Skip Press - Writing & Advice

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You can do it all, really

Hey Skip, I just finished reading "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting" and it definitely gave me great perspective towards my writing career. I have a script that i'm putting a final polish on and discovered that not only would it make a great film, it would make a great sitcom too! My questions is, is it possible to sell 'em as a movie and sitcom (once i write a pilot of course)? If my movie script gets picked up, is a spin off to a sitcom a probable idea? Thanks - Ramon Malpica

Ramon, this is one of those "let the network figure that out" type of things. A lot of independent and established filmmakers go into television because of the almost instant gratification they get. They write it one day, they're shooting it the next. I'd say, sell your movie and hope it's a hit. If so, the networks might be coming to you to make a sitcom spinoff, or to to see what other ideas you have.

I'm not that easily impressed

I have just finished watching Cloverfield and was wondering how you think this movie may change the movie industry as we know it? Everyone cannot stop talking about it in forums and in reviews. By the way, I was picking on you when I said "For Dummies." *snickers*

-Michael W. Acosta

I don't think it'll change things much. Look who wrote it; he's a major pro. It was just a clever way of shooting and a far more clever way of promoting by creating such a mystery.

If I paid for the kudos I'd be broke...

I cannot emphasize how thankful I am to have picked up your screenwriting book. It has greatly improved my writing ability and am now working on a few scripts. They are coming along very well and I hope to work with you some day. Best regards, Michael W. Acosta

Thanks, Michael! Comments like that make my day. As I write and sell my own work, I've always been very happy to help others. There's a new version of the book coming soon, just so you know. -- Skip

If I'd only had me when I was starting out...

Good day Skip, I'm a teenager who hopes to become a well known writer for my imagination. I've only read "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting" in it's third edition, but I do hope to read more of your books. You definitely helped me learn a lot about screenwriting and I thank you. Though, I have a problem. I have so many ideas in my head that could be both scripts and or books, but when I open up my software to start on it, I find it really hard to begin working on it. And if I do find a way to start it, I'll lose my inspiration for the idea and it's hard to continue it. My father always encourages me and tells me that I could make it somewhere if I had the drive. I love writing, but I just can't find the right amount of ambition to write something without losing my mood that I have set into the story. So I ask, what can I do to help myself gather up enough courage to write what I love and keep at it?

Dear Nameless... introduce yourself, don't be shy. You might try sitting in some great place like a park or some coffee shop or diner you like, and handwriting the scenes one by one on index cards. Or even with a pen and pad. Maybe just write a short scene that you could film with friends and see how it looks on a screen. What you're probably worrying about subconsciously is how your work will be received, once written. Get these things out of your head and into the real world, and then you'll start learning for real. It's OK to mess up! The script for the movie "Cast Away" was rewritten 35 times!

From the "Beats Me" department

Hey Skip, I just picked up the '07 edition of your book "How to write what you want and sell what you write" yesterday and am half way through it. I have already taken some of your advice and visited shortstorygroup.com. the site is currently under construction. I also registered on a website that pays writers to write abstracts but I am not exactly clear on what an abstract actually is. I wonder if you might give me a little insight in the matter. thanks

Dear Mr. or Ms. thanks, I don't know because I haven't seen the site, but thanks for buying my book! Try sending me an email, thanks.

Rating the other folks...

Hi Skip, I have a question for you, please. What is your opinion of the Hollywoodlitsales? You mentioned them in your book "The Ultimate Writer's Guide to Holywood." Thanks. Ana

Ana, I've known Howard Meibach and his friends a long time. I don't know a better place to get information about who sold what, when in Hollywood unless you pay for a very expensive database.

In the "you pays your money and you takes your chances" department

Dear Skip, If I use your service to locate an agent for my screenplay, what are the chances that they'll actually take it on? Thank you, Jeff

Chances? Jeff, what are the chances you'll get hit by a semi walking across the street? I'm not in the business of finding agents for people, only helping them learn about writing better work and finding the right home for it, if possible. If I worried about chances, I'd never make it here a day. But in truth, most of it depends on you and your writing.

Answering the long email below - To email me, look for "Missing Links" on the right and find one to click. No, it won't take you to Web pages owned by my family - you can actually reach the real missing link, my own self.

