this seems insane...

zagoraz · Jun 8, 2005

...but more power to em' if it worked.

Read this on IMDB this morning -

Writers Sell a Screenplay -- By Placing an Ad for It

A pair of first-time screenwriters who bypassed the traditional Hollywood system by taking out an ad for their screenplay in the Hollywood trade papers have signed a six-figure deal for it with the fledgling independent production company Vine Entertainment. In a statement, the company said that it had picked up Silver, by Chrisanna Northrup and Halle Eavelyn, when it became "the center of a fierce bidding war" following the writers' "unconventional sales approach." Northrup said in the statement, "I was told that we were crazy taking out an ad, but ... we were determined not be put off by the usual stories of how hard it is to sell a script in Hollywood."

Chesher Cat · Jun 8, 2005

I've seen ads for screenplays before in the trades but they are usually in the classifieds or at best a quarter page. Did they take out a full page or something? It would be interesting to see the ad. Anyway, somebody still had to read the script - it must of had something going for it to garner six figures.

The trades will be happy 'cause every desperate screenwriter in the world will be booking ads.

Joe Calabrese · Jun 8, 2005

At three grand for a quarter page in Variety (1 time insertion and for the LA edition only), I don't expect too many newbies shelling out the bucks for a chance at fame and fortune.

Still, cheaper than flying and going all out at a pitchfest and the odds of success probably a little better.

NikeeGoddess · Jun 9, 2005

my guess

only a high concept idea
with a great movie poster (for the ad)
and a cool title for the marquee
could pull that off

that's all some producers want anyway. they don't always care about the story. i know that the title xXx came before the script.

maestrowork · Jun 9, 2005

Sometimes you need to gamble (or invest), take risks, walk the unbeaten path... if you have the money, of course. There are many paths to success.

Still, you need to have a GREAT script. No amount of ads or pitching will help if you have a crappy script or concept.

Chesher Cat · Jun 9, 2005

maestrowork said:
Still, you need to have a GREAT script. No amount of ads or pitching will help if you have a crappy script or concept.

I would have to disagree with the GREAT script part. Lots of projects are sold and the scripts aren't GREAT. Sometimes it just requires luck and who you know. Being in the right place at the right time...

this seems insane...

zagoraz

Chesher Cat

Joe Calabrese

NikeeGoddess

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

Chesher Cat