by Angelo J. Bell
So much is changing and evolving in the world of spec screenplays that it’s hard to keep up with what to do and what not to do. However, throughout my research and monitoring of the industry I’ve found there are basically three types of screenplays you should have in your arsenal, polished and ready to go. With these three screenplays it’s likely that you’ll have something “in the ballpark” of what a producer, studio or director is looking for.
No guarantees. But as they say, “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.”
Commercial Screenplay (aka Studio screenplay or marketable/saleable screenplay) – the headline and logline for this screenplay should read like a news article in Deadline.com, a listing in the Hollywood Reporter or Variety Magazine. Leading roles should be characters any of the top ten actors in Hollywood would want to play (adjusting for age, of course). There should also be a role for a strong up-and-coming twentysomething actress and/or a strong character actress. This screenplay can be in any genre but arthouse. Write without any budgetary constraints. If you think the finished film requires $1M a day, write it!