Uh oh. We're only two weeks into the New Year and I've already broken my one and only resolution - no more writing on spec.
I'm not talking about fiction, here. I'm talking about TV/Movies. Those of you who were faithful fans of Lust Bites might recall two pieces I did for the blog - Writing for TV and Writing For Film.
The decision not to write on spec was made whilst reading The Devil's Guide to Hollywood: The Screenwriter As God by Joe Eszterhas.
Care to see the face of one of Hollywood's most successful screenwriters?
Here's Joe!
No more spec became my mantra. No more spec became Felix's mantra. NO MORE SPEC.
Then along come an American Independent Film Producer with a Dream. A Vision. Even better - A Business Plan!
Three times I talked to her with the intention of saying 'No, I cannot collaborate on a rewrite of your pilot script for deferred payment!' Three times I said, instead, 'Count me in!'
If she can talk me into writing on spec, maybe she can talk her potential investors into ponying up the cash!
As well, she's optioned on of our favourite scripts - for a dollar. Of course, it's an American dollar, but that ain't what it used to be and anyway, one doesn't buy a lot on either side of the border.
Why did we sell her an option for a dollar?
Why am I working on spec on her pilot script?
Because we like her. Because we believe we can trust her. Because the contracts she sent us are business-like and fair. Someday, we just might get paid a decent amount of money for this work.
And because Felix and I love writing screenplays. We're mad for movies and we dig great TV. We want to be part of that scene.
And because this IS how The Business works. An Independent Producer needs a product to show investors. The producer needs the script before he or she can get any money, even start-up funds. That's the nature of the beast.
And because dreams come true. Anyone who watched the Golden Globes last Sunday knows it. Best Picture went to - Slum Dog Millionaire.
Not Benjamin Button or Revolution Road or any of the other big Motion Pictures up for the award. The award went to a movie shot in India starring a bunch of unknown Indian people. HUH?
IN 'THE BUSINESS' DREAMS COME TRUE!!!!!
Wish me luck my friends. I start Monday Jan. 19. You may not hear much from me for a few weeks, but I'll be back...
xoxo Madeline
