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Pitching Hollywood - A Message for Aspiring Screenwriters and Creators

HOLLYWOOD IS A MACHINE FUELED BY IDEAS, with Producers and Development Executives desperately competing to identify and discover that diamond-in-the-rough idea that will turn into the next blockbuster movie, or hit TV show. As a service created by an industry executive with experience at all levels of development with A-list producers in TV and Film, TVFilmRights.com knows from direct experience that by allowing a protected method of contact for the Writers and Creators, and providing the right connection for those projects, virtually anyone can sell a movie idea or television format to Hollywood and become a paid and credited Writer and Producer. This is the reason countless projects are reviewed by Executives sourcing new material from our database every week. As Hollywood has morphed into the digital age, it only makes sense that they would create an online marketplace for buying and selling concepts and scripts.

Studios and Networks want a great story or concept to produce, and they hire teams of development executives and producers to create and scout those potential projects for development. It would be foolish for any development team to limit themselves to creating and sourcing from within their own ranks, and virtually impossible to keep up with the demands for having enough projects in the fire to deliver the one that goes the distance. When a Producer or Development executive for film or television come across a concept or story that is compelling and truly original, they do not care where its coming from. Ideally it would come from their own team of highly paid Producers, but their goal is to package and sell projects to the Studios, so they must use any efficient and direct source for discovering new material, in hopes of finding enough projects to meet their mandate.

Truth is BETTER than fiction:

Although real circumstances and events in life can be more unbelievable than any fictionalized story, developing a screenplay or movie idea based on true events always brings more confidence from Producers reviewing your projects. Audiences for television and film are always interested in hearing an incredible story that actually happened, or learning a perspective of an event they haven't yet experienced. When you're formulating and researching concepts for stories, always consider having your story (fiction or non-fiction) based in some truth. The story may be fictionalized, but if its inspired or based on a real person or event, it will have more pull with buyers.

 

Movie Ideas & The Magical "What If..." :

If you're not a star writer being fought over by the studios and producers, then formulating a great high-concept for a movie is your best calling card. Having it backed up by an inspired and tightly woven screenplay is great, but its that great concept that will give it momentum with any Producer who options it. Creating a great movie concept begins with exploring the potential of circumstances that may be ironic and extreme. This holds true in all genres. Whether its a high concept comedy, supernatural thriller, or family drama, your talent as a screenwriter and concept creator comes through in the choice of circumstances you create for the story. Don't think of what is probable. Think of what is POSSIBLE. And if its a high-concept piece that defies reality, go three steps beyond that and explore all extreme possibilities for the characters and story.

When you're conceiving, writing, or re-writing, ask yourself, "What If this could happen, or that could happen?". "What if the woman he fell in love with turns out to be his long lost sister?"... "What if the only person who can save her life happens to be a longtime enemy?"... "What if the animals could talk?"... "What if he could only tell the truth, be it offensive or embarrassing?" ..."What if he were brilliantly gifted, but couldn't function in normal society?"..."What if he were a womanizer and suddenly discovered the power to read women's minds?"... These are all unique "What If's", that have been explored and told through many hit movies. That one question/element is what fuels the character and storyline, helping create a multitude of entertaining and compelling scenes. Find the magical "What If" in your movie idea or screenplay, and discover its potential as a great story, and its greater potential for selling.

 

Screenwriting:

At the TV/Film Rights Marketplace, Producers and Agents scout original screenplays from established writers, aspiring writers, and Agents representing screenwriters. A synopsis of the screenplay is uploaded via the registration form, and executives will review for consideration to request the full screenplay sent. They may also give an option deal based on the synopsis/concept regardless of the screenplay itself, although it is ideal to have a company option the screenplay. Selling a screenplay will bring larger financial reward, and give the writer more leverage in negotiating participation in the further development and production of the project.

Screenplays should be between 90 and 120 pages. Many are often longer, but having a screenplay that is efficiently written, with a quick moving plot, will make it further up the development ladder. Take merciless efforts to read and rewrite your screenplay, cutting all scenes and exposition that are not absolutely critical to the plot and character development. And just when you think you have it dialed in, share it with any experiences associates and other writers who will bring a fresh (and hopefully polarizing) perspective to your writing. Then rewrite some more. Executives may fall in love with the basic premise or concept, but the real devil is in the details and how it plays out in the screenplay you write.

The craft of screenwriting is a lifelong journey, one that even professionals refine and expand on throughout their careers. Understanding the principals and art of screenwriting is essential to any creator, screenwriter, or producer. Consider some of these insightful books on the craft:

STORY: by Robert McKee

SCREENPLAY: by Sid Field

 

TV Show Formats:

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Protecting Your Writing:

TVFilmRights.com provides electronic proof-of-review by carefully screened and established industry executives in a highly protected database. To learn more about protecting your writing, visit this page.

 

Visit this link and navigate to your appropriate user area to sell or scout project movie rights.

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