What You Should Know
Important Information Regarding What's
Happening Now In The Film/Streaming Industry
This division of BSI Films is a film Production Company and Prime Vendor for major film, streaming, broadcast companies and Independents. We provide script writing, script development and specialty services i.e. submission of scripts and Adaptation services.
-
Click here: If assistance is needed, schedule a call with our executive producer.
-
Click here: List of changes studios have made to their script submission process
-
Click here: Submitting scripts on your own: with or without assistance
-
Click here: What's in it for writers to Adapt Their Script To A Book
-
Click here: Why are studios interested in script packages that include ascript and book version of their script?
-
Click here: Why the first 10 pages of your script could determine if it is accepted or passed on.
-
Click here: Developing and submitting scripts / if assistance is needed
Revisions studios have made to their
script submission process
Step 1. Having a team member to help guide you through the process for how scripts are accepted and what happens if interest is shown in your script. At some point is a necessity.
-
Having an agent is no longer the only option for writers to submit their script.
-
The most direct path to submit your script to studios is having a team member with the experience, understanding of how the business side of the industry works, and ability to submit scripts.
-
If the above option is not available to you and assistance is needed, there are executive producers open to assisting writers with submitting their scripts. If assistance is needed, click here.
-
Credited writers and new writers are taking advantage of studio execs expressing a heightened interest in print (scripts adapted to books) and digital content (scripts marketed on various online platforms) direct to the public.
-
Submitting your script with or without assistance. Click here for options writers can take on their own to bring attention to their script:
-
Talent does not have to be attached to your package.
-
No longer is it mandatory to know someone in the industry.
Step 2. Studios have revised their guidelines for determining what scripts meets their creative and business needs. This makes their evaluation process of scripts more objective and applies to everyone submitting scripts.
Example of guidelines on a given day studios will be seeking...
-
Studios will state the type of genre they are seeking
-
Information in your script package will reveal if your script is written in more than a single format.
-
Information in your script package will reveal if your script is written as a film and series.
-
No longer is your script the first or only document that execs will read. Your script presentation will be reviewed first.
Studios by setting new guidelines will also help to increase the number of scripts received and reviewed, your script package now carries more weight relating to what scripts are given further attention or passed on.
-
Before reading a polished script, executives will review your presentation package first. Click here to view sample.
-
What to include in your Script Presentation Package (DP), how it differs from a pitch deck?
-
Script Polish: Why the first 10 pages of your script determines what scripts continue with the review process or passed on.
-
Studios are seeking original concepts. Therefore, when submitting your script do not compare it to something they've already seen.
Submitting your script
with or without assistance is now a more viable option
-
The most direct path to submit your script to studios is having a team member with the experience, understanding of how the business side of the industry works, and ability to submit scripts.
-
If the above option is not available to you and assistance is needed, there are executive producers open to assisting writers with submitting their scripts. If assistance is needed, click here.
-
Studios have interest in content that includes print and digital followers. Projects that show the public has interest in their projects, will also get the attention of studios executives.
-
There are executive producers open to assisting writers with submitting their scripts. If assistance is needed, click here.
-
Credited writers and new writers to distinguish their projects from other scripts are taking advantage of marketing options studios are expressing a heightened interest in.
-
In addition to writers submitting their scripts to studios. Writers are able to reach studio execs by promoting their projects direct to the public.
-
Studios in addition to accepting scripts, are broadening their reach to include print audiences (i.e. books, graphic novels, podcast, etc.) and digital audiences (i.e. YouTube, apps, social media, etc.) that use various devices (cell phones, iPads, computers, etc.) to view all content across multiple platforms.
Studios by expanding their reach to include print and scripts marketed on multiple platforms. Gives writers more options to promote their projects to studios and directly to the public.
-
Studios are tracking the popularity of scripts adapted to books and content on digital platforms. If your project is gathering a following, you can add that information to your script package. Studios like projects that come with a built-in audience.
Studios based on their experience with writers that have adapted their scripts to books for promoting them direct to the public, have a heightened interest in both your script and a book version of your script?
Click here for why studios have a heightened interest in books.
-
Based on current and past experiences with adaptation of scripts/books.
-
Adapting your script to a book and/or promoting your script on various platforms can be done on your own and with or without assistance. Also, the platforms are free to the public.
-
You control when and what platforms you want to post your content to.
Studio executives are tracking and going direct to the writer to discuss their project with or without submitting their scripts:
-
Studios have made revisions to their script submission process to make it more open for writers to submit scripts.
-
Studios in addition to needing scripts for film/streaming audiences, have a heightened interest in scripts adapted to books and/or scripts marketed to digital audiences (i.e. YouTube, apps, social media, etc.).
-
Studios are seeking script packages that extend beyond a single format.
-
Multi-platform script packages. Studios are seeking projects that extend beyond a single format, i.e. film adaptations, books, podcasts, and social media engagement all factor into how studios evaluate script packages.
-
Submitting your script with or without assistance is now a more viable option.
