To Devin, Nick on those on Chud who are serious about helping a screenwriter - Page 2

I think John Landis got started as a PA/extra in Battle for the Planet of the Apes. So, fingers crossed!

I think that someone needs to read this. And when you're done with that, here's the thread, which also contains some good advice.

My Degree in English Literature may turn out to be useful after all.

No.

I vaguely remember reading that. Did it have a gay robot and Supes fighting a polar bear?

Then stick Supes on the back-burner and write this. BUT - and you seem to dismiss it as a triviality - get formatting software or download a formatter for your word processor. Don't write another word until you do that because you're just wasting time as you'll have to rewrite everything and you'll find that a lot of stuff has to be changed simply due to the different formatting. If you're serious about pursuing this, then those (as well as every other suggestion in this thread) are things you have to do FIRST, not LAST.

This is a pretty nice program, BTW.

You should probably be paying close attention to Slater's advice. He's been on the blacklist, and I believe has 2 scripts in production right now. Generally, if you're trying to break into any professional field, the guys who are currently doing this for a living are the best people to listen to.

No. And not just because they don't give a shit. They will never, EVER read your script, because they can't risk making a Superman movie only to have you sue them, claiming they ripped off your ideas. The best case scenario is that they return your script unopened with a note explaining they don't accept unsolicited materials. The more likely scenario has you being hit with a cease-and-desist from WB's lawyers, since you're attempting to make a profit using one of their characters.

In either case, you're wasting your time. If you're serious about this, go download 50 screenplays and read them front to back. That's a pretty good place to start.

I don't think DC accepts unsolicited material either. For the same legal reasons.

I've been fuckin' around with the program for the past few hours. Pretty sweet once you get used to the format and shortcuts.

It's a really insular industry. You kind of have to be born into it or know someone.

Or have some kind of professional training.

Like someone said earlier - you get in the door with original ideas and then someone comes to you with an established property. Or, if nothing else, make a name on your own accord and then pursue the established stuff.

Work implies payment.

This guy can't be for real. He's like Fleed's cojoined twin.

And lots of handjobs.

I know that artists can build up portfolios of original work, as well as maybe a couple of established characters in their own style that they can show to companies like DC and Marvel. Comic conventions like Wizard World have submission sessions during that they set up during the con that allow folks from all over to bring their portfolios for critiqueing. I know DC and Aspen ask that you only show your art depictions of their characters. They will refuse any originals.

Writing is a little different, however. I seem to recall this question being asked in an issue of Wizard once and the mag posed the question to Quesada, I believe. His response was along the lines of having several writing samples that you can send to them for review. If memory serves, it can be in various formats - prose, script, news article. And there are times when the big two will put up offers through Wizard or another venue that give writers a brief synopsis involving character A, B and a setting and ask writers who want to submit to do a 3 - 5 page script pased on the criteria.

Either way, the key is to keep you eyes and ears open to opportunities such as these if you wanna try getting into the comic book writing field.

Or, you can do what I've done and publish your own web comic. I'm in the middle of working on a deal right now to put the first 80 page story arc into print with a local publisher. One of the DC guys told me earlier this year that if you have a published product to show them that it can definitely help pique (I spelled that correctly) their interest in your talents. Well, as long as it's good, anyway.

I suggest purchasing "The Complete Guide to Standard Script Formats: The Sceenplay" by Haag and Cole.

It isn't a how to book by any means, it does however teach you proper format. Do that AND get solid screenwriting software, whether it be Final Draft or Movie Magic. Celtx is a good starting tool as well. But do learn the format before you rely on the software.

I'm not sure any of those "write a script in 60 days" type books are any real help. Go to script o rama, read what works.

Finally, you don't have to completely abandon Superman, what you need to do is find out what resonates with you from that character/story and see what you can build from that. It might not even be a superhero story you come up with...

Write some short films, find a friend with a digital camera and get them made. See what happens in between the page and the screen so to speak.

Just some thoughts.

They should get together and write a script. I'd read that.

Seriously, I want to see a GI Joe/Superman/Batman/A-Team mash up movie written by these two.

Word of advice: Stop using so many god damn periods.

Wait, wait, wait. You just made me realize you have read the boards for awhile (the Fleed/Devin conspiracy), yet only have 35 posts - all but the first five in this thread.

Who were you?

So, it's a gay thing? I think Singer already did that.

i'll chip in with some advice.

write somthing simple and cheap, find a freind or make freinds with a first time director, collaborate with them, make something indie-ish.

when the directors done making it, go with him to film festivals and try and get some kind of notice. 'cos you're never going to get anywhere just writing superman scripts. ever. you've got to produce your own work if your starting out blank, with no contacts in hollywood.

that or keep sending video game scripts to uwe boll and hope he reads one.