Dear Skip, Just picked up your Ultimate Writer's Guide to Hollywood and was impressed by your generosity of spirit, sense of humor (sardonic but not condescending), and candor about your own projects that have gotten stalled somewhere in the development pipeline. It was a pleasure to find real eloquence in a how-to guide (a rarer-than-it-ought-to-be phenonmenon). As a fiction writer who's had more lucky breaks and near-misses than he deserves considering his puny output, I was especially struck by your advice to write a novel first and worry about the screenplay later; that seems to fly in the face of advice I've seen all too often elsewhere that ya just gotta blunder your way through that first spec screenplay and steel yourself for a no-reply. I was also cheered to read your plug for good old Larry Brody. I did a weekend workshop with him when I was hanging out at a writers' colony in the Arkansas Ozarks a few years ago. (He's got a ranch thereabouts, as you probably know.) I'd never tried my hand at a TV Pilot notion 'til then but wound up 2nd runner-up (or somewhere in the line of also-rans) for a two-page "treatment" I sent in about how the blues has become the new cash crop in my native Mississippi with all the con-artistry & rank profiteering that implies...I also won, like, 3rd place for a short story I can't seem to get published (OK, I've only sent it out to two places) but for which I managed to land a $5000 grant from the MS Arts Commission. That story and one that landed in the New Yorker got me on the short list for a Chesterfield fellowship, and since then I've fallen into work with Wim Wenders, Charles Burnett, and the Coen brothers when they came south to shoot a flick. But back home after a few years overseas I'm feeling a lost and out of touch, and damn if, for instance, these HBO original series I missed out on in my years of not watching televsion haven't blown me away...even at their worse, miles beyond the big-network fodder I grew up watching. Not sure what I'm getting at here or even why I'm writing this. The closest I've come to completing a screenplay was after a Robert McKee class when I managed a rough-hewn third-of-a-script. Also helped Chris Thomas King (with whom I worked with on O Brother Where Art Thou?) polish up a script of his own...not that that counts for anything. In fact, I realize this just sounds like a bunch of name-dropping, woulda-coulda-shoulda-been and belongs in an email (or better yet, in the Recycle Bin) rather than on your Question board, but I couldn't seem to find an address for you on your website. Anyway, thanks for bearing with me. No need to bother replying--I just appreciate your listening and the work of yours I've read so far. On to the Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting next, I guess. All best, James Hughes

Agents in Other Places

Hi Skip, I live in the SF Bay Area. I'm looking for a screenwriting agent to represent me. Do I have to fly down to LA or are there agents here. If so, do you know any? Thank you for your time. Liz

A voice cries out from Baghdad by the bay...

Liz, if you'll check the News page there's a link to an article in the L.A. Times about a script I'd like to produce. We secured the option via the Reece Halsey North agency, mostly book & novel authors, but it's worth a try. See http://www.reecehalseynorth.com/

Can't live with the Web, or without it...

Great Forum. Really enjoy the comments. One question I have is what is the going rate(s) for writer's compensation (high and low) for writing treaments for non-fiction, hour long programs for television or dramatic based with characters for studios and production companies. I can't find anything that addresses this on the WGA website unless, I overlooked it. Thanks, trey

Hey Skip I tried to get to the class and I saw the paypal but it is rejecting from paying and I know I am good on my card. Is there a place to register for your class?

I'll go slap Paypal for you. Meanwhile...

I'm assuming both those questions came from Trey. On the first one, go to www.wga.org and search for "Schedule of Minimums" and you'll get a downloadable document that will cover those things.

About my class, let's discuss it - send me an email.

From the "oops, wrong page" department...

Hi, Skip! I am interested in learning more about your courses. I live in the metro-Detroit area and don't see where they might be taught around here. Could I be looking in all the wrong places? Please give me the 411... Suzette

Suzette, the "Hollywood Breakthrough" rewrite and marketing course is explained on the "News" page. My basic course, "Your Screenwriting Career" is linked on the top left of the Home page of this site directly under the picture of me talking to a friend. Hope you take one, or both.

No, I don't know everyone...

Dear Skip, Have you heard about a newer writing duo in L.A. called Competitive Awesome? They not only write comedy, but perform it as well. Just thought you might get a kick out of their material. It made me laugh out loud. The duo's website: www.competitiveawesome.com

Question - Which Awesome posted that?

Oh, those troublesome camera directions...

Dear Skip, I have read all your books and took your screenwritng class. And have FINALLY gotten my butt in gear and started ACTUALLY writing it. I have one question. When writing do we put in things like OPEN (exerior/interior), JUMP CUT, or PAN? I know I saw it somewhere but can't for the life of me find it. Thank you! Courtney

Answer - Leave out camera directions unless absolutely necessary (like POV). If you don't, a crew from the Directors Guild of America will drive to your house and smack your hand, and they won't film it.

I get simple kudos, too. Go Brandy, go Brandy!

I just read your book "How To Write What You Want & Sell What You Write." Loving it! Those words gave me the ambition needed to just do it! Today I set up my blog at blogger and hopefully ESPN will eventually realize that they need a woman to write the real story when it comes to sports. Getting my confidence and ready to grow "rhinoceros" skin. -- Brandy

I love a Southern accent, even in type.

Hey, Skip (that's Southern talk): I just finished your book "How to Write What You Want & Sell What You Write." I found it extremely engaging and helpful. I have thought about writing a novel for about 35 years. I finally found a plot, and I prepared a preliminary stream of consciousness outline. As the topic may be quite controversial, I am wondering if there is any person or service that will give advice on generic ideas. Of course, I would expect to pay a fee for the service. Lynne

We can fix ya'll up, ma'am.

