Getting that Script Out there!!!

For some time now I have been practicing my screenplay writing skills (thanks to Final Draft) and have not pursued the act of actually have my script published. Since taking my current class at Full Sail University, I have become interested in the processes of publishing and distribution. I have found the process of publishing scripts, which will assist me in the next step of getting my script to the silver screen. Now having a step-by-step process, in my opinion, is the best knowledge that any aspiring person can receive. So I have listed some very important steps for publishing a script, which I am using as we speak to publish my own script.

Here we go:

·      First of all, one must ensure that the script that you planned to turn in is formatted and edited correctly. The script must also have research information and a voice that speaks directly to its audience. In this case, we want it to speak clear enough to for the right persons to hear and take it straight to the silver screen.

·      Secondly, begin writing query letters to a few agents (minimum of 3). Within the letters, ensure to include the genre of the script and a treatment.

·      Next, search for a literary agent. They can be located via industry referrals or union directories.

·      The next move will be to join a union. This move will help with the publication process by providing a support system. The union can help with the availability of your work to studios and producers. Also the union can provide the author with legitimism and originality. For the publication of the script.

·      Lastly and most importantly, copyright (protect) your work! Make sure that you contact the U.S. Copyright Office to obtain the needed application and list of fees.  I cannot stress the importance of this step enough. This process will prevent copyright infringement and publication of your material.

Hopefully the information I have provided you will be beneficial to you as it is for me. This is KB and this has been Real to Reel.

Sources:

http://www.jamesrussellpublishing.biz/advice1.html

http://www.lazybeescripts.co.uk/Publishing/Index.htm

From Cutting Room Floor to the Big Screen

So since I have been attending Full Sail University for the past year and I have learned a tremendous amount about the entertainment industry.  What is most exciting is that I have been learning about the Film industry that I did not learn in my undergraduate studies of Film and Theater. I learn about the production side of thing but now I am experiencing the business side of the house.

            So I’m currently taking a Media Publishing and Distribution class in which I learn the concepts of, you’ve guess it, publishing and distribution within the entertainment industry.  Now this is exciting to me because I have always had an interest in how a film makes it from the production studio to the movie theater. So now that I am able to gather the information on this particular process, let’s take a look at it. Now I will use bullets to individualize each step for clarification:

From Cutting Room Floor to the Big Screen

·      Idea for movie is presented. (This is where the screenplay would be written)

·      Treatment is written and presented to promote interest in the Film (idea)/screenplay.

·      A studio or investor purchases rights to the Film.

·      The film production team (director, producer, etc.) is brought together to make the film.

·      The film production is completed and the film is sent to the studio.

·      A licensing agreement is completed between the studio and distribution company. (To ensure the power that both entities have over the control of the film)

·      The distribution company determines how many copies (prints) of the film to make.

·      The distribution company shows the movie (screening) to buyers representing the theaters.

·      Negotiation between the Distribution Company and theater(s) determine which movies will be leased and the terms of the lease agreement.

·      Prints of the movie are sent to the theaters days before the official release date. (Gives time for additional promotions)

·      The movie shows for a specific number of weeks (engagement). (Determined in the negotiations between the distribution company and theaters)

·      The step we all know and love: We buy our ticket and enjoy the movie (or not).

·      The engagement ends and the theater send the movie back to the distribution company and make a payment on the lease agreement.

As you see here there are a lot of steps to get those films you have loved, currently like, and desire to see in the future into the theater. Those steps take place before and after we enjoy them in our local theaters. This has been a very informative topic for me and I hope that it was for you guys as well.  So for those, like myself, that desire to have a screenplay reach the majors; these steps should help you as they have helped me.

This is KB and this has been Real to Real.

Sources:

http://www.independent-magazine.org/magazine/2009/03/prepfordistribution 

http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/movie-distribution.htm