-
Multi-platform script packages give writers and studios more than one source to create new content. This type of script package includes your script along with
-
Writers now have more opportunities to connect with studio executives and simultaneously generate public interest in their scripts.
-
Studios are broadening their reach to include print audiences (i.e. books, graphic novels, podcast, etc.) and digital audiences (i.e. YouTube, apps, social media, etc.) using various devices (cell phones, iPads, computers, etc.) to view all content across multiple platforms.
-
In addition to needing content for film/streaming viewing audiences. Writers now have more opportunities to connect with studio executives and simultaneously generate public interest in their scripts.
-
No longer is your script the first document that execs will read. Your script presentation is often reviewed before your Polished Script is read.
-
Streamline your script package to provide succinct information how your project meets their creative and production needs. Sample of a current Script Package
-
Public interest matters. If a script has an existing audience—through book adaptations, YouTube clips, or social media followings—this increases its appeal to executives.
-
Presentation packages carry more weight. Before reading a polished script, executives assess a well-structured submission package that highlights adaptation potential.
With these changes, writers have greater autonomy, but they also need to be strategic in presenting their work. If you're exploring submission options, I can help brainstorm ways to optimize your script package!
-
Public interest matters. If a script has an existing audience through book adaptations, YouTube clips, or social media followings—this increases its appeal to executives.
Why is a Script Presentation Package needed?
How does it differ from a Pitch Deck?
Question: Why is a Script Presentation Package needed:
Answer: This document provides studios specific information about...
-
Does your script appeal to audiences they are seeking to target based on marketing research.
-
They also want to know if your script is written in more than one format.
Question: What is the difference between a pitch deck and a Development Presentation?
-
A Pitch Deck is focused on the creative information about a script. This includes mentioning potential cast members, a comparison to similar movies, and other creative factors. Click here for a current list of information studios want to see.
-
A Script Presentation Package is focused on how a script appeals to the audience they want to target, and highlights how it is able to meet its, production, marketing, and programming needs. Click here to view an example of a Script Presentation Package
Note: Development Presentation is a term used by insiders, to distinguish it from a pitch deck. The term Pitch Deck is still used by writers... and that's ok.
-
It does not matter what name you call the package you send them. However, it is important the information you provide meets the current needs of the company it's submitted to.
What's In It For Writers
To Adapt Their Script To A Book
There's a reason Steven Spielberg, Michael Mann, Kevin Costner, Stephen King, and many more writers have made adaptation a cornerstone of their promotional strategies for their scripts. Some of their biggest box office hits were taken from books they wrote and adapted.
For writers, adapting their scripts to a book creates their own separate business model for marketing and promoting their scripts. They control and own their scripts and do not need approval for how and when they write, publish and distribute their projects.
-
In addition to submitting their scripts to film/streaming studios. They have more opportunities to connect with studio executives and simultaneously market the book version of their script directly to a domestic and global audience across multiple media platforms.
-
Simultaneously, it gives writers the ability to promote the book version of their script direct to a domestic and global public audience, that they own and control!
-
For writers this also means there are more options to take advantage of with or without assistance!
Note: Due to technology, online resources and retail platforms, it is easier than ever to adapt, print, and distribute the book version of your script to a domestic and global audience.
-
Keep in mind: To get started with adapting your script to a book, the most important step is completed... your script has already been written.
Why are studios interested in script packages that include a
script and book version of their script
Studios based on their experience with writers that have adapted their scripts to books, have a heightened interest in both your script and a book version of your script?
The reason studios have a heightened interest in script packages that include your script, and a book version of your script...
In addition to needing content for the film/streaming viewing audiences. Studios are broadening their reach to include print audiences (i.e. books, graphic novels, podcast, etc.) and digital audiences (i.e. YouTube, apps, social media, etc.) that use various devices (cell phones, iPads, computers, etc.) to view all content across multiple platforms.
-
Having a book version of your script (Adapting Your Script To A Book) gives the writer and studios more than one resource for creating and producing new content.
-
Studios know that the format and structure of a manuscript provides an expanded version of your script storyline, and each character is defined, more characters can be added, outlined, and developed.
-
This makes it easier to create new content based on the concept, storyline, and individual characters.
Studios are seeking scripts
that extend beyond a single format
-
Click here: For more information, answers to questions about your script, and if assistance is needed.
Now that studios are showing interest in scripts that are also written in more than one format. Writers have the opportunity to show how they're using print and online media to bring attention to their script.
For writers to reach print audiences: Having a book version of your script (Adapting your script to a book) gives the writer and studios more than one resource for creating and producing new content.
Why studios have interest in script to book adaptation.
-
The format and structure of a manuscript provides an expanded version of your script storyline, and each character is defined, outlined, and developed. This makes it easier to create new content based on the concept, storyline, and individual characters.
-
This is why sequels and spin-offs to your original script are easier to write and produce in a predicable amount of time.
Note: For writers adapting your scripts to a book creates your own business model that provides studios content they are seeking. Simultaneously, gives writers the ability to promote the book version of their script to a domestic and global public audience, that they own and control!
