Has anyone ever tried selling a script they wrote

[santoniou]

Hi, I'd just like to know if anyone has ever tried selling a script or story they wrote for Smallville or any other show and if so what happened?

I am really interested in the response they got and who they sent their script/story to.

[pacofajita]

hmm I don't know if Smallville does it.

I do know that Star Trek does it. Every once in a while, they'd turn a fan novel into an episode.

I just don't think Smallville's done it or will do it. Besides, some of the writers here on k-site are a hell of a lot better than Smallville's staff writers.

[Yuui]

This is a bit off the topic kilter, but I believe Elizabeth Craft (Buffyverse writer) was found by Joss's staff because of the fan fiction she used to write.

That's awfully neat.

:-D

[Summers]

oh yea, she was called "Little Willow" on the net.

[Sharkie]

Smallville doesn't take fan scripts.

[Yuui]

Originally posted by Sharkie
Smallville doesn't take fan scripts.

They didn't use her fiction, but they did hire her for the writing staff. Which is, once more, rather neat.

:D

[Summers]

Originally posted by Yuui
They didn't use her fiction, but they did hire her for the writing staff. Which is, once more, rather neat.

:D

yea, Joss loved how much care she went into her writing, and how she wrote the characters.

[ferd]

My husband is a screenwriter and has an agent-He actually just placed in the top 50 for the Nicholl Fellowship :). Usually you cannot submit anything unsolicited to any studio-or it will be returned unread. They have to cover their butt for lawsuits--like say you sent them a script and they read it, and sent it back, and never paid you a cent and 2 years later you see an episode an awful lot like the one you wrote--you could sue them, and if you can prove they read it you have a case.

Best bet if you want to write scripts is to send out letters to agents and productions companies giving a brief synopsis of your story. If they want to read it they will send you a release to sign and send back with the script. An agent is the best person to get behind you--They can get your work in the hands of the people who need to read it--You will have a really hard time getting past those walls yourself. An agent will often give writing notes and things that you need to change before they begin shopping it around.

There is an upcoming contest (will post the name later) that you can submit spec television scripts to. It is an extremely big contest and a lot of television writers got their start from it. No promise if you win your script will absolutely get made--but good chance if you win that the right people will at least read your script.

Also, when you do have your script ready to read it is wise to send it to the WGA to get it registered so that you are on record as the author, and the script is registerd with the Writer's guild. I think it's around $50 and has to renewed every year or two.

I took a screenwriting class in college, and it was very helpful. I would recommend looking into a class. There are also tons of great books out there telling you how to get your work read--and will give you addresses to production companies and agents.

[yllektra]

Originally posted by ferd
There is an upcoming contest (will post the name later) that you can submit spec television scripts to. It is an extremely big contest and a lot of television writers got their start from it. No promise if you win your script will absolutely get made--but good chance if you win that the right people will at least read your script.
Also, when you do have your script ready to read it is wise to send it to the WGA to get it registered so that you are on record as the author, and the script is registerd with the Writer's guild. I think it's around $50 and has to renewed every year or two.
Wow! That is awesome!
Any specific info on that contest? Many people in this forum and elsewhere are so very talented they need to give it a try!

[ferd]

My hubby's working on a spec for it, so I'll post the information as soon as I get all the details for it from him. I think the deadline is Aug or Sept, so still plenty of time to write and perfect your skillz.

[yllektra]

lol
Thanks for the info! :D

[santoniou]

Thanks Ferd for your help.

[TVHOG]

I think it would be so cool to write a script and have someone use it on TV or as a movie. Which brings up an idea. Maybe they could put a show on TV that is completely written by the fans. Every week they could pick out the best script and use it for the show. Maybe you would get a little money for having the winning script, but more importantly you get somebody to see your talent. What do you think?

[Yuui]

Originally posted by TVHOG
I think it would be so cool to write a script and have someone use it on TV or as a movie. Which brings up an idea. Maybe they could put a show on TV that is completely written by the fans. Every week they could pick out the best script and use it for the show. Maybe you would get a little money for having the winning script, but more importantly you get somebody to see your talent. What do you think?

As per se 'Family Guy' did a while back. That would be interesting, that is, if the storyline pertained to their own plans for the season. Otherise, I don't see the idea having any chance.

[TVHOG]

Im not talking about just one show, Yuui. I would like to see a whole series written by the fans. Of course the premise for the show would probably have to be created by a writer. Kinda like a reality show, maybe. But your right they wouldnt do it.

[yllektra]

A Whole show created by fans? Wow! Great idea! Like a spinoff or something from different shows? wow!!!

[TVHOG]

Im sure someone will read this idea and make millions off it. I guess i should have kept my mouth shut. Oh well.

[slayer]

Originally posted by Sharkie
Smallville doesn't take fan scripts.

aren't you like supposed to send them to other shows anyways...not the one you wrote the script for :confused:

[HowardFilms]

I sent a treatment for a short to a film company looking for a short screenplay. They asked for a copy of the script, and I sent that, never got an answer...

Possibly it is still in someone's in box, though I doubt it. Still, furthest I've ever gotten to selling my work. Not too worried though, I haven't really tried much, focusing on school at the moment.