WritersLittleBlackBook
PRODUCERS • AGENTS • MANAGERS • CONTACTS
WritersLittleBlackBook.com will target the production companies and development executives you should query but you’ll need a compelling logline and synopsis to get their attention.
A logline is a one-sentence description of the overall idea of your script. Tvguide.com has numerous examples of movie loglines.
The ability to create powerful loglines for your work is an invaluable skill that all writers should have in their Tool Kit! As you learn how to pitch your ideas effectively, you will be one step ahead of your peers and on your way to having your material read faster by those who are in the position to buy it.
Remember:
State the main concept of your story in one concise sentence.
Keep in mind, writing loglines takes practice. Study loglines in newspapers, internet film reviews, and the trades.
Your logline must answer the following questions:
A synopsis provides more information, one to two paragraphs, to help producers and executives determine if your script meets their creative and budgetary requirements.
You’ll need to submit both elements as part of your query process. Without a good logline and synopsis, you drastically reduce the chances of getting your script read.
The goal of your synopsis is to tell a concise, accurate and compelling version of your story to entice the reader to request your script.
Remember:
Write a simple, straightforward and easy to read synopsis.
Summarize your story in one to two paragraphs. The shorter the synopsis, the better.
Create intrigue and action in telling your story.
Focus on your lead character and his main conflict.
Spell check.
As a novice screenwriter, a query letter is one of the ways to get your script to a producer, development executive, agent or manager.
A query is a one-page letter that explains what your screenplay is about and asks if the executive would like to read it. A good query consists of a logline and a short synopsis.
Query Do’s
Address your query letter to a specific person at the company.
Keep your query short. Executives are busy. If they’re not intrigued by the third sentence, they’ll toss your query. Get to the point.
Remember, every executive is looking for a fresh, interesting story.
In one word, state the genre of your story, such as Comedy, Drama, Thrill, etc.
Include your contact information so the executive can easily email or call you to request your script.
If you or your screenplay won an award, mention that.
Use whatever credits you have no matter how small they might be. Don’t underestimate yourself.
If you don’t have any credits, list whatever credentials you have that are pertinent to the script you’re pitching. If you wrote a police drama and you work in law enforcement, mention that. It adds authenticity to your script.
Spell check.
Query Don’ts
Don’t beg. You’re talented and your writing will speak for itself.
Don’t apologize. You’re not wasting anyone’s time; you’re giving them an opportunity to read your work.
Don’t cast your script. Don’t pitch a director or actor who would jump at this opportunity
Don’t mention money. You want to get the executive to read your script, not negotiate a deal.
Don't follow up a query letter with a call or another letter or email. If they want to read your script, they’ll contact you.
Successful screenwriters have two jobs: writing a good script and marketing it.
Writers Little Black Book supplies a database of executives who are looking for the next original voice. It is your responsibility to create a tight script, research appropriate buyers, and relentlessly seek submission opportunities until someone buys your script.
There are three basic steps to marketing your script:
Register and/or copyright your scripts. If you don’t, you have no legal leverage when offering your script for sale. Protection gives you bargaining power when your script is being optioned or under consideration for being bought.
Library of Congress Copyright - www.copyright.gov/docs/fees.html
Go on-line to the Library of Congress and download the forms you need. It's free to download and you can fill it out on-line. Then you print it out and enclose it and a copy of your work with a check to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
WGA registration – www.wga.org (Los Angeles) www.wgaeast.org (New York)
Writers Guild of America, which has offices in Los Angeles and New York. Work may be submitted on-line, in person, or by mail.
The old story of gaining 'poor man's copyright' by mailing an envelope of your manuscript to yourself will not stand up in a court. Opening envelopes and replacing the contents is too easy.