Howdy, Lynne (that's Texas talk). Enough thinking, time to write! You'll see fees for various things out to the right side of this page. I've coached a lot of people through writing (and editing) novels and I'm currently doing that with a Wall Street executive. Just send me an email and we'll do what we can to get your dreams out of your head and onto paper (the we being me an ya'll.) Looking forward to it.

Such a little book, such popularity...

Hi Skip, Read your 3rd edition of How to Write What You Want and Sell What You Write. It is the best self help book for writers I have found. Thanks for that effort. I have been working on a non fiction subject for quite a few years, I am about your age, and have about 5000 pages of reference material typed and handwritten plus about 60 gig of pdf files I have created containing more reference material. As you have surmised, I do not know when to stop because everytime I venture in one direction, more detailed information is found. I have the fear that if I do not include this info my work will fall short of the academic quality I am hoping to achieve. What do you suggest? Cheers, Michael Veniez BA.

That's a common problem with a first book.

Michael, most people writing their first book, particularly when it's something comprehensive as your's sounds to be, want to cram their whole life (and/or attic) into that book. Just figure out the theme of the book and include only things that clearly illustrate the step-by-step presentation of your theme. You might be writing a "core" book that will be a success and lead to further books, all using the material you have accumulated. That's kind of what happened with my book that you like - and maybe that's why it sold out the first edition and the second one is selling briskly.

If there's anything I like, it's a funny innovator. Check out this question (also answered via email).

Dear Skip, In a recent trip to the library, I picked up your book "Write What You Want & Sell What You Write" (the 1995 version). I found it informative, insightful and humourous. Most of all though, I liked your straight-forward no BS attitude. In this age of political correctness, people who "tell it like it is" are hard to come by. Last year I wrote a funny ebay auction that got over 5000 views. With this came hundreds of emails from people loving my "story" and wanting more. Since then I have been yearning to write more humourous (ala Erma Bombeck meets Andy Rooney meets Dave Barry) pieces and hopefully get them published. My family and my husband are all encouraging me to "go for it". Actually, it was more so their idea to begin with. They have always given me great feedback on everything so I figure these people either really love me alot, or I scare the hell out of them when it comes to them giving me an honest opinion (I'm leaning towards the latter). So the question I pose to you, is how much would you charge me to read that auction and give me an opinion that will come from someone I know won't just be blowing smoke up my arse? What do you think... Thanks for trying to help out the little guy! Kellie H

Kellie, you made me put down my pipe!

I'll email you about this, but I'd basically charge you per print page like it's a manuscript. So it's not quite a book, not quite a script? No biggie. Just email me and we'll figure it out. I love the kind of stuff you've done, loved Erma Bombeck, love Dave Barry (though not in a physical sense), and... Andy Rooney! There's something about that that bugs me... Anyway, I greatly admire your ebayvation (that's innovation on eBay, did I coin a word?)

From the "I hated it so much I can do better than that because I love it" department...

Hey Skip, my name is Aaron and I just picked up your book "The Ultimate Writer's Guide to Hollywood" and I'm learning a lot about "the buisness". I have several movie/ play ideas that I'm trying to complete before the summer is over. I have a pressing question for you that I may already know the answer to. After seeing the last X-Men movie, my freinds thought it could use a lot of work (One of them left screaming obsenities at how horrible the movie was :)). So, I had the idea to write my own screenplay for a possible 4th movie idea that wouldn't suck. I found a free screenwrititng program and began the pain steaking task of writing a screenplay. But after reading "Hollywood Rule #8", my hopes kinda dropped. How can I sell a product that's copyrighted like X-Men? Granted I have other film ideas but I 've put a lot of effort into what I've written. I just want to know if I should stop now or keep going. Help me Skip Press!

If you drive a car in Hollywood that doesn't belong to you, you're a valet.

Aaron, I edited your message to delete your email address because "spambots" will pull it off the page and send you crazy email. That's just a fact. A similar fact is that you can't expect business people to cut you any slack when you camp out on their property and start painting the walls. The "Freddy vs. Jason" movie was about the only one I can recall where someone from "the outside" managed to get heard and get lucky.

I didn't fix the typos in your message to illustrate how you might be perceived if you contacted the company that owns the X-Men (Marvel). They're probably see those and go "forget this guy." That means you would have to be so perfect and exact with what you propose they'd respect you and take notice.

All that said, you could write the script, you just wouldn't own it because you don't own the characters. The only shot you'd probably have is running into Brian Singer or Brett Ratner or Stan Lee and endearing yourself and somehow convincing them to read what you wrote - but first you'd have to pitch them the story and gain their interest. I could coach you on how to do that (provided you had a good story) but it would cost.

And speaking of cost, why not expend your efforts in a way that might have a higher chance of return. If you write that script, change the characters you use so that they are some other kind of mutant or superhero. Call them something else. If you think the X-Men and the Fantastic Four weren't at least slightly influenced by the Justice League of America (DC Comics) then you don't know comic history.

