How do I propose a movie to a film producer?

Question

My friend and I have a killer movie idea that we believe may go far. However, we are not professional writers and so do not know how exactly we would go about proposing this idea to a big time movie producer such as MGM or Warner Bros. We understand we do not have much of a shot getting anywhere with this, but we would really appreciate any serious help that could be provided. How do we get this thing rolling?

Thank You

Answer 1

Ok, the bad news first. You're not the only ones out there who think they have a killer movie idea. And I don't know, maybe yours really is, but most of the time all those thousands of scripts and movie ideas aren't worth a producer sitting down to talk with you. This business is all about who you know. Thousands of people try to break into the industry each year, and hundreds of them probably never will. You best bet is to try and make this film yourself. Ok, maybe that's not really an option. If your movie requires millions of dollars to get made, perhaps it's time to rethink that idea. No matter how good, no producer is going to shell out millions on two people completely unknown in Hollywood. Maybe you could try to get a film student to make your film. Independent films can often go very far.



Ok, some good news (more like advice). Because Hollywood is all about who you know. Start getting to know someone...and not just for the purpose of getting your story heard or made by a producer. Send letters to directors, producers, writers, etc of movies/tv shows that you like their work. You probably won't get a letter to Spielberg or Lucas, but there are plenty of people out in the industry doing great work that aren't making millions. Just let them know you love what they do, and really mean it. You might start up a letter conversation and eventual friendship. I had a friend who sent a letter to a then unknown actor because she loved his work in this little known film (don't even ask for specifics, this was from a long time ago). They started talking, and he said next time she came to Southern California to let him know. She did, and he got her on the set of this big movie he was working on. See, she was a fan before he made it big, and he remembered her years later. Something like that could open some doors for you later, but don't try to sell your script right away, that's not the point.



But realistically, you're competing with thousands of others who "want to write, direct, produce, etc" as well as the people already in the industry who have careers.

Answer 2

The post above is very accurate.



Unless you already have an agent or some kind of representation that ACTUALLY has connections with producers and production companies

most likely NO ONE will look at your script. It will be sent back or thrown out. You have to remember EVERYONE thinks they can write a hit movie, TV show etc and the only way to whittle out the bad scripts (and that's debatable seeing whats made out there) is to have connections.

There are probably many GREAT scripts and stories out there that will never be seen or read because of the glut of scripts out there.



Best thing is try screenplay contests. Sometimes screenwriters get discovered that way

Answer 3

a action picture producer oversees the making of movies. The producer initiates, coordinates, supervises and controls concerns which contain elevating investment, hiring key workers, and arranging for distributors. The producer is in touch for the era of all levels of the filmmaking technique from inception to crowning glory of a project. interior the early twentieth century, the producer additionally tended to wield superb resourceful administration on a action picture project. in spite of the fact that, with the death of Hollywood's studio equipment interior the Nineteen Fifties, resourceful administration began to shift into the palms of the director.

Answer 4

honestly, wait until you're an adult with a degree in creative writing or film producing (or something) then present the idea to a film studio.