Commercialibity vs a damn good script

[GonnaBeFamous]

I have a hilarious script that other then a minor polish is probably done. I think the thing is absolutely genius. Although it's inspired by real life and because of that fact I think even though the characters are original and entertaining and wild things happen, I'm not sure if this script has any commercial value. Is the independant film industry where damn good scripts that aren't commercially sound go to die? Or would I possibly have to do a rewrite and sell my soul for even hopes of an independant film deal? I plan on this being my showcase script because I'm so passionate about it and I feel no reader in the buziness would put this down that has a tolerance for strong R content. I think this script is actually made better then most hollywood films, but would never get made by them because it's to "Real" I think.

OK, let me sum up the question again, can there be a damn good script that story analysts of producers would love and can't stop reading, but windup rejecting consistently due to no commercial value? If so is there a chance with independants?

[Optimus]

First of all, it's "damned," not "damn," when you're using it as an adverb or adjective. Sorry, it's just a pet peeve of mine.

Second of all, if it's really that good, then it would get made, or at least lead to future work for you. There are plenty of perceived great scripts which get made that are not necessarily commercially viable (Cinderella Man, Cold Mountain, etc.). There are also those which are rather fringe and not necessarily main stream per se, but still do somewhat respectably at the box office AND garner critical acclaim (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Royal Tennenbaums, Bottle Rocket). Sometimes critical praise is as important a consideration to studios as commercial appeal (bankability). Also, sometimes certain stars can be attached to scripts that may not be commercially appealing, but the star power draws people in. That's something else the studios will take into consideration ("This is a great script, but how can we make money off of it?").

As a general rule, comedies are usually implicitly commercial, however the perception of one being "hilarious" is entirely subjective. Tennenbaums and Bottle Rocket both were humorous in certain spots...."grin-worthy," if you will...but certainly not "hilarious" by any stretch of the imagination.

However, both had somewhat interesting and unique characters and both got made.

I'd suggest posting the first 5 or 10 pages here (make sure it's copyrighted first) so that we might be able to offer a more enlightened opinion as to how you should approach marketing your script (and, more importantly, if it's even actually close to being ready).

[GonnaBeFamous]

First of all, it's "damned," not "damn," when you're using it as an adjective. Sorry, it's just a pet peeve of mine.

Second of all, if it's really that good, then it would get made, or at least lead to future work for you. There are plenty of perceived great scripts which get made that are not necessarily commercially viable (Cinderella Man, Cold Mountain, etc.). There are also those which are rather fringe and not necessarily main stream per se, but still do somewhat respectably at the box office AND garner critical acclaim (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Royal Tennenbaums, Bottle Rocket). Sometimes critical praise is as important a consideration to studios as commercial appeal (bankability).

As a general rule, comedies are usually implicitly commercial, however the perception of one being "hilarious" is entirely subjective. Tennenbaums and Bottle Rocket both were humorous in certain spots...."grin-worthy," if you will...but certainly not "hilarious" by any stretch of the imagination.

However, both had somewhat interesting and unique characters and both got made.

I'd suggest posting the first 5 or 10 pages here (make sure it's copyrighted first) so that we might be able to offer a more enlightened opinion as to how you should approach marketing your script (and, more importantly, if it's even actually close to being ready).


It's not copyrighted or registered yet so I'm not posting anything. Plus it's not perfect YET as it will go through a polish or two in the next few months. I think it is almost as good as it will get considering I just got done with a 6 week total rewrite. And I don't know how many will like it, but I REALLY feel passionate about this. I think this is probably the best script I could ever write or even dream about writing. I love it.

[Joe Calabrese]

If it that's good it will get noticed.

[icerose]

It's not copyrighted or registered yet so I'm not posting anything. Plus it's not perfect YET as it will go through a polish or two in the next few months. I think it is almost as good as it will get considering I just got done with a 6 week total rewrite. And I don't know how many will like it, but I REALLY feel passionate about this. I think this is probably the best script I could ever write or even dream about writing. I love it.

GonnaBeFamous,
You have to put faith in yourself and your writing sometime. Don't be so hard on yourself and when you get it registered, let it speak for itself rather than covering it with self doubt. Okay?