Thanks for a good question.

I love young ambition!

I'm under 18 and having trouble finding a way to get my script out there. Do you have any special advice or do I just need to keep going at it?

Get the basics right first

Let's look at what you did posting on my site. You didn't identify yourself or list an email address as some did below. So I don't know any details. Specifics mean a lot. If you don't know how to write a good query letter, read the chapter in my How to Write What You Want & Sell What You Write (see the home page - it's featured prominently). Of course you need to just keep going, but if you have talent now and you know how to reach people properly, you could be the next Isaac Asimov wunderkind. Personality helps, too. If you'd stated your name and email address, I would've sent you that chapter for free. Remember this - everyone started out some time, and the ones who made it love to "give back" helping for free like people did for them, back then. There's always a way to do it, but you have to state who you are and what you have in a way that people like.

The cat came back...

Hi, it's the under 18-year old again... First of all, thanks for actually responding to my comment. Second, my name is Ben Ritter and my e-mail's (deleted by Skip so the spambots don't get it). Lastly, I live in Illinois and can't afford to go to or live in California. Should I try to get an agent in CA or what?

You win the prize, sir!

OK, Ben, here's what I'm a gonna do for you, today. I'll send you an invitation to join my Hollywood Hangout where you'll find people like Josh Caldwell, who won the Student Filmmaker award at the 2006 MTV awards. That's a good place to start (and they flew him out here).

Oh, I'm just so popular

Dear Skip: I just wrote the last comment and have more to say. I'm greatly impressed that you sold your online screenwriting course to over 900 colleges and universities. I have sold magazine, newspaper, and web articles while also teaching online. Now, I would like edit, re-slant, and re-sell my previous work while also writing new material. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks for helping new writers!

Can you tell me how you sold your online course. I have two on computing that I put a lot of work into developing, and I'd love to sell them to many colleges and universities.

Soitanly! (I'm a Three Stooges fan)

Send me an email, that's the first thing. Secondly, on the opening page it says over 1,000 and now it's almost 1,100. I'd be happy to let you know but should I expose "trade secrets" on a board anyone can see? I think not. So write me and tell me who you are and something about what you have to offer.

This question made me go "woo boy..."

Hey, I have recently been contacted to ghost write a guy's idea into a screenplay. I was wondering what should I charge him. Should it depend on if I am getting writing credit?

Absorb this spirit first...

I found five spelling errors in the question you posted and corrected them. So if you're going to write for someone, use a spell check. Now to your question. In his book Boswell: Life the famous English writer Samuel Johnson said "No man but a blockhead ever wrote, except for money." You didn't leave a name or say if you are male or female, but I'll assume you're not a blockhead. Now, whether you can write something that deserves compensation, I have no idea. I just know that I feel so much better writing when I know I'm paid.

Here's a smart guy who's going to make it…

Hello Mr. Press, My name is Lionel Correa and I am a new screenwriter. I have purchased your book "The Writer's Guide to Hollywood" and I am learning so much from it. You make it very useful friendly. Thank you. I just wanted to know if you have the contact information of the producer Robert Rodriguez from Troublemakers studios. I know he lives in Austin, Texas but his website does not list a contact. I would like to offer him one of my screenplays that fits his type of genre, which takes place in Mexico. Attentively, Lionel Correa

I'm starting to write my first screenplay and by reading your book (the Complete Idiot's Guide...) I am well familiar with the whole rewriting concept by now. My question is: When you rewrite, do you save your first draft and start the rewrite from scratch? Or do you work on the one you already wrote?

Lionel, my man!

I don't think Rodriguez will be interested, Lionel, since he mostly writes his own stuff, or with Tarantino and others. Have you tried doing a "Whois" search to see the contact information listed when his website was registered? Some times that turns up contact info.

As far as rewriting goes, I work on what I've already written, and most people I know do. The successful folks I know believe in just pounding something out and then doing the real writing in rewrite. Of course, they know structure before they start writing, which you can learn in my course. Hope that helps.

Next!

Hello, Skip, Have read both your books, and really found them helpful. The more recent one has been especially valuable -- I actually keep it on the floor by my bed, where I do all my reading and writing (have a back problem right now). Have noted your generosity with your time, and trust it has paid great dividends. You deserve it. So, here's the deal. Have been working on a screenplay about the Pilgrims for 134 years -- full time for the last three. The research part was a monster. So, now it's complete, and right now is the best time for a guy who is a rookie, and doesn't live in Hollywood, to convince people to read my script. By the way, while a rookie, The latest rewrite of One Nation is #20. And it is a very moving story. Will run it as a feature Year One, and then as a three hour television movie every year after that, on Thanksgiving night. As the birth epic of the American Spirit, it's about as high concept as a story can be. And running it the night before the busiest shopping day of the year, every year, should ensure significant revenue returns. So, now I have too enter the realm of marketing this thing, and could sure use some advice -- especially where to get names and addresses of producers of substance. I've already sent out query letters to a few directors who could do this project very well, and a few A-List males who would be perfect in the Lead. But it seems that producers are the people I need to reach, and I don't know where to start. Have used IMDb for the other names and agent addresses. So, any advice would be most welcome. Now is the window of opportunity for me, and I need to make hay. My best to you. Jim Denton

Not wanting to sound like a turkey...

