
GREAT
ART - The
highest grossing movie of all time in adjusted $dollars - and deservedly
so in our view. Clark
Gable, as Rhett Butler, and Vivien Leigh as Scarlet O'Hara. We've
moved on a bit since 1939, we can now make anything we imagine come to
life on the big (or small) screen. It all depends on the budget, and that
depends on the viewing public.
You
may have notice that many blockbusters are no longer funded by the Legacy
Studios in Hollywood, California.
Why is that we suppose?
According
to many articles online, several factors contribute to fewer films being made by legacy studios:
- Streaming Wars and Content Bundling: The rise of streaming services has fragmented the audience. Studios are prioritizing content for their own platforms, often bundling films with TV shows to attract and retain subscribers. This leads to fewer theatrical releases.
- Focus on Blockbusters and Franchises: Studios are increasingly risk-averse, focusing on big-budget superhero films, sequels, and established franchises that guarantee box office returns.
Studios are increasingly focusing on franchises and sequels, which are seen as safer investments compared to new, original content.
But even so, the franchises that used to more or less guarantee income, is
dependent on the actors who carry brands. Actors with a finite shelf life.
Older stories are less acceptable as remakes, even when cycled every ten
years, so that new, young, audiences may not have seen the originals.
This leaves less room for smaller, original films.
-
Consolidation of Studios: Major studios have been consolidating, leading to fewer overall productions. For example, Disney's acquisition of
20th Century Fox has resulted in a reduction in the number of films
produced.
-
Declining Ticket Sales: Despite occasional blockbusters, overall cinema attendance has been declining, making it harder for studios to recoup investments in theatrical releases.
-
Production Costs and Tax Incentives: Rising production costs in Hollywood, coupled with attractive tax incentives offered by other states and countries, are pushing productions elsewhere.
-
Impact of the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted production schedules and accelerated the shift towards streaming, further impacting theatrical releases.
-
AI and New Technologies: Advances in AI and other technologies are enabling new forms of storytelling and production, with filmmakers exploring innovative ways to create content.
WHO ARE THE MODERN MOVIE MAKERS TAKING OVER?
While legacy studios still play a significant role, several players are changing the landscape:
Streaming Platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple
TV+ and Disney+): These platforms are not just distributors but also major producers, investing heavily in original films and attracting top talent. They often prioritize different kinds of stories and filmmaking styles compared to traditional studios.
This has shifted audience preferences towards on-demand content, reducing the demand for traditional theatrical releases.
Independent Studios and Production Companies (A24, Blumhouse Productions): These companies focus on producing smaller, more niche films, often with unique voices and perspectives. They have become increasingly influential in recent years.
International Filmmakers and Studios: The globalization of the film industry has led to a rise in international co-productions and the emergence of talented filmmakers from around the world.
Filmmakers with Strong Online Presence: Some filmmakers are leveraging online platforms and social media to build audiences and finance their projects independently.
With the democratization of filmmaking tools and platforms, independent filmmakers are finding new ways to produce and distribute their
work.
This shift has resulted in a more diverse range of films being produced, with different distribution models and creative approaches. While the traditional Hollywood studio system is evolving, filmmaking is far from declining. It's simply transforming, with new players and models emerging.
It's an exciting time for the industry as it adapts to these changes and new voices emerge.
WHERE
DO WRITERS SELL THEIR ORIGINAL WORKS?
If Hollywood is no longer the place to sell blockbuster
screenplays or other film franchise concepts, where should script developers be looking to place original screenplays?
Most newcomers will come to see it's true that the landscape for selling screenplays is changing, and relying solely on Hollywood studios is no longer the only path. Here's where script developers
might want to be focusing their efforts:
1. Streaming Platforms:
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, etc.:
These platforms are constantly seeking original content to attract and retain subscribers. They often have diverse programming needs, including films of various genres and budgets. Research their specific content strategies and target those that align with your screenplay.
2. Independent Production Companies:
A24, Blumhouse Productions, Searchlight Pictures, Focus Features, etc.: These companies are known for producing high-quality films with unique voices and perspectives. They are more likely to take risks on original screenplays, especially those with strong characters and compelling stories.
3. International Film Markets and Festivals:
Cannes Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, etc.: These events attract producers, distributors, and financiers from around the world. They provide valuable opportunities to network and pitch your screenplay.
4. Online Platforms and Communities:
The Black List: This website allows screenwriters to upload their scripts for evaluation by industry professionals. It has helped many writers gain recognition and secure representation.
Stage 32: This online platform connects screenwriters with producers, directors, and other industry professionals. It offers various resources, including workshops, webinars, and networking opportunities.
5. Literary Agents and Managers:
Securing representation from a reputable agent or manager can significantly increase your chances of selling your screenplay. They have established industry connections and can effectively pitch your work to the right people.