-
There's a reason Steven Spielberg, Michael Mann, Kevin Costner, Stephen King, have made adaptation a cornerstone of their promotional strategies for their script. Some of their biggest box office hits were taken from books they wrote.
Writers now have the access to the same resources to adapt their own scripts. It easier than you may think.
Note: For writers adapting your scripts to a book creates their own business model that provides studios content they are seeking.
Simultaneously, it gives writers the ability to promote the book version of their script direct to a domestic and global public audience, that they own and control!
Writers now have the same access and resources to write and/or adapt their own scripts. Click here: It is easier than you may think!
Developing and Submitting Scripts
Studios have revised what's required for submitting scripts and guidelines for content based on objective set of standards.
-
List of changes made to how studios accept scripts for review.
For writers: additional opportunities exist for writers submitting scrips to studios due to studios expanding their reach
Having an executive with the ability to submit scripts is still the primary choice.
-
But not the only one. Click here to view other options
Streamlining Presentation packages: Before reading a polished script, executives assess a well-structured submission package that highlights potential to meet their creative and business needs.
-
Script Polish: Structure the writing of your script so that the first 10 pages capture and holds the attention of the studio execs it's sent to.
-
Why is the formatting of first 10 pages critical to a script being accepted or "Passed" on?
Studios are seeking scripts that extend beyond a single format.
-
Print: film adaptations, books, YouTube, podcasts, and social media following, all factor into scripts being submitted with or without an agent.
-
Digital Content: Public interest matters. If a script has an existing audience—through book adaptations, YouTube clips, or social media followings—this increases its appeal to executives.
Why Are The First 10 Pages Of your Script Critical To Your Script Being
Accepted or "Passed" On Once Approved For Review
Note: Studios are not asking that your script be rewritten, or your storyline be changed.
Instead, they are focused on how the script is formatted starting with the: the beginning, middle, and end.
-
Viewing audiences based on their marketing research have a lot more options and devices to view content on. Many viewers may be on their phone, iPad, laptop, or flipping through channels all at the same time.
-
If the opening of a film or series does not capture their attention in the first 1 or 2 pages, and the other 8 does not hold their interest, chances are they will flip the channel.
-
Audiences, have a lot of options when it comes to viewing content. That's why it's important that your film or series start with shock and/or awe to grab the attention of the targeted audience you're going after.
Studios: In nearly most cases once the phase of reviewing a script begins. If your opening scene in the first 1-10 pages of your script does not capture and hold the attention of the writer, producer, or Development Executive, odds are they will not continue reading your script.
What are the guidelines for writing and formatting your storyline a Development Executives will seek to identify in the first 1-10 pages of your script.
-
High Concept: What is the hook that makes the audience want to keep watching? (a.) example: think Law & Order or any genre that has some type of action, event, or scene happen in the first 1-2 pages.
-
What is the CQ (Central Question of the story.) The script begins with an opening scene, that creates the central question "who, what, or why." (a.) example: scene opens with an Amour Car being robbed, but only a box was taken (why.)
-
What Quadrant Level is the script? Quadrant is defined as what demographic does it appeal to? - A movie that appeals to all four major demographics i.e. male, female, under and over 14 and both over and under the age of 25 is a level 4.
How Your Script Is Processed Once It's Accepted
How Studios Determine What Scripts Are Accepted For
Review or Rejected ("Passed" On)
Steps studios take once your script is received for review
Steps studios take once your script is received for review
-
All projects will first be reviewed by a company’s legal division.
Once it determined you meet the required criteria to submit scripts.
-
Before the process begins to accept and send your project to their development division. A script release form will be issued and must be signed by the company submitting the script.
-
For information regarding what happens to your script during the review process, click here.
-
Your Development Package along with your script will be a key factor in identifying companies your project is submitted to. All companies have their own production or programming needs that varies week to week and often determines what projects are accepted for review or sent to inventory.
-
All projects submitted by new or well-known producers go through that particular company's process, for review and evaluation. And yes, even well-known producers get rejected.
-
Streaming, film studios, cable, and broadcast companies have complete control over what projects they will accept, and when or if a project will be reviewed.
-
All companies do not produce all types of genres. Therefore, your project will not be submitted to all companies.
-
All companies also make their own rules for the type of content they will accept for review or reject.
-
If a project is "Passed" on, the company it was submitted to in most cases may or may not contact you. They only contact producers if they're interested in the content.
-
We will submit a project to multiple companies if the script meets the needs of other companies.
-
If a project is "Passed" on, it does not mean the script does not have entertainment value. Most times, it means they don't have a need for it that time. In some cases, it may be sent to their inventory.
-
Once your script has been submitted, there are no guarantees your project will be accepted for review or get produced.
-
However, it does mean you have a chance to compete with the others for licensing and/or production deals.
Note: Keep in mind it took Steven Spielberg 17 years to get Shindler's List produced by a major studio. Within those 17 years he wrote a lot of other block buster movies. He will be the first to tell you, keep pushing your script, but don't stop writing more scripts.
15 min
Schedule Appointment