Jim, you should probably write a book and by that I mean non-fiction, and create a best-seller. Then you'll be on the Hollywood radar with this project, maybe. No A-list male star wants to be in a movie about the first Thanksgiving, if you're telling me what I think you're telling me. Sounds like something for TV, after you do the book to base the movie on. - Skip

A letter that would make my long-departed Russian immigrant great-grandfather very proud:

Dear, dear Skip, Please, excuse my English, I am from Russia. I am reading your book “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Screenwriting” again. The first time I read it was a year ago. I cannot tell you how it had impressed me! And now I find more and more new things for me in this inexhaustible book. Of course, you have heard a lot of wonderful words about it and I am not the first one who is expressing you the appreciation, but I just would like to thank you very, very much for this book! It really inspired me. I suppose, that the name of your book in Russian sounds as “How They Write and Sell Scripts in the USA”, because the original name sounds for Russians a little bit abusive:) It is difficult for the person here to call himself/herself “an idiot” (especially, because it is connected with our pejorative self-name of the country, of course, you heard about it). But I know that sometimes it can be really fruitful – to begin as tabula rasa. It was so with me. The matter is that your book was one of the factors (one of the most decisive, I think) that changed my life. Last autumn I made the decision to become a script-writer seriously. Something moved inside my mind, and after that the events were developing very swiftly. I took 3 orders for full-length scripts and 1 for short one. Last week I completed all this projects. And in spite of the fact that in Russia it is not such a big money (about 10 - 15 thousand dollars) and I should wait for the larger part of the sum for some long months, I feel happy now and free to make my OWN script. I made the decision now to develop further, to the world level (I hope, it’s not too perky :)) I would like to ask you if you are going to Russia someday with courses or seminars for script-writers? For example, at the Institute of Cinematography. In Russia this field is not developed much: there are only 2 more or less famous books on the script-writing (but among students yours is the most popular and famous). We also have no tradition of agents in this field (and my master explained me the reason) - that is why nobody knows how to sell the scripts if you are not famous yet. I have one more question to you, if you do not mind. Can you send me please the sites you know that examine the “short synopsis” (excuse me, I don’t know the write English equivalent and the link of variety.com doesn’t work now) – the idea of the films. I have some ideas and I would like to offer them. I also would appreciate very much if you subscribe me for your monthly delivery. Looking forward to hearing from you. Wishing you strong health and harmony. With love and regards, Annie Vital www.annavital.ru post@annavital.ru P.S. You have a funny site:)

My reply:

Hi Annie. What a wonderful letter from Russia. I knew I had been mentioned in Pravda but I didn't know I was that popular there. I will answer your email separately from here but basically, because your letter made me smile a lot, I will read your synopses myself and help you anyway I can. You sound like a world-class artist. (And for other folks reading this exchange, check out her site and the pictures of the lady and the tree...)

You'll get a quicker response via email, but...

Hi Skip; The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting is great. It really is helping me a lot with my script. I can see the whole picture of my film. The marketing, target audience, distribution, scene shots, tone, what have you. It could be the next big hit, and I have done my research. However, I don't just want to sell my script. I want to direct and produce it, or at least be an Associate Director/Producer, that would be fine with me. Is there any way that such a deal could be arrange if I was to approach the right company? I even have my own story board and is looking in to purchasing my own equiptment, and find my own sponsors to make my own film. But, the realiatiy is that I don't come from a rich family, so I don't have the money to put in my share. I have a good list of strong contacts in NY and LA, two relatives in the business for 30 years, and some good ideas, a completed proposal, treatment, and one episode done for my television show; and I am working on my script and storyboard that is not completed yet, with an additional television project that I was asked to Produce and overlook the work of the writers who created the show. I feel like a mess, and am pooled between two project at this time. I had put my television show on the side because I had put all my focus on the project I got ask to do, plus I am not getting paid. I am a freelance worker in the Entertainment industry, but, I need some kind of organization plan, can you believe it, so I can deal with all the work. Do you have any input as to how I should organize these projects? Talk to me...Thank you, and have a good one!

After taking a breath, my reply...

You should probably hire (meaning pay for yourself, no one cares about your poverty in Hollywood because most of them don't work at what they would rather be doing) a "producer's rep" to tout your projects around town. If you don't have an agent or manager (which you should be looking for) that's probabably your best best. Other than that I can only offer the old "keep trying." Or pay me and I'll see what I can do.

From the "horrible future story" department...

