Finding a writer
I have this vision of a modern version of famed movie CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. My vision has a multicultural cast with actor/comedian Wayne Brady playing the starring role (Dick Van Dyke’s character). I need a writer. How can I find one? And at what price?
–Les Williams
On the scale of marketable ideas, that’s not bad, although I suspect in this remake-crazy culture, someone’s already working on it. Regardless, I’m sure Wayne Brady and his representatives are happy that you’re out there, working to find him roles.
Ignoring for the moment that someone actually owns the underlying rights (probably MGM, but maybe Ian Fleming’s estate), I see two main paths which you could take in pursuit of a screenwriter to implement your vision.
First, you could find a screenwriter who is already somewhat successful. I’m not talking Robert Towne or Callie Khouri, but rather a writer who got credit on Eddie Griffin’s latest movie, or a Mandy Moore vehicle. Since you’re not bringing a lot to the project other than your enthusiasm, you may have a hard time convincing this writer’s agent to take you seriously. But I’d bet out of a list of 10 candidates, you’d find at least two writers willing to hear you describe your vision for the movie. And if it’s as good as you think it is, maybe one writer will say yes. Working together, the two of you either write the script as a spec, or approach the rights holder and convince them to commission a script.
The other option would be to find a screenwriter without any produced credits, and convince her to write the script for you. Maybe you pay her a few thousand dollars, maybe you don’t. Either way, you work together to create the best possible script you can, with some sort of written contract between you clarifying that you’re attached as a producer. When it’s finished, you approach the rights holder and convince them that your script will make the definitive multi-ethnic CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG for the new millennium.
How do you find this newbie writer in the first place? You might have luck with online screenwriting forums and workshops. As long as you can read the writer’s work, it doesn’t matter where they live. Another good option would be to find writers who’ve won (or made the final rounds) in one of the many screenwriting competitions, such as the ones sponsored by Final Draft or the Austin Film Festival.
Which way is better? Honestly, they’re both difficult. But a producer’s job is always difficult, and many of today’s top producers started their careers exactly this way, with nothing more to offer than their imagination and tenacity.
January 27th, 2004 at 10:35 am
Are you kidding me? That’s what a producer does? Imagination and Tenacity is all you need? The producer starts the ball with their own sheer energy (and often cash) and pushes until the powers that be stop pushing back? I’ve got a thousand ideas that could be better than half the movies that get made (that’s what they all say I’m sure) but at least 10 of my ideas don’t completely suck. This is encouraging.
April 17th, 2004 at 7:28 pm
well I think Mr. August has a great point for new talent just dying to get thier feet wet . I myself have had a few ideas for movies and have not yet brought one to life … why? im kind of scared. could a writer really put into words the passion behind the movie I imagine? with the entusiasm I feal about it? My best bet would probably be someone with talent. fresh out of school, ready and thirsty to give everything, as aposed to someone who thinks they know it all, and has never really writen a hit! I myself have found a few writers, one fantastic one who wants my favorite idea and will write it for free, unless it does well of corse then he wouldnt mind a cut.I havent made my decision but as of now he is the one and I will pay him wether he likes it or not.
August 16th, 2004 at 7:24 am
Close.
October 21st, 2004 at 3:14 pm
OCTOBER 24 2004
Hey! Hire me!
I’m one of those hungry, prolific writers, (over 15 feature screenplays, various re-write gigs, and directing an experimental short)…a few years out of UCLA’S MFA SCREENWRITING PROGRAM…and doing the deal.
Sending the introduction letters out to producers, agents and managers…recently repped by 2 managers for a few years…placing as a semi-finalist in both the NICHOLLS GEE FELLOWSHIPS and the FADE IN SCREENWRITING CONTEST.
Yes…I can be actually contacted, e-mailed and actually talked to.
(Am I doing this with enough dignity and decorum Mr. August?)
MARK MTS1160@HOTMAIL.COM (530) 470 8842
July 11th, 2006 at 9:14 pm
I have had a personal experience in my life that has lasted over 13 years and I believe it would make a box office hit since there has never been a movie like this. If Francis Coppola could direct it, I’m sure it would be a winner.
August 3rd, 2006 at 2:35 pm
I have written a book. Every person who has read it said it should be a movie(not relatives). Every person that has read it said that they continued reading sometimes until 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning because they could not stop. This book needs a screenplay. Check out Chapter One on my website. Anyone up for the challenge? -Melissa
January 28th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I am really trying to find a writer as I have had leads but they ended in dead ends as most starting writers dont have the money to do the story Even though they say the story is great .Which is about like the Love canal but with kidnapping also a true story Many years I asked epa and congress to help and they look the other way As the Dep in Pennsylvania says We dont help with old dumps? with gases coming up and bushes sinking in ground If anyones interested please contact me at Sandyrose7mi@aol.com