I was thinking this over on the weekend… what is the best way to get a screenplay made into a movie? And I was suddenly reminded of something that Gary Goldstein (producer of Pretty Woman, Under Siege and The Mothman Prohecies once said).
The question was put to Mr. Goldstein whether or not it was important to be a known screenwriter or not?
Goldstein responded with something I’ll always remember. He said, “who cares if you’re known or unknown? A script is essentially a road-map for a movie. It’s a blueprint. I don’t care if the person who wrote it is known or unknown, why should I?”
If someone ends up reading your script, whether that person be an agent, producer, or an actor–it doesn’t matter.
What matters is that people are moved or entertained by your screenplay. That could mean that there’s laughter, tears or excitement, just so long as there is some sort of emotional connection between the screenplay and the reader.
Now getting access to the powers that be in Hollywood is, in Goldstein’s opinion, not about strategy, but more about creative authenticity.
If you’re looking to sell a script, find a script agent, or get your screenplay optioned by a film producer, you need to write something that is authentic.
According to Goldstein, the most successful screenwriters that he knew were the ones who were passionate about writing what they knew and cared about. They wrote unique stories that engaged and interested their readers.
Most importantly, they were marching to the beat of their own drum and writing scripts that would sell because they were unique and powerful in some way.
Maybe the movie would never get made, but the screenwriters would collect their paycheck and, at the very least, kick-start their career.
So, to sum up in four words: dare to be different.
If you write a screenplay that is creatively authentic, you will get actors championing your work, you’ll get the backing of producers and agents fighting to represent you.
Write it on a note and stick it above your desk… dare to be different.
*Jennifer Sloane has worked as a screenplay agent in Los Angeles and Nashville for the last five years. Jennifer loves good movies, music and animals. A former television and movie executive, Jennifer currently heads business development at Script Mailer (a company that connects screenwriters with agents and producers in Hollywood).