I have an idea for a movie/story that popped into my head last night.
This is one of those that I am not even willing to discuss in a public place (don’t wanna get it stolen).
Just play along and assume I am telling the truth when I say this is a brilliant idea, a clear winner. I have had ideas for stories many times, but never anything like this.
Now, anyone on the board have experience in “Hollywood” and/or general advice on contacting people there AND providing at least an acceptable level of security against getting the idea stolen.
If I had a complete script, obviously a copyright would be in order. As it is just a solid premise for a script, this doesn’t seem applicable.
The only specifics I will place here is that people responsible for “Gattaca” would be who I would want to pitch this to first.
No one in Hollywood reads unsolicited scripts. They are returned unread to prevent lawsuits.
If you’re serious about this, you need to move to Hollywood. Your only chance of breaking in is to meet people at the studios and give a personal face-to-face pitch. But see #3.
You will need an agent (to make the sale) and a lawyer (to negotiate the contract). Be sure to get someone who is familiar with the movie business.
Don’t worry about theft; it’s extremely unlikely you have anything worth stealing. If they think it’s worth doing, they’ll do better to pay you a piddling amount (for them – a lot for you) and produce it. Also, see point 1.
Ideas are worthless. You need to have a story, and a complete script (especially if you have no track record).
I suspect that your idea is not as new and innovative as you probably think it is. That’s merely going with the odds: everyone thinks their idea for a story is brillant, even when it’s not.
Even more important, ideas aren’t copyrightable.
As I said, try writing a novel; you’ll have a much better chance.
My main concern about taking your approach is that I am not convinced that I have a sufficient gift for the narative part of the story to make it compelling. I would hate to ruin this premise with poor story writing.
I would be much more comfortable working with a writer and co-write this idea.
I used to work at a major film studio and RealityChuck is basically right.
There is something called a “pitch” which is basically going in, telling your idea and getting paid for it.
However, getting in to make that pitch is the hard part. You have about as much chance getting into such a meeting as you do hitting lottery twice in a row.
Breaking into the film industry is about 95% who you know, 4% sheer luck and 1% talent.
I saw Harvard grads working as a secretary for $10 hour. I saw drop dead gorgeous people with masters degrees in literature delivering mail. Everybody has a script. Everybody can act. Most of them would sell their soul and grandma to get in the door.
That said, there are always those wonderful success stories of an unknown outsider who sold that script for big bucks (4% sheer luck factor - being in the right place at the right time.) Those stories verge on urban legend, but it has happened.
Two ways to get around this. Find someone with money and make your own film. On a long shot, you might get into a film festival, and on an even bigger longshot, it might be picked up by a major studio, and on an even much bigger longshot, it might make a buck. At which point, you might luck out and get a chance to make a real film for a real studio. By the way - the above is only true if you are about 25 years old or younger. I am not joking about that.
The second way is to write a book. Get it published. Get some hype and option the rights.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but them are the facts my friend.
Well. . . . it’s a running joke among writers that someone comes up to them and says, “I have a great idea for a story. We can work together and split everything 50-50.” :rolleyes:
Unfortunately, the idea is only about 1% of the story. The real work is turning the idea into a book or screenplay.
You’ll never know if you have the narrative gift if you don’t try. I wasn’t sure I had any talent for writing, but I wrote anyway, and managed to convince a few editors that I could.
Sit down, write the thing, and make it the best you can.
I do realize the realities of the situation. None the less, I feel this is a compelling premise.
As you (RealityChuck) are a real writer, would you have any interest in seeing the idea off line? At the least, you might be able to say that I should forget this one and keep thinking… But really, I think you would be pleased with it.