Mr. Press; I looked up your website after reading “how to write what you like..”, and have been fascinated with your site so far. I am in the process of writing a novel that I want to turn into a script as well. It is a post apocalyptic fantasy adventure that’s been brewing in my head for many years, and I’m finally getting it all down on paper. After the release of my favorite epic story of all time in movie format (Tolkien’s LOTR Trilogy), and the news from Piers Anthony ( http://www.hipiers.com/ ) about movies of his books, I’ve decided that it is prime time for my story. I’ve finished my treatment and my structure so far, I am presently working on filling in the ‘meat’. I had several questions involving your fees etc but managed to overcome my ignorance by actually reading your site as I was typing this letter. Your prices are very reasonable, but outside my abilities as yet. I am using software called Dramatica (http://www.screenplay.com/) to help me organize my work. Are you familiar with this software, and can you give me any tips on using it to its full capacity? I also would like to know which goes first, the chicken or the egg? Like I said, I want to make the screenplay as well as the novel, but do I sell these together? Or do I sell the novel first, and the screenplay after? And finally, you offered a 30 minute coaching for $50, how do I contact you for that offer? Scot – Orlando, Fl morgzm@yahoo.com

Breathing deeply after reading, my response...

Scot, Chris Huntley and the Dramatica folks are heavy on support of their software, so just get in touch with them. Or take my course and get some deeper knowledge (ha, that'll make 'em mad at me).

The chicken came first, because it had legs on the outside. (No, you may not steal that - it's in a novel of mine.)

If you can sell the novel, do it. Then cowardly Hollywood, where they look hard for "source material" and want a built-in audience whenever possible, will try to buy the rights before it's published. So then you sell them the film rights and try to talk them into letting your write the screenplay. When they make the latter deal, you go to Vegas and have a good time and then a month later send them the script you "slaved" over. See how easy that is?

Actually, it's an hour for $50 but for you, today, 30 minutes! You can pay me via check (I'll give you the address if I'm sure you're not a stalker) or via Paypal.com using my email address (the one from which you're about to get an email). Soon as I'm paid, I go to Vegas... er, I give you a phone number to call me.

From the "May I steal, please?" department:

Dear Skip, If I was considering writing a screenplay that was a sequel to an already produced and released film. Could I do so without infringing on any ownership issues with the original films writers and or production company? My sequel would pick up where the original left off and of course from that point on be my own work. Once I had completed it I would attemt to sell it back to the producers of the original film. Can you see any problems with my vision?

Let's see if I can answer this...

Dear Anonymous, I'm not an opthamologist so I can't help with your vision, but if you sell a screenplay the Writers Guild has a great health plan. I can help you with your thinking, however, by getting you to think. Some people spent years and millions of dollars getting their vision onscreen and you want to take the characters created and do something with them? Walk next door and say hello to your neighbor and tell him you plan to borrow his house and add on an addition but you don't have a contractor's license or the deed, and see how far you get. Do a lot of reading at www.copyright.gov ASAP.

Several questions from Courtney:

Dear Skip,

(1) I am in the process of writing a screenplay. But I am confused as to form. I am writing it in a notebook in a novel form, is it best to do that first or write in script form? I feel like I am tormenting myself over which form to begin writing it. Thank you.

(2) I have several ideas for screenplays. Which is better to do first, work the screenplay out or write the treatment? My most recent idea has really sparked my imagination to work on it, because I think it's original. Are there any resources to find out if the idea has been thought of already? Thank you.

-Courtney-

My reply:

Courtney,

Writing your story in novel form is fine. That's a bit like writing a true "treatment" of a screen story like they did in studio days. You write out the full description of events, maybe throw in a little dialogue if it's pertinent, like "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." or "Here's Johnny!"

As to whether it's original or not, you might try looking on the Internet Movie Database at www.imdb.com. There are several ways to do searchers there.

Also, read "the trades" - www.HollywoodReporter.com and www.Variety.com - and search the archives of both. If you want to subscribe, they offer better deals in December when business is slow.

I also highly recommend Howie Meibach's site at www.hollywoodlitsales.com .

Even if someone else has an idea similar to yours, that might not mean you should abandon your project. Steven Spielberg told me he was in progress on another Peter Pan script when he found "Hook" and liked it better. You can also apply for membership to my "Skip's Hollywood Hangout" and run things by other members.

From the "school's out forever" contingent

I want to write a screenplay, which would be my first. Where would I learn the craft without going to school. I've read a couple of books but they still left me lost. Where should I look for help.

My reply:

Although I teach a college course on screenwriting, the best place to start learning could be on your couch. Get copies of scripts and DVDs that match and watch the movies with script in hand, seeing how the words translate to the screen. I'd suggest doing that with dozens of movies in the genre you like most, or any genre at all, movies from all over the world if you can find scripts for them.

After that, the best way to learn is to get involved making movies somewhere. You learn a lot seeing how it's done, and if you can watch the editing process take place, you'll learn a lot more.

