SLAMMED
May 24, 2008
Sorry for the sabbatical. Sweet mother of God, have I been slammed. Per my last blog, the ol’ spec went out and it looks like I’ve been fortunate to go 3 for 3. I can’t say yet who picked it up, but I’m pretty happy about it. I’ve talked to the exec and they seem really serious about the project.
The nice part of the spec going out has been a deluge of assignment opportunities. It’s strange, but at first, you think, “Wow, these guys are really doing me a favor sending me these assignment possibilities”. But in reality, they need a good writer as much, if not more.
Everyone has projects they are trying to crack. The ton is littered with producers and execs trying to get an idea on paper. And the entire machine STOPS, until that writer cranks out a worthy enough script to get the project moving. We all need each other – synergy baby!
Another cool by-product of the spec going out is that since it was so special effects-heavy, I’ve been getting a lot of really fun opportunities for animated projects. I’ve always, secretly wanted to write an animated film. I’m supposed to pitch my take on one next week, so maybe this is it.
Again, I apologize for the lack of blogging. I’ve got three things due this week, but afterward should be able to come up for air a little. Also, if anyone has any questions about the biz or screenwriting in general — lay ‘em on me, I’ll do my best to give a coherent answer!
Joe, I love the blogs. Keep them coming. After writing several shorts, I am working on my first feature length screenplay. Any more industry information about sending out spec scripts would be awesome.
Thanks,
JB
Getting your foot in the door for a spec is always hard. The first step is always getting an agent. No one worth sending it to would read a spec by someone that wasn’t represented. For many reasons.
So, the key is to write a great spec and use that as your ticket to actually get an agent. That’s a whole other animal. I came here never having been to California and knowing NO ONE. It took me almost two years to find someone who could get my spec to an agent.
I tried sending out query letters, but those are long shots at best. You just need to find someone that has an agent or knows an agent — get them to forward your script.
When you do, make sure that script is as good as it can be, because you won’t get a second chance. Good luck!!
Hey Joe,
Reading is a part of writing, right? How about a post on what authors and screenwriters you like–who has influenced you, who you look up to as a writer, etc.
Any favorite movies or books we may not have heard of that you think we can learn from?