How do I go about pitching a movie idea?

Cafe Society
1

I am not a professional writer by any means, but I do like to write a short story now and then. I have never been published and I don’t necessarily want to be published. Also, I am not connected to the literary community at all. The only people who have read my stories are myself and a few friends, here and there. And overwhelmingly, they say, “You should try to get this stuff published”.

A few months ago, I started writing a short story and it’s turning out to be more of a novel. It’s the easiest story I’ve ever written, yet I’m taking my time and trying to paint vivid pictures for the reader. I’ve never written anything this detailed, yet easy to read/follow before. Without giving away too much, it’s geared toward the LGBT movie-goer (I think it will appeal to the masses, not just LGBT people), and it’s a “broke back mountain-ish” type of story, and has lots of twists and turns. The end of the movie will leave the reader feeling equally happy and sad.

I got this crazy idea that it would make a great movie and would like to know how to go about pitching the idea? Would I need to get it copyrighted or something before talking to someone? Obviously, I can’t call Ang Lee and casually mention it. Or should I submit it for publication first? And that brings up more questions…how do I do that?

Has anyone here every been published or had their movie idea come to fruition? As I said, I am in central Virginia, and have absolutely no connections with the literary world.

2

If you want your novel to become a movie you either need to rewrite it as a screenplay first or get it published as a novel and have it be successful enough for someone to buy the movie rights.

I’d suggest the second, as screenplay writing is a completely different animal that you aren’t just going to pick up.

3

I agree–write the novel, research Writers’ Market (or whatever the current source is), and start sending it around.

4

I’m totally not an expert witness, but:

Every story about movie scripts I’ve heard is that it’s a miracle anytime a story makes it all the way to theatrical release.Everyone in LA has a script they’re trying to get into someone’s hands.

If you’ve got a strong book, with a likely receptive audience (LGBT) submit it for publication. That might put some money in your pocket, it will increase the odds that someone influential will want to film your story, and it will protect your idea. (A film company might offer you money if they want to make a movie that is just thematically close to your story, in order to avoid any possible legal issues.)

And you can try and flog the idea as a movie at the same time you’re submitting the book.

5

Try these sites:

http://www.triggerstreet.com/gyrobase/index

6

Film producer checking in here. First of all, don’t send stuff to ANYONE unsolicited. You will just have your heart broken.

2nd, decide what business you are in. If you want to see a movie made out of your story, then you are in the movie making business, and you need to finance the business for that purpose. don’t rely on strangers to carry the ball for you.

But if you just want to make a few bucks from someone that might be in the movie making business, and if so, might make a movie out of your script (it is a script, right?), then you will need to stop worrying about if the movie ever gets made or not, when you make your sale, your part is done.

3rd, realize that the value of any given script or story is essentially nil, just like a lottery ticket. Stay realistic. Hell, the value of any given completed MOVIE is essentially nil these days.

4th, there are lots of online groups, including on facebook, where you can get more detailed advice. Google is your friend. Especially try screenwriters (or is it screenwriting?) magazine, which must be online, and I see in Borders and Barnes and Noble all the time. Use their material to guide your searches.

There is more, much more, but be realistic is the best advice. Spec scripts are no way to make living, you might as well buy lottery tickets. Not only that, but for movies that are made, the money that gets divvied up is often gone long before a spec script writer will get any at all. The earlier you are in the process, the more likely you will be at the END of the breadline and will at best get crumbs.

7

None of that is how it works, unless you are looking to get fleeced.

8

I appreciate this information. I know think it would be best for me to start the process of submitting it. It’s currently written as a novel, and I’m nearly done tweaking it. I have been working on it since July and I have great confidence in it. I know every writer must say that though.

9

Your work is automatically copyrighted when you create it.

I’ll be blunt. As someone outside the industry, with no industry contacts, your chances of pitching your idea are ZERO.

Your best chance is to publish it as a novel, have it become a bestseller, and use that leverage to swing a movie deal. Which is still a huge long shot … but at least it happens sometimes.

10

Well, I pled ignorance, but I am curious. Haven’t there been instances of movie makers paying off novelists in order to avoid legal problems with similar stories?

Wikipedia reports (“citations needed”) that the novel Starship Troopers was optioned well into the film production process.

11

But occasionally that great confidence is justified. Someone has to be the next J. K. Rowling … it might as well be you.

You’ve already completed the biggest hurdle, which is finishing your first manuscript. Send it off! And start working on book number two!