NewEnglandFilm.com

I have started a screenplay about my time in combat. I was a part of C 1-26 that deployed to Adhaniyah Iraq in 2006, the most dangerous deployment to happen to a unit since Vietnam. I have a lot written already and am still trying to put on the final touches. I want to know when it is done how to get it made into film.

The first step in your journey to get your script made into a film is to make sure that your screenplay is absolutely ready to be submitted for consideration to agents, managers, script competitions, and/or production companies. Get feedback from those who will be honest with you and preferably from people who truly understand what makes a script successful, such as a script consultant, a screenwriting professor, or a writers’ group.

Once your script is completed, you still have more writing to do. Specifically, you must be prepared with additional marketing tools. You will need to write an attention-grabbing one-page query letter to submit to potential agents and managers. (See my previous columns about agents.) You will also need to write a one-page synopsis that will illustrate why your project must be made into a film and you will need to prepare a powerful pitch. In many cases, once a company reads your query letter and informs you that they are interested in your project, they might just request a one-page synopsis before requesting your screenplay. This synopsis will serve two major purposes for the company: 1) the executives will garner a good idea if you know your craft as a screenwriter, and 2) if this story is a good fit for their company.

In order to get your script made into a film, you must get people interested in your project. There are several avenues in which to do so. Submitting your screenplay to notable screenplay competitions (whose judges are established film industry executives, offer a cash prize, announce winners in the trade publications, and so on) is one avenue. (Lesser-known competitions with limited or no film industry affiliations or judges, will not add that much credibility to your project should you place as a finalist or win the competition.) Attending pitch festivals and screenplay conferences where you can network and meet industry folks is another way to make some contacts for your project.

In a perfect scenario for your screenplay, an agent or manager will agree to represent your project and then he or she will submit your script to talent (directors, actors), and production companies and studios that are good fit for your screenplay.

Remember, before submitting your work to anyone, you must register your screenplay with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). This protects you and those to whom you are submitting your script from theft of ideas. All reputable film professionals will not read a script unless it’s been registered. See the WGA website for details on script registration at www.wga.org.