How to Grab a Producer's Attention with Your Script

As a former producer, I can help you make your script producer friendly. Hit reply and type in FRIENDLY.  

Film or television producer is arguably the hardest and most vital job in the Biz.

A film -- like everything in life -- begins with an idea. That idea is built into a story. Then into a film or television show.

Producers get the ball rolling, shove it up endless slippery high slopes so they can employ us to play in their creative sand boxes. Salute the producers!

One of a producer’s hardest tasks is to find or create great scripts. Which brings us to you, dear creative with a story. If you want to get your script on screens big and small, you must understand what a producer wants. And doesn’t want!

First, never forget that when you are selling your script you are tap dancing in a marketplace. You are selling a commodity called a script and its creator called you.

To do that profitably – and without going bonkers -- you must comprehend who is (potentially) buying your product and (often) you. The more you understand their needs the better you can sell them. That sounds kinda obvious but….

Second, never forget that producers can often be in conflict between their creative desires and business demands. Soothe both.  

What Producers Want or Love:

--A story concept and hook that speaks to them. Many producers really do thirst to make a humdinger story.

--A script in their wheelhouse. One that suits their genres, budget range, audience, company brand, main platform/distributors.

--A story that can reach their core audience in a BIG way. That will help them GROW.

--A script they can produce for the lowest budget possible.

--A script that comes with personal recommendations of the script and writer.

--A script that has attached talent and finance.

--A script with a great role for a talent.

--A script as ready to go as possible. Fewer script problems means less time and money wasted. And fewer carpets bitten.

--A writer who can cleverly and quickly solve any script problems. Who is solutions oriented. Who can make sure the script doesn’t crash into development hell. And do it all NOW!

--A writer who understands imperative number one of the producer: To make money.

--A writer who understand imperative number two: To make the film as easily and hassle free as possible.

--And did I mention – A script that can make producers buckets of moolah and maybe win some awards. Producers, too, love public pats on the head. And they deserve them. That’s why it’s the Producer who picks up the Best Picture Oscar.

Actionable Takeaway -- The Bottom Line

The list above should strongly influence who you pitch to. Story = Wheelhouse.

Then apply the above check list to your script, pitches, and networking.

A great story concept and killer on-the-page craft are vital to a good script. But never forget that a producer very often is a crazily active businessperson working multiple projects, always desperate to find or keep finance, and on and on. The more you can help a producer dance across the long and wide minefield of developing and producing your script, the more the producer will dance with you. Close.  

If you are a serious and ambitious writer or producer and want my one-on-one support to help you lift your script to be producer friendly so you can confidently pitch it as a pro script, hit reply and write FRIENDLY.

Ideas to make your story resonate