F.A.Q

Q: Do you offer a Treatment Writing Service?

A: I’m always willing to help when I can - for more details please Click Here.

Q: Is it okay to have a treatment but no script?

A: Yes. Story concepts can and are sold on the treatment alone - but this is tough going if you are new to the business. Get a copy of Writing the Killer Treatment by Michael Halperin.

Q: If I can sell a treatment could they not hire someone to write the script?

A: Yes. If you can sell the treatment someone else can be hired to write the script. Be aware, those already established in the biz stand a much better chance of selling just the idea/treatment than those who are trying to break in - but once again no guarantee. All depends on the story idea. Is High Concept? If so, then you have a good chance - yet it’s still best to have a screenplay. For more information on HIGH CONCEPT visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_concept

Q: Does a Reality Show treatment differ from a feature film / TV treatment?

A: Yes. And the best book on the subject of how to write them (with examples) is “Pitching Hollywood - How to sell your TV and Movie Ideas” by Johnathan Koch and Robert Kosberg. For book links - Click Here.

Q: How do I protect my idea?

A: Write a synopsis, treatment and/or script and register it with a reputable body like the Writers Guild, ProtectRite or Click & Copyright.

Q: How do I find out if my idea/story hasn’t been or isn’t already being done?

A: There is no way of being 100% sure - it’s the nature of the business. If you have thought of the idea, guaranteed that someone else in the world has too -- it’s all a matter of who gets there first! What you can and should be doing is keeping up-to-date on what is happening in the industry. Check the daily and weekly trades like Hollywood Reporter and Variety - see what’s in production, optioned, etc. Subscribe to bulletins like ShootingPeople and check Done Deal.

Q: What’s the best way to “Shop” my idea?

A: Pitch your idea to Producers and Agents in the form of a Query Letter and offer to send them a Synopsis and/or treatment. REMEMBER TO FOLLOW THEIR SUBMISSION GUIDELINES. If they like your synopsis/treatment they will ask for the script. If you have not written it - you could miss your opportunity. Another way is to register your logline and treatment on some of the online market places: http://www.inktip.com -- http://www.screenwritersmarket.com -- http://www.screenwritersvault.com