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Screenwriters figure things out. So before you ask your question, do a little research first. Try reading a book or two. Check out the FAQ's forums on the Done Deal Pro message board. If you still can't find the answer to your question, then go ahead and ask me. But please note: I do not subscribe to the view that there are no dumb questions.

by David H. Steinberg


Ask Hollywhooped! Advice:
hollywhooped@donedealpro.com


Date: 6/29/2009 
 
Question: Hi. I'm a young woman living in Australia and I've been writing for over a decade now, (not professionally, throughout my childhood and teens I wrote for my own enjoyment). Right now I am working on a screenplay and I have decided I would like to try and sell it when it is done. I don't want to move to America right away because it is a very big step to take, (though I understand that as things progress I will have to make trips back and forth a lot). How would an Australian resident go about getting representation in America? Is it just a matter of submitting my script to American agencies until I hit one that will represent international clients?

Sorry if this question seems silly, but I've searched high and low for something that tells me whether or not and how this can be done.

Thanks,

Rebecca
 
Answer: Rebecca,

If you want to pursue American representation, just send the usual query letters or make some cold calls. Realistically, not too many agents will be interested in representing someone who can’t take meetings in L.A. on a moment’s notice.

My advice is to pursue a film career in Australia. There are wonderful films made there. Why not get some experience and credits then decide whether to move here?

--Dave

Date: 6/8/2009 
 
Question: Dear Dave,

If you have a genuine great idea, would it be prudent to write a novel first? So many ideas are picked up from novels. I have written the screenplay but it was suggested that I do the novel so that ultimately, if the idea is picked up, you have greater control of that idea. Is that advice worthy or just bulldust?

Regards

Kirsty

 
Answer: Kirsty,

Writing a novel is actually a great idea if you can pull it off. Not only will you make money from the novel itself, but if you are able to sell the film rights, you can often negotiate to write the adaptation yourself. Plus, the rights are then licensed to the producer instead of sold outright which means you maintain the intellectual property. Of course, not everyone can write a novel but if you can, it’s a great way to go.

--Dave

|Total Entries: 2 | Page: 1 of 1 |

 
Disclaimer: By writing our advice columnist(s) you agree with our general site disclaimer as well as this additional disclaimer, rules and regulations before posting or reading posts in this section. By your use of this free service, you agree to and acknowledge the following: Our volunteer(s) have varying levels of expertise and haven't been certified as "experts." You also understand that Done Deal Pro has not undertaken to verify the credentials or abilities of any of our volunteers. Although some volunteers may also be lawyers, no answers are ever intended to be legal opinions and should not therefore be construed as such. Our advice columnist(s) reserve the right not to answer questions that have been previously asked by you or others or questions they deem inappropriate. You will only ask questions to the Hollywhooped columnist(s) about writing and selling material (scripts, treatments, pitches). The opinions expressed by our columnist(s) do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Done Deal Pro.

 


 

 

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