6. Direct Outreach to Producers and Filmmakers:
Research producers and filmmakers whose work aligns with your screenplay and reach out to them directly. This can be challenging, but it can be effective if you have a strong pitch and a well-crafted screenplay.
KEY
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
Firstly, make sure your work is copyright protected by affixing the magic
words and assigning a date when the work was begun and completed. Or, at
least when completed. In the UK you can lodge a copy of printed, or works
published online, with the British Library. They will confirm capturing
your book or screenplay. In the writing world Intellectual
Property (IP) is king. In the US, you can register copyright, just in
case of litigation.
It's
a good idea to pay extra for some good honest feedback. Some was hardly
worth reading, but just occasionally, we got some really helpful and in
depth feedback. Strangely enough from a comic company in Japan, when
asking if a script would work as Manga and Anime.
A concise and compelling pitch is crucial for capturing the interest of potential buyers.
So develop a strong pitch and practice making it short and punchy.
Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with other filmmakers and
professionals to network actively and spread the news.
Build a strong online
presence by creating a professional website or online portfolio to showcase your work.
If possible (and this is difficult in the age of the internet and social
media) try to be visible in the search engines.
Selling a screenplay can take time and effort. Don't give up after facing rejections.
Learn to be persistent and patient, with a long-term agenda. Also, if a
draft script is not what you expected, or well received, take onboard
constructive criticism and make changes. While at the same time copyright
protecting any revisions and new drafts. Eventually, you should have a
polished gem that producers and directors will be unable to resist.
Yes,
we know, it is a lot of work. Take a breather before writing revisions.
Soak in any advice and movements on the market. Keep an eye open for what
films are being made. This may reveal voids in the market, hence,
opportunities.
By diversifying your approach and targeting these alternative avenues, you can significantly increase your chances of getting your original screenplay produced.

RAINDANCE
20 0CTOBER 2024: NAVIGATING HOLLYWOOD'S NEW LANDSCAPE, A WRITER'S
PERSPECTIVE
We’ve all heard about Hollywood’s new landscape. The film industry is facing significant challenges right now. Some of these issues have been brewing for a long time, while others are relatively new. The industry is in a state of flux, dealing with an identity crisis as the landscape shifts. The way people consume content has changed — what they watch, where they watch it, and who is watching. This shift isn’t stopping anytime soon. Conversations with kids and teens often reveal a preference for short-form content on platforms like YouTube, rather than traditional shows. The old business models aren’t working, and some of the new approaches have fallen short. Now, studios are grappling to redefine the future, while also dealing with other compounding factors like the pandemic, strikes, and the rise of AI. Everyone is trying to learn and adapt to this new reality.
Last night, a friend told me that he’d just spoken to a busy film producer in LA who’d really liked one of his scripts. The producer said that, under normal circumstances, he would have made me an offer. But right now, he’s unsure how to proceed. His tried-and-true process doesn’t work anymore, at least not in the current environment.
Many are hopeful for a recovery in 2025, but I think the road ahead will take longer. It’s been particularly tough on those just starting out in LA, as well as on seasoned professionals who have been successful for years. It’s sad to see, because the everyday artists, creatives, and crew — the heart and soul of the industry — aren’t responsible for the decisions and business practices that led to this situation. But that’s another discussion entirely.
So, what can screenwriters do in these uncertain times? Keep writing. No one is saying you have to stop. Use this time to prepare your scripts and have them polished, ready to go. There is still a hunger to make movies, and when the opportunity arises, you’ll want to be prepared.
Also, keep your ear to the ground. Knowing what kinds of stories studios are looking for can give you an edge when it comes to optioning or selling a script. While fewer projects might be moving forward in LA, studios and other production entities still have their mandates. They know the types of stories they want, and each is looking for something a bit different.
It’s also worth considering opportunities beyond LA. Think globally. Over the past 18 months or so, much of my work has been international. Hollywood may be struggling, but films are still being made around the world. There are other markets out there.
Lastly, it doesn’t hurt to adapt to the times. If younger audiences are drawn to short-form content, consider how you can tap into that as a writer. There is opportunity there, and it might be a new way to expand your skills and reach.
That’s why I am so interested in the Story Machine Summit being organised by Raindance: everything from traditional social media content creation to Artificial Intelligence.
By Anna Taborska
Anna Taborska writes horror stories and screenplays. Her body of work includes three short story collections: Bloody Britain, Shadowcats, and For Those who Dream Monsters, recipient of the
Dracula Society’s Children of the Night Award. Anna has been nominated for a British Fantasy Award thrice, and a Bram Stoker Award five times, including for her illustrated storybook A Song for Barnaby Jones. Anna has also directed five films: Ela, The Sin, My Uprising, A Fragment of Being, and award-winning drama The Rain Has Stopped, and worked on twenty other film and TV productions, such as the
BBC / PBS series
Auschwitz: The
Nazis and ‘The Final Solution’. She is a member of the Horror Writers Association.
