I was recently blind pitched via email for a high-concept comedy idea … and I actually said yes to reading the script.
Unfortunately, after the first 30 pages I had no idea what was going on and I hadn’t laughed once. This, of course, is not good if you pitch me a high-concept comedy and then don’t deliver. And this illustrates the most important aspect of breaking into Hollywood:
You must have a GREAT script.
I can’t say this enough. Because you could get lucky and get someone to read your script based on an email or fax or call you made, but what’s the point if the script isn’t good and the person just passes on it?
Simply having a high-concept idea or a title might have worked 10 years ago but not anymore. In an environment where studios and buyers are spending less and less money and making less and less movies, you can’t get by on an idea alone. The script has to be great too.
And don’t just take your family or friend’s feedback that it is good. Get professional feedback. It’s worth the investment because it will help you land that agent, manager or producer.
You can get more detailed information on “How to Write a Dynamic Screenplay” here.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Rachel,
Perhaps I reading the book would answer this for me. But in your experience, if someone has a great idea for a story, but the script they write is terrible, is that because they strayed from their original idea during the writing process?
Hi Tim,
Actually. in my experience straying from the original idea is not why a script is terrible. A script is usually terrible because the writer had a great idea but didn’t know how to execute it properly. That’s why I always having a great idea is not enough in this town – you also have to be able to write extremely well. Best,