[GonnaBeFamous]

If it that's good it will get noticed.

Is letting a working screenwriter who coproduces movies allow to see your script if its WGA registered, a good idea? I emailed one about my script(didn't tell him the detailsor anyting just told him that it covers a topic similiar to one of his movies) and he said he would get back with me this weekend(haven't heard from him again yet) so I'mnot sure if he just wants to stay in contact or see my script or what.

[GonnaBeFamous]

GonnaBeFamous,
You have to put faith in yourself and your writing sometime. Don't be so hard on yourself and when you get it registered, let it speak for itself rather than covering it with self doubt. Okay?

I know. I'm afraid to register it yet until I let it off for another month to gain objectivity. You have to lay off your work a while. I may find something that I didn't like at all before and wind up changing it. Unless that screenwriter/producer in the unlikely chance requests to read it, then I'll register it before letting him see it.

[Optimus]

Why not go ahead and copyright it now?

Legally, you can make any changes to it you wish after it's copyrighted. You could do a page one rewrite and it'd still be protected under the original copyright.

[GonnaBeFamous]

Why not go ahead and copyright it now?

Legally, you can make any changes to it you wish after it's copyrighted. You could do a page one rewrite and it'd still be protected under the original copyright.


The copyright is still done by mail. :( And the WGA isn't much protection cause they don't help pay for your legal representation I think.

[icerose]

The copyright is still done by mail. :( And the WGA isn't much protection cause they don't help pay for your legal representation I think.

Niether does the copyright office that I am aware of. All they do is help you prove in court that the work is yours and get money for it. It works the same for both WGA and Copyright from what I understood.

And yes you are a scaredy cat. hehe.

And as long as it is protected either by WGA or copyright then if he did steal it then you could take him to court and get money for it, but again why would he steal it? He wouldn't take that chance if he has even the slightest bit of intelligence of if he does you have him, so I don't see what you are worried about.

[GonnaBeFamous]

Niether does the copyright office that I am aware of. All they do is help you prove in court that the work is yours and get money for it. It works the same for both WGA and Copyright from what I understood.

And yes you are a scaredy cat. hehe.

And as long as it is protected either by WGA or copyright then if he did steal it then you could take him to court and get money for it, but again why would he steal it? He wouldn't take that chance if he has even the slightest bit of intelligence of if he does you have him, so I don't see what you are worried about.

Copyright will pay for your legal fees, WGA will not. Copyright is more powerful.

[Mac H.]

Copyright will pay for your legal fees.Where did you hear that?

Don't take my disbelieving word for it. Ask them.

[Joe Calabrese]

Could of things.

No one pays or helps pay for your legal. Where did you get that idea?

Copyright is effective from date of application received, not when they are finished processing it. So, if you mail it on Monday, they get it by Wed and that's when your copyright goes into effect. You're just waiting for the receipt.

You don't need to put a copyright number on a script,.

In fact, I don't put it on a script at all. It is assumed your work is registered and/or copyrighted and it is far more important to sign a release form (which is where you would put copyright or wga info.

The only difference between copyright and WGA reg is:
- copyright is for life, WGA is not
- copyright is recognised in federal court, wga is, but not as much. Chances are your legal battle will not go to federal, but state.

[JustinoXXV]

LOC registration is not copyright. Copyright protection exists from the moment you create it (though obviously you should register your script).

Also, how can you improve your script if you don't show it to other people? No one would expect you to post 10 perfect pages. If you were that good, you probably wouldn't be here.

If you decide you want your entire script read, there are the peer review sites I mentioned.

The copyright is still done by mail. :( And the WGA isn't much protection cause they don't help pay for your legal representation I think.

Are you just making excuses here? You can't register your script either way so you can't show it to people?


As for you having to sell your soul and do a rewrite after it's bought, I think you're getting way ahead of yourself.

[GonnaBeFamous]

OK I'll post the first 10 pages, I just got it registered, MIght as well find out what others think and I'll probably use those other services in a while where people evaluate each others scripts that justino gave links.

[JustinoXXV]

There you go, Gonna. :)