Next Question

Dear Skip: I am Dr. Melissa Caudle, Founding Editor of the online magaizne www.ScreenWritersRus.com. I love your books on screenwriting and want to link your site with mine and endorse your books. I just don't just choose anyones works. Additionally, I would love to have you as one of my Judges for my contests, a Board Member, or if you would like to donate a package of books to the winners that would be great too. I in turn will post your pitches for some of your screenplays on my site for free. Let's talk. Sincerely, Dr. Melissa Caudle, Founding Editor, www.ScreenWritersRus.com

My reply:

Glad you like the books, Melissa, and thanks for the offer, but I don't believe in posting pitches for screenplays on the Web. There's no tracking for such things. When I have a screenplay ready I take it directly to people who might finance it, and when people get in touch with me about marketing their work I offer them a similar path.

And I never heard from her again...moving on...

Thanx for the motivation and hope u'r "Guide to..." provided. I have worked with Sally Merlin and got great feedback on my scripts, however, she was not that enthusiastic about agent referral/producer contacts. How much for u to read my scripts and lead me in the right direction? Robb Niles, writer/director,composer...Austin, Texas. BoohDickson@Aol.com

My reply:

I emailed you the response, Robb. Thanks for the kudos. Sally's on the east coast, I'm on the west coast (big difference).

Next Question

Hey Skip how are you doing? I did it. I got my 1st screenplay written. I profread it I made as many corrections as I could find I think it's good to go what's my next step. I know what your gonna say start writing your next script. I'm way ahead of you I've already got ideas for it I plan to write it right away. Another comedy I think it'll be funny. I was also wondering if you could help me find an agent if I need.
How can I get it to a movie company & be noticed.

My reply:

You profread it? You're a professor and you read your own work? I'd proof-read it, myself, but what do I know. ;-) (Sorry, couldn't resist.) On a serious note that I'll try not to hold too long, I cetainly can help you find an agent but not without reviewing your work, which will cost you less money than it should but probably more than you're willing to pay. You might try getting it read by other members of my Yahoo discussion group (see elsewhere on this site, it's free) and if they recommend it then maybe I'll help. Mid-2005 I set up a meeting with a top director on a brand new screenwriter's script; this can actually happen some times. It's easy if the material is great.

Next Question

Hello Skip. Thank you very much for all the great advice and invaluable information in your "Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting" and "The Ultimate Writer's Guide to Hollywood." I picked up both books at B&N after deciding to finally write a script idea I've had for a few years. The idea revolves around a man discussing certain scenes in classic and new literature, and even some movies. How much of a scene can you mention before you have to pay royalty fees or something like that? Again, thank you very much for your great books, they've been a big help!! Kevin Taylor Ray

My reply:

Kevin, it really depends on the material and when it was copyrighted or if the copyright has elapsed. See http://www.copyright.gov for information on researching such things. Gotta tell you, though, I'm not sure I'd pay to see a movie about a guy discussing... A guy cussing, maybe.

Next Question

Hey Skip, Just finished your Idiot's Guide and I must say...WOW! From the history to the trials, terrors and triumphs of screenwriting...you covered it all! I'm just getting started on my screenplay and I just wanted to thank you for a solid foothold on what I am getting myself into. Any advice on further reading? Thanks again, Toby Otero (tobyo@bayou.com)

My reply:

Toby, the best new book I've seen lately is "Liked It, Didn't Love It" (about the development process) from Rona Edwards and Monika Skerbelis. See Lone Eagle Publishing (division of The Hollywood Reporter) for more info. You can also find it at http://www.writersstore.com . Also, you should join my Yahoo discussion group. Several hundreds writers there talk about craft, Hollywood, things read and seen, and more, every single day.

Next Question

Mr. Press. (I did read the bit about Mr. Pollock...even though I venture you would answer to Skip.) I have your guide to producers, agents, ect. Just got it, but it is the 2002 edition-- Borders info said there were no recent ones in print. Finally, my question: I would like to reach David E. Kelly (not in your book) at his production company...or anywhere I can...I have something he might like. Is there a fee for your giving me that info? Thanks. Marilyn Cole (I answer to Marilyn.)

My reply:

Hi Marilyn. I answer to "your check has arrived." You are wasting your time trying to reach Kelly, as he writes all his own stuff. If you think you could be a staff writer on one of his shows and you're a lawyer, however, hanging around Shamrock Studios in Manhattan Beach with a great script might get you somewhere.

