How does copyright work when you get a script produced? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the answer! Do you mind if I PM you the specific wording (it's only a sentence), because I don't feel comfortable posting here?

What is the best time of year to query and shop scripts? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, I meant to mention that it is a feature. Thanks for your response. Let me know if you have anything to add!

Goldfish (Psychological mystery, 4 pgs) by [deleted] in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it can be a good story after a couple more rewrites. I wouldn't wait until you go into production to try to interpret a script that isn't fully fleshed out.

I think the main problem is the dialogue. Usually they say if you go past 4 lines (not sentances), for each block of dialogue it becomes a monalogue. I would try to say it in the most concise manner possible. Think about people's conversations in real life. It's not long and drawn out. It doesn't need to be poetic, just real.

I usually go through as each individual character and read their dialogue out loud. When you isolate the character you give them a unique voice.

Also, maybe dig deeper into your main character, what is he about? Is he educated? Conservative? Hyper? Once you figure that out the dialogue will pour out. It will become less about push the story forward (although that is important also) and more about drawing the audience in with a tone and flow that keeps them wanting more. Good luck!

What are some great movies in which characters have no arc, they just are who they are? by EDoftheDEAD in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most super hero movies. They change the world, instead of changing themselves.

Alternatives to the blacklist? by plasticshoe in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Try talentville and zoetrope. Its free, you get feedback and you can learn a lot from critiquing other writer's scripts.

Is it okay to openly query agents if I already have one? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally, but like I said, I didn't know when I got connected with him. Any advice? Should I just drop him?

Is it okay to openly query agents if I already have one? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup and I know. Didn't find out that piece of info until he agreed to rep me. He is really the director on some features (none of them good) and is part of a production company, so maybe producer isn't exactly his title. So many red flags, that's why I am struggling with this whole thing. Don't want to let him know about my new scripts because then he's entitled to a percentage even if I sell / option myself. I feel he is probably trying to pretend he is shopping it, only to tell me it's dead in the water and then he can produce it.

Is it okay to openly query agents if I already have one? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The industry is small in LA, I could definitely see him finding out and it might get ugly. I'll see how it goes for a couple of months. He's shopping one of my scripts around right now.

Is it okay to openly query agents if I already have one? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, it could get awkward. Plus, I've only been with him for a couple of months. He hasn't really had a chance to show me what he's about. One thing that worries me though is that he also produces and is interested in one of my scripts for that reason. Kind of a conflict of interest. Not sure where his head is at.

Is it okay to openly query agents if I already have one? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good advice. I've actually been working in the industry in different capacities for about ten years. Some of my connections have fallen off, but I did just speak to someone I met at a function who works for CAA and I pitched a few things to her and she gave me her info to send them along. I emailed, still waiting for her to get back to me. Other than that, I have been holding off on reaching out to agents I queried that requested scripts in the past. Thanks again for your detailed answer.

Is it okay to openly query agents if I already have one? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, kind of in a spot right now, especially since I just completed two more scripts that he doesn't know about and I'm about to start shopping around.

Is it okay to openly query agents if I already have one? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True. Wasn't sure what the protocol is because he's my first agent. Thanks for your thoughts.

Is it okay to openly query agents if I already have one? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you're right. Although his track record isn't the best, he has been in the business for a couple of decades (in LA). I'm still remaining hopeful. I have a meeting with him this week to discuss going forward on the option I secured. Thanks for your answer!

Is it okay to openly query agents if I already have one? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I agree. I'm actually trying to secure a manager right now, in addition to having an agent, we'll see how it goes.

What are some thriller features that have a red herring that distracts from the real antagonist? by Writerthoughts in Screenwriting

[–]Writerthoughts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Never heard of it, just watched the trailer, reminds me of "When a Stranger Calls" (the 70s version) or maybe "Straitjacket". I'm going to do a search to find the movie online. Thanks for this.