the characters, and dont allow me to take my time with it. They seem like they go too fast.

Im looking towards something drama, based around failure. Like a Wes Anderson/Owen Wilson colaborration.
 
Blaine said:
I don't know, John. Sounds like you're going soft back east. :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

I could tell from the response it would not go over well (no sense of humor).

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Because I feel that shorts are too short. You have no time to connect with any of the characters, and dont allow me to take my time with it. They seem like they go too fast.

Im looking towards something drama, based around failure. Like a Wes Anderson/Owen Wilson colaborration.

A good short will do just that.
 
True, true. But does no one think that not enough happens in a short. You can have 2-3 scenes, and that is it. In a feature, a lot more happens, and things can change course over a long time.

Also, it depends on the genre. A horror only needs to take a few minutes- as does a thriller. A comedy can be 10-15 minutes, but a drama. I just cant picture a 10 minute feature. You would have to have a pretty weak plot, the way I see it.
 
I've read kick ass scripts that are 4 pages long. I've read kick ass dramas that are between 10-15.

If you want to be a director, direct a short film or two to prove that you can do it and then worry about the features. If you can direct shorts well, you won't have to offend writers by asking for free feature scripts ... and many writers would gladly give away short scripts just to see them made.
 
pto2212 said:
Also, it depends on the genre. A horror only needs to take a few minutes- as does a thriller. A comedy can be 10-15 minutes, but a drama. I just cant picture a 10 minute feature. You would have to have a pretty weak plot, the way I see it.

Have you directed before was the question asked... Plus there is a writers network here in Charlotte. We get together once every two months and just run through stuff... I mean do you network in the local area? Do you go out and meet with other filmmakers?

Directing is something that isn't for everyone. Personally I will admit that I am a $hitty director, so for my projects I prefer to write and have someone else direct while I camera operate or do sound.

It just comes down to what you want to do, but I would start by writing.

Hairy Lime said:
I've read kick ass scripts that are 4 pages long. I've read kick ass dramas that are between 10-15.

If you want to be a director, direct a short film or two to prove that you can do it and then worry about the features. If you can direct shorts well, you won't have to offend writers by asking for free feature scripts ... and many writers would gladly give away short scripts just to see them made.

This is more true than you could know... as someone who writes, because what else can I do with an English degree, I will gladly write things for free or just the promise of back end for people I respect... The problem is just staying motivated...

-Jeremy
 
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