Next Question

Hey Skip, I just read "The Ultimate Writer's Guide to Hollywood" and it was one of the best I've read in regards to screenwriting. A true ego-booster once I evaluated myself and my previously written stories. I'm still in the early stages of becoming a screenwriter, doing schoolwork during the the school year and writing scripts during the break. I have a question in regards to selling a script. I'm a guy who is not good at putting comedy into words, I'm more so someone who likes writing science fiction/fantasy stories (which I plan on looking into the crew with the sci-fi channel once I make my way to Southern California after graduating). Anyways, I have an idea for a comedy script and what I wanted to know, would jumping from genre to genre be a bad career move to make for a writer? Hope to hear from you nein.3@wright.edu

My reply:

I told him that many writers cross genres. The catch is, can they do it well? If you can, nobody thinks badly of you, even though they will try to pigeonhole you in Hollywood. And his response --


The Response

Thank You, I will follow your advice. Sorry I took a little long to answer, but none the less thanks... Dan

Next Question

Hi Skip, I finished your CIG to Screenwriting last night. Good read. I plan to start a digital project soon and so I'm trying to cover all the aspects from Screenwriting to Filming and lastly to Editing. If you have advice as to similar publications to yours on the last two it'd be much appreciated. Another thing - have you thought of printing and binding scripts on behalf of non-US writers? I live in Namibia and all stationary for printing a script will have to be flown in. Regards, Jacques Kruger (dv@iway.na)

My reply:

James, I don't think anyone would pay me my normal rate to print and bind scripts for them in the US, but hey, make an offer. On the other, the book by Robert Rodriguez about the making of "El Mariachi" is good but I don't know anyone who believes he made it for $7,000 as claimed. Your best bet is to do some scouting around at The Writers Store (www.writersstore.com) online and also look for advice at the Independent Feature Project West (www.ifp.org). I also have a chapter on it in my Ultimate Writers Guide to Hollywood.If you want scripts there are lots of places to find them on the Web, but I highly recommend the "Shooting Script" series from Newmarket Press (see www.newmarketpress.com).

Next Question

Mr. Press, I will not waste time for your own sake, however, I did enjoy your Writer's Guide to Hollywood (yes, the new edition) and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting. I learned new things and that's no lie. My question is this: I want to adapt an H.P. Lovecraft story and I am under the impression that I will need copyright permission, especially if I will be using direct quotes as dialogue from the story itself. Lovecraft is, of course, dead. Who should I contact for such permission? I have searched for any kind of executors of a Lovecraft Estate or anyone who would hold the rights to his stories, but to no avail. Any suggestions? Much appreciated, Sincerely, Ethan Perkins ethan.perkins@cox.net eeperkin@uno.edu

My reply:

Note to reader (that's you, reading this page): I told Ethan that most likely, super Hollywood book agent Joel Gotler (one of the first agents I ever had) would either be handling the estate of Lovecraft if one exists, or know who is handling the estate. When I met Joel he was working with legendary agent H.N. "Swannie" Swanson who had clients like Humphrey Bogart. Joel handles the estates of Swanson and another legendary agent, "Swifty" Lazar, and that of great sci-fi writers like Roger Zelazny.

Next Question

Hi Skip, I am in the process of reading your Writer's Guide to Hollywood from a few years ago. Now that I am on your site I plan to go out and buy your new fall release. My question is, I have downloaded a trial version of Final Draft, and I am pretty good with computers, but I can't make sense out of it, is it me? Anyway thanks for the all the advice you have already given me, I really appreciate it. Dan Roslin

My reply:

Dan, this is really a personal choice issue. I prefer Screenwriter software, but I also use Final Draft when necessary (Final Draft also seems to be better at importing and formatting raw text.) I use a Mac, but readers of mine with PCs seem to like the inexpensive software found at www.virtualamnesia.com - and others like Sophocles (also PC only). With any of them, though, it's a learning curve to get accustomed.

A reader asks: "Do you evaluate treatments?"

Why, yes I do!

That might fall under the "Know Before You Go" price, depending upon what you call a "treatment." Back in the days of silent movies, "scenarists" described the scenes and some dialogue (as much as you could see on a placard between scenes). Then as movies developed in the studio system, treatments would be written that fully described all the scenes and perhaps some memorable lines of dialogue. They might run almost as long as a short screenplay. Today, in the video game world, a treatment might run 200 pages. If you are talking about the normal thing called a movie treatment these days, it could be 2 to 3 pages. I would be happy to review something like that for the "Know Before You Go" price. If it were longer, we could work out a fair price. You'd need to have that treatment registered and/or copyrighted, however.

Another reader asks:

I have 3 movies "all" in my head. I can tell you about each one from beginning to end, but when it comes to putting them down on paper my mind goes blank. What would you charge and what percentage of the sales would you want to write the scripts and sell them?

My reply:

In a situation like this, I would probably get you to describe what you see to me. We could do this in person or over the phone. I would then organize the material into a structure of a movie we could sell, and go over it with you. Once we'd established a story we liked I would draft out the script. A deal like that would be a $2,000 minimum, payable in advance. We would work out other fees and shares of profits in a way that was fair and that you could afford. I would handle the marketing alone if necessary, working under a mutually agreeable written agreement.

Moving On Up...

If you want me to speak at an event, please ask. Whether it's outside or in southern California and fun, I'd love to hear from you. For my other services, read about my fees on the other side of the page.