Script Doctor Eric
I have received a variation of this question a few times recently:
Hi Eric. I have a great idea for a movie, but no real expertise on how to write it. I see on your website that you help writers and are a script doctor – would you be willing to write my screenplay with me?
First, let me say that it is very flattering that people are willing to take me on as a writing partner based of the content of this site. I appreciate that, and take it as a compliment. It seems to reflect that perhaps www.ScriptDoctorEric.com is on its way to becoming a valuable resource for aspiring screenwriters.
But to answer the question, unfortunately at this time I must decline such offers. I’m actually on a temporary hiatus, and probably shouldn’t even be writing this post. Check out my post Script Doctor Eric on Semi-Hiatus if you haven’t already.
So what should a person in this position do? Well, you COULD look around for other screenwriters to write the script. That is definitely an option. You’d be acting a bit like a producer: you have an idea, and you want an experienced writer to turn it into a movie.
Might I recommend offering to pay the screenwriter? You might start anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The more you offer, the better writers you’re likely to attract. (You’ll need to ask yourself: How good of a screenplay do you want it to be?)
Another option is to write the darn thing yourself. Why not? Tens of thousands – if not hundreds of thousands – of people do it every year. Give screenwriting a shot. You might just catch the bug and end up like the rest of us: addicted to writing movies.
To get you started, check out my post: Help for New Screenwriters
Good luck, and…
Onward!
-Eric
Related posts:
- How to Write a Query Letter