Aspiring Filmmaker Series: How To Write A Screenplay For Film Buyers

How To Write A Screenplay For Film Buyers

Writing a screenplay isn't only about telling a compelling story. If you want to get a film made, I believe it’s also important to understand how production companies, distributors, sales agents, and film buyers may look at a project.

In this episode of Aspiring Hollywood, I draw on more than 30 years of experience in the independent film business to discuss how you can approach a screenplay with both the creative and business sides of filmmaking in mind.

I explore why story, character, cast, structure, dialogue, and action all matter when you're developing a screenplay that you ultimately want to see become a film.

I also share a real-world experience from a conversation with a film sales and distribution executive that taught me an important lesson about how buyers may evaluate a project.

In this episode, I also look at:

What is the first thing a film buyer asks when evaluating whether or not to license a feature film?

Why compelling characters can help attract professional actors

The importance of understanding your story’s genre and potential audience

How screenplay structure can affect pacing and audience engagement

Writing dialogue that sounds natural when spoken aloud

Why you should think visually and give your characters opportunities to move and interact within a scene

The importance of creating dynamic opening scenes that capture attention

Why understanding the marketplace can help inform your creative decisions

My goal isn't to take the creativity out of screenwriting. It's to help you understand the relationship between storytelling and the business of getting a film made and distributed.

After more than three decades of working in independent film, I've learned that writing the screenplay is only one part of the journey. Understanding how that screenplay fits into the larger process—from script to production to marketplace—can be just as important.

Read the full article: https://www.aspiringhollywood.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-for-film-buyers

About Aspiring Hollywood

Aspiring Hollywood features insights, advice, and stories about screenwriting, filmmaking, and the film business, drawn from more than 30 years of experience in the industry.

About Me

I'm Luc Saber, a filmmaker, screenwriter, author, and story and production consultant with more than 30 years of experience in the film business.