I’ve been working on a story for a while. I haven’t gotten all the details straight, yet I was wondering, since I don’t live in L.A., how I could pitch a story to a producer or director? Is it okay to send the plot by email?
–Stephanie
You can read the answer here.
This site is run by screenwriter John August. Most of the time, he answers reader-submitted questions about the craft, but occasionally he goes on tangents that run far afield of writing and filmmaking. You'll also find info on past, present and future projects.
For photos, blurbs and other self-promotion, you can check out his Facebook fan page.
Articles
February 14th, 2006 at 12:20 pm
John,
My name is Skott Parker, screenwriter/producer. I’ve written over 15 screenplays and 30 short scripts, as I’m only 27 yrs-old. I have 40 projects/pitches that I would like to get in the hands of someone like you.(Or Amy Pascal - via you/me. I don’t mind signing release forms…ALL of these projects/pitches are my creation.) Currently, I have a script that is being produced - with a budget of 2 Million - by a small indie co., in NY. I also have a contact at the WMA who is receiving my latest script - this week - and shopping the market. I am also contacting a well known producer in L.A. to see where I can go with these projects/ideas.
Being that I am 4 years removed from the University of North Texas and living in Houston, I plan to move to Hollywood at the end of this year.(2006)
Honestly, I just don’t want to get mixed in with the wrong crowd. Is there anything you can do? Hopefully read the pitches or collaborate? (Please contact me via email, if possible.)
Thanx John, I know you don’t have much time, as a screenwriter/producer I can relate, somewhat! I mean it’s not like Warner Bros. is beating my door down, or anything! ((cough)) “HINT, HINT!”
I just need an opportunity.
Sincerely,
Skott Parker
IO
Producer/Screenwriter
June 16th, 2006 at 11:31 pm
I’m just reading this page and just found out this site even existed. I wonder if John was able to help Skott with his request. Realistically I’m sure John must have his own intensely busy schedule and deadlines to worry about and from the email Skott sent, it sounds like he’s well on his way anyway. For a newbie screenwriter and fine artist like me with dreams of perhaps directing my own film, a script being filmed for a measly $2 million (measly by hollywood standards and to politicians) would be a dream come true!!!! From the looks of it Skott I’d say something is going to break out for you very soon! I know I haven’t made it to teh big time and I’ve only written my first script, but I’d say keep at it. As an artist I feel like every gallery I show at is another notch under my belt no matter how big or how small and another chance for a curator or contact to know about my work so they might put me in a better show or buy some art. Unfortunately neiter happens that often, but I think its probably even harder in the art world to build contacts and a rep then it is for a screenwriter cause if you come up with a good product, as a writer your guranteed a much larger audience due to film, tv,video. As a painter it’s much more isolated and random, but in either case it sounds like persistence is key.
January 13th, 2007 at 1:25 am
And all this time I thought people were reading this website because they loved John, not his contacts.
February 8th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Creator:
John who?
April 9th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
I’m really busting my hump to get my character designs noticed with the storyline proposals i have created and worked on for over 15 years. If any one is interested the website is (www.xdragunn.com) ive created the website, drawn the characters, rewrote the storylines in a little under 3 months for my art/education curriculum thesis. if any one goes to the website click “ANIME” and the page should come up with the designs as well as the storyline proposals. If anyone is interested email me!
good luck to everyone,
-Dustin