SCRIPTREADER PRO 27 OCTOBER 2021 - 7 BEST SCREENWRITING PITCH SITES TO SELL YOUR SCRIPT
Once you’ve written the “perfect script,” there’s nothing you want more than to get it out there and into the right hands. The problem is, how?
A technique that’s become extremely popular among aspiring screenwriters is to utilize the services of an online screenwriting pitch site.
For a fee (usually), a screenplay submission site can host your script or even send it off into the industry for you. Some pitch websites also offer script coverage, and access to a roster of managers, directors, producers and an aggregated score that’ll help showcase your work.
IS IT WORTH SUBMITTING TO SCREENWRITING PITCH WEBSITES?
Yes and no. While you do have a chance of connecting with an industry professional using screenplay listing services, it can be quite hit and miss. Not to mention pricey.
For this reason, screenwriting pitch sites do have something of a shaky reputation among aspiring writers and professional writers alike, as the odds of getting noticed are pretty slim.
On the other hand, careers have been started via screenwriting pitch sites, which keeps them in the game among aspiring writers looking to break into the industry.
We’ll discuss the pros and cons of using scriptwriting pitch sites in more detail later, (and offer some alternatives) but let’s start off on a positive note by taking a look at the seven online pitch sites that made the list.
TOP 7 SCRIPTWRITING PITCH SITES
In our (their) opinion, there are only seven screenwriting pitch sites worth considering if you decide to implement this method in your script marketing strategy.
They are, in alphabetical order:
• The Black List
• Coverfly Pitch Week
• InkTip
• ISA Connect
• Screenwriting Staffing
• Script Revolution
• Virtual Pitchfest
Let’s take a look at each in more detail.
1. THE BLACK LIST
As opposed to the original Black List—a roundup of Hollywood execs’ favorite unproduced screenplays of the year—this is a screenwriting pitch website that acts as a platform for writers to showcase their projects to the industry.
You can’t send your scripts directly to industry personnel, such as agents, managers, execs and producers, but for a monthly fee can host them on the site to hopefully get noticed.
The system works on an aggregate scoring system which encourages you to spend more money on script coverage in the hope of gaining more visibility.
Pricing and other things you should know.
Things can get pricey fairly quickly as it costs $30 per month to host just one script. If you want to host another one, that’ll be another 30 bucks, and so on. (It’s free to use if you’re in the WGA, though.)
Overall, they’re fairly light on specifics on the process of being discovered. Purchasing their $100 coverage might boost your script’s chances of being noticed—but only as long as the reviews are positive, of course. And there’s also no information on success stories from using the service, although many aspiring writers do swear by it.
....
This
is an A to Z listing of some of the best film making companies on
planet
earth, in our opinion.
ALLIANCE
FILMS - ENTERTAINMENT ONE
ALLIED
ARTISTS
AMBLIN
ENTERTAINMENT
ANCHOR
BAY ENTERTAINMENT
BONA
FILM GROUP
CAPTIVATE
ENTERTAINMENT LLC
CENTROPOLIS
ENTERTAINMENT
COLUMBIA
PICTURES
DAVIS
ENTERTAINMENT
DIMENSION
FILMS
HOLLYWOOD
PICTURES
LIONSGATE
MILLENIUM
MIRAMAX
MGM
NETFLIX
ORIGINAL
FILM PRODUCTION
PARAMOUNT
PICTURES
PERFECT
WORLD PICTURES
RELATIVITY
MEDIA
SILVER
SCREEN PARTNERS
SKYDANCE
MEDIA
SONY
PICTURES
TOUCHSTONE
PICTURES
TRISTAR
PICTURES
TWENTIETH
CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION
UNITED
ARTISTS
UNIVERSAL
PICTURES
WALT
DISNEY PICTURES
WARNER
BROS PICTURES
LINKS
& REFERENCE
https://observer.com/2024/05/hollywood-movie-industry-analysis/
https://raindance.org/navigating-hollywoods-new-landscape-a-screenwriters-perspective/
https://blog.celtx.com/how-to-sell-a-screenplay/
https://actavictoriana.ca/culture/a-short-analysis-of-why-a24-does-well/
https://www.scriptreaderpro.com/screenwriting-pitch-sites/
https://www.scriptreaderpro.com/screenwriting-pitch-sites/
https://actavictoriana.ca/culture/a-short-analysis-of-why-a24-does-well/
https://blog.celtx.com/how-to-sell-a-screenplay/
https://raindance.org/navigating-hollywoods-new-landscape-a-screenwriters-perspective/
https://observer.com/2024/05/hollywood-movie-industry-analysis/
https://blcklst.com/
https://writers.coverfly.com/programs/view/pitch-week
https://www.inktip.com/
https://www.networkisa.org/isaconnect
https://www.screenwritingstaffing.com/premium-membership
https://www.scriptrevolution.com/
https://virtualpitchfest.com/
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