How YOUR IDEA Makes it to the BIG SCREEN – Part 2
Note: Because of the length of this topic, it will be covered over a series of blog entries. This is Part 2 in the series.
In my last blog entry, I gave the nickel version of what it takes to get your movie idea from your head into a script form that producers will be willing to take a look at.
Ok Eric, so now I have my script, I’m $60K in the hole (or I’ve sold one of my kidneys)… what do I do now? What is the next step in getting my idea to the big screen?
LOGLINE, SYNOPSIS and ATTACHMENTS: Most professional production companies will NOT take a look at an unsolicited script. But since we aren’t tracking you down and you have the BEST idea on the entire planet, how do you get your script into our hands for review?
Answer: You send the production company the logline for your script and a 1-2 page synopsis of your script, with attachments.
Now your logline SHOULD have been written before your script was written! I should have mentioned this in Part 1, but I assumed that writers know that they need to know the basic premise of their story before they start writing. Anyway, if you haven’t created your logline by this time, you need to now.
I cannot stress the importance of this step enough! The main problem with many logline and synopsis submissions lies in the fact that many indie filmmakers wouldn’t know a logline if it bit ‘em in the backside, and their synopses don’t contain the information that production companies are looking for.
1. LOGLINE: A logline is a ONE to TWO sentence answer to the question, “What is your script about?” This is the SAME line/s that you will “quick pitch” to studio execs, donors, investors, distributors and basically anyone willing to listen. So ya think ya might want to take some time to understand this step right? Well, you do! Trust me, this is HUGE! So take the time to check out this fantastic article on loglines by my friend and gifted screenwriter/script doctor, Mr. C.J. Powers.
Bottom line on your loglines is to make sure that it tells the story, and sets up the irony of the story concisely, in two sentences or less. 3+ sentence loglines are outside industry parameters. Don’t use them.
2. SYNOPSIS: A synopsis is a 1-2 page document that gives the abbreviated version of your script and contains any attachments that you have to the script.
The synopsis of your script should tell the entire story. Don’t be concerned about giving away the twists or resolution. This is the ONLY document that production companies are going to take the time to look at, before deciding whether or not to request your script.
Please, please, please… did I say please? CHECK YOUR GRAMMAR, SPELLING AND PUNCTUATION! I can’t tell you how many times I see a horribly written synopsis. What makes a writer think that a production company is going to look at a 100-120 page script if 2 cohesive pages can’t be written properly? Note: Do NOT create a 3+ page synopsis. You will immediately lose credibility with the production company.
3. ATTACHMENTS: Attachments are actually part of your 1-2 page synopsis and should be included in that document. Attachments can include a myriad of things.
Do me a favor that will bless you. Think like a producer for a moment. Producers are not only concerned with the overall quality of the production, but the financial feasibility of the production as well! We are concerned with costs, talent, locations, tax incentives, investors, etc.
An attachment can be all of the above and more. Say your film takes place on a golf course and you have a friend who runs a PGA golf course and believes in your film. This person has confirmed in writing that, if you produce your script into a film, he/she will let you film on the course for nothing more than a credit in the film, and the publicity that it will give the course. THIS is an example of an attachment. You think the production company might be interested in knowing that the location for the bulk of the shoot is already attached at no cost? You bet they want to know this information!
When Cloud Ten Pictures was approached with the idea for our latest production SAVING GOD, we found that noted actor Ving Rhames was already “attached” to the script. You think this caught our attention? You bet it did!
Hopefully this practical filmmaking blog series is blessing you.
I’m gonna cut it short for today. “That’s a wrap,” as they say. But look for the next installment in this blog series coming soon.
Please comment and let me know if you are being blessed by this series and if you have any questions at all on this part of the process.
God bless! And thanks again for being faithful followers of the Cloud Ten Pictures blog.
Your friend and blogger… Eric
Facebook Comments
8 Comments
Leave a Response
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blessed by this series! times 2! God's timing is impeccable.
Just for laughs, try the random logline generator
http://www.lifeformz.com/cgi-bin/idea/idea.fcgi
It's weak on the irony part but is pretty funny, giving out things like:
A novelist and a band of self-absorbed husbands plot to take over the world in a corn field.
Eric,i dont know that to say but just asking God to bless you for the information that you are giving out to us more especially us guys from africa.Its really a bless to us you are building,encourage and strengthening us.
Hello Eric,
Wow, thks for the blessing. Looking forward to upcoming posts..btw I am a board member for Kingdomwood and Saving God has been such a blessing at our screenings in the Atlanta area. blessings!
Cassandra
Response to comments:
1. Bill, so glad you have been blessed by this series. It truly is a practical series and hopefully many others who are reading but not commenting are also being blessed. I will try the random logline generator.. who knows maybe it will spark a blockbuster?!
2. Maclub, I am so blessed to be used of the King of Kings to touch the lives of our brothers and isters in Africa. My wife just came back from a short term missions trip to Uganda. God bless you brother!
3. Cassandra, glad you are looking forward to the upcoming posts! Love Kingdomwood.. so glad that SAVING GOD has been a blessing in the ATL! God bless you sister and thanks for following the blog!
E
This is a great series, Eric! I'm really enjoying it. And even though I'm not in the film industry, some of the principles you are presenting easily cross-over to other areas as well. Thanks!
Thanks Eric for this blessing. I'm thankful you're sharing your experience with us.
Re: Christian filmmakers not knowing about loglines. I was writing based on an unforgettable dream I had, back in '99. The dream grew as I processed it. I took my guidance and it's lead me here with a script that has touched many hearts.
I had a premise that kept me tight to the story but will do a logline similar to those in the article on loglines. So far I have "When No One's Looking…think again…actions speak louder than words." I thought that was good enough. Is that correct or is it more of a tagline?
To Butterfly,
What you have is a tagline. Try using this template as a starting point for creating a logline. It will help you boil your script down into one sentence.
(Title) is a (Genre) about (Protagonist) who must (Objective) or else
(Dire thing that will happen if protagonist fails).
Good luck.
Very good series so far, Eric. Thanks!