Documentary idea?

Question

Is it better to write the script and try to sell it to a producer or gather up a team on my own and shoot the documentary by myself and than sell the film to a studio?

Answer 1

I do believe you should shoot the film yourself. I'm not a professional in the industry but I'm into film and TV writing so I've done a lot of research into such matters.

They'll want to know you can deliver the finished article, and unless you're already in the business a script won't guarantee that on its own. A documentary usually involves specific sources and contacts which might be alien to the producer, but you know the info. So I'm sure you're more likely to be able to sell a finished film.

Answer 2

"Why Womens b*****s Sag After 40"

or

The s*****m - A Day In The Life Of"

oh sorry, i've just read you're question properly!

Ahem.....

Erm, I'm not sure. I am currently writing a Film Script myself funnily enough. I believe it could be a massive hit accross the globe, but it's a nightmare trying to sell it! On second thoughts, no, don't try & sell it to a producer because they don't even want to know you unless you have an Agent. Of course, if you can afford an Agent, then great. Also, Production Exec's only care about one thing & one thing only - $$$$$! On the other hand, if your Documentary is good & it sends cash registers ringing in the back of their minds, you'll be on a roll! You see, it's also to do with luck too. Ya gotta have a bit of luck as well! I'd advise you to do 1 of 2 things:

1) Shoot the film with a crew, say your mates or whatever, perfect it; edit it until it can be edited no more; look up Agency's that accept QUEREY LETTERS & post it to them! I tried this last year, for Hollywood. I found ONE Agency out of the 54 that I tried that accepted Querey Letters. That was Diverse Talent in L.A., but your doing Documentaries aren't you? So that probably won't help. But I'm sure there are special Documentary Production Companies or Agencies out there - look them up online!

2) To write the script yourself & sell it to a Producer/ Production Exec is probably your best bet. Bur here is some advice: Production Exec's rifle through THOUSANDS of scripts everyday! I mean THOUSANDS! They even have people, English graduates, who are just paid to sit there & go through scripts all day everyday! Your script has to be brilliant & stand out from all the rest to even get a look in. Again, it's all about $$$$ - if they like the idea, it'll make them money so they'll do it! Which is a total abomonation of the art of Film. I hate that aspect of it, but that's the way it is I'm afraid! So, if an Exec likes it, you're on to something! Download "Movie Magic Screen Writer" from CNet.com - Exec's are ruthless if your script isn't formatted properly - seriously, your script HAS to be written EXACTLY how they want it or it goes into the bin, regardless of whether it's the next Titanic or not, ie: 12 Courrier New font with windows; blah centimetres from left of page; blah centimeteres from right; etc. Also, get your script professionally binded from a printers. There's loads more guidlines that you can look up online. Just keep searching & you'll find them eventually - hey! That's what I did!

I know Documentaries are different & I'm writing from a Feature Film point of view. But Exec's are the same vultures wherever you go & it's all about money money money! I would advise you to send in the script, all edited & professional, & wait & see. If you fail with one, keep trying & trying & don't give up! I have just finished my script & it's ready for the market. But I'm going to be attending the L.A. Film School this Summwer as I'd like to get a degree 1st - I want to Direct my debut movie you see & there's no way they're gonna let an inexperienced 19 yr old take the reins! A degree from their is going to be very valuable!

I hope all of this has helped! But remember, everything I've told you I got online & I have heard it from Production Exec's personally myself - funnily enough, this guy was a producer of documentaries!

Good luck!