Screenwriting

silverwater

I'm very interested in screenwriting.
I have written a full-length script and plan to study a Masters in screenwriting next year.

Does anyone know anything I should know about what my next move would be to getting a script made?
Or anything at all I should know really...?

Richy165

Well, if it's a feature length script then you might want to get an agent who will approach productions companies on your behalf. Most companies won't take unsolicited scripts any more so knocking on their door and asking them to check out your script probably isn't going to work. If it's a short then you'd probably be able to pal up to somebody who knows someone in production who may be able to secure a production company's name to the project in order to secure some sort of funding. Or, if you're from a wealthy stock then you can spend the next few year working for next to nothing in the hope that your name comes up in the right circles, which may never happen. With the way the industry is at the moment I'd advise you to buy a camcorder and do it yourself.

singingfish

Unless you can finance the film yourself (or with friends and family, etc), you'll have to get a producer on board who can raise the money necessary to shoot the script. The most likely source of film funding in Ireland will be through the Irish Film Board - and I think you can approach them as a writer for some money to develop your script to the point where you might be able to get an experienced producer on board. However, the reality is that an experienced producer is probably going to want to be able to have serious input on the script in order to make it easier for them to attach all the finance necessary to shoot the film - so you may be better off approaching producers directly and if they like you idea, let them handle the approach to the Film Board. You probably won't get as much money that way, but it would probably be a better way to get the film made.

Most producers would probably prefer to get a short synopsis of your idea (1 page) and a Treatment (6-12 pages) outlining the idea, the themes, etc. If they like that they will ask for the script. But sending them the full script initially will mean it won't get read until after they've read everythign else that's already been submitted to them and could take longer to get a reply. After that they need to know that you are somebody they could work with and are open to working collaboratively for the sake of the project. If you go in suggesting that your script is perfect and doesn;t need changes you'll probably never hear from them again.

Screen Producer Ireland is the representative agency for Irish production companies, and you can get a directory of all the main companies on their site (http://www.screenproducersireland.com).

The Irish Film Board website is http://www.irishfilmboard.ie and there is information there about their funding schemes.

Filmbase is also a good resource organisation for emerging Irish filmmakers. They generally don't fund feature films, but do help a lot with short films where people can get experience and make a name for themselves which often makes it easier to get larger project made. They have a deadline at the end of June for short film scripts, up to 3 films will get €10,000 each along with film and editing equipment to make their films and an RTE screening. If you want to make a feature it could be worth trying something smaller first and showing your talent as a writer. The address for the script competition is http://www.filmbase.ie/awards

And the Dublin Film Festival are holding an event soon for writers about how to get into the business. They have Shane Black (Leathal Weapon, The Last Boyscout, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), Shane Meadows (This is England) and a couple of other talking at it. It might be worth going along for advice, and possibly meeting people. http://www.jdiff.com.

silverwater

Yeah, I'm aware of most of those websites (although I can't find anything about a screenwriting conference on the Dublin Film Festival website...?)

The main problem for me is that my script is not based in Ireland, and although it's not an action-packed shoot 'em up, it would require quite a budget and would be based in America (the main characters are a tv chef, conceptual artist etc...) Would there be a point in still trying to find a producer in Ireland? Should I try to get an English agent?

I heard that the Irish Film Board will only help out if it is seen to help the Irish film industry, or Irish culture or some such. Would it be a waste of my time?

singingfish

The full link for that conference is:
http://www.jdiff.com/news.php?news=69

It's called Give me Direction.

I can't answer for definite, but I think the Irish Film Board can only support projects that either have a large creative element from Ireland (writer, producer, director, some cast) or will be shot in Ireland and provide opportunities for Irish cast and crew to be employed (like PS I Love You, or the film shooting with Amy Adams at the moment). I guess they are spending Irish taxpayers money so they've got to be seen to be using it to support "irish" projects or Irish employment.

A friend of mine recently met with them to get some advice. Not sure if I should mention the name of the person he met on a public forum (but it was their Production and Development Assistant). He said she was really friendly and informative and he didn;t have a lot of experience. He got her email address, sent her an email asking some questions and eventually he talked her into meeting him for a coffee! It might be worth trying to go to that conference to try and meet people, and failing that try asking the Film Board for advice directly - after all its their job to help Irish filmmakers!

singingfish

And I just thought of www.script.ie - the Screenwriters website. They might be worth asking for advice about agents, etc.