I have written a screenplay for a sequel to an existing movie. How would one get the rights to market a sequel screenplay? I'm a nobody and I know that no one at [THE STUDIO] is going to take a meeting with me to discuss this. The only ones that could make it is the original production company right?

David

You are absolutely correct, David. The only company that could market/make this film is the original production company and/or studio. The production company and/or the studio are not going to give you the sequel rights to their film unless you have sufficient capital to purchase those rights.

Therefore, it is a waste of time to market the screenplay to any other company unless you have purchased the sequel rights from the rights holder, in this case the studio. However, the rights holder MAY be interested in purchasing your concept of the sequel if they like your screenplay. Therefore, if you have written a sequel for a film that you do not hold the rights to, it is worth a shot to approach the rights holder about your version of a sequel.

Paul (About Paul)

I've written a screenplay, which is a drama and I feel is very saleable. I've sent out over 200 letters to film agents and literary agents. I've sent out over 25 scripts to Independent production companies and had 8 returned. The ones that weren't returned, I did a follow up to which I received these answers:
1. We do not accept unsolicited material.
2. No, we never received it.
3. It has been discarded
4. You must have an agent representing you
5. I really don't know if anyone here has seen it.
6.7.8.9.& 10. We do not accept unsolicited material. Can you help me?

Marilyn

Firstly, let me say that many writers will be nodding their heads in sympathy and you are not alone by any means. Two things will happen when you send a screenplay to anyone, they will either like it and want to move forward with it, or they won't. The variety of ways in which they can say "no" are numerous and you've mentioned quite a few of them above. They are simply saying no. Don't be offended. Just keep submitting and keep writing. Keep focused and make sure your work is as flawless as possible and that your ideas are screen worthy. Good luck.

Angela (About Angela)

I'm writing a screenplay that references a few musical artists. Is it ok to do this or should I use no namers or eliminate this segment altogether? The reference is important to the scene.

Chava

It depends on how and why you're referencing the artist in question. If it's because you want a particular song to be used, then only put it in if it really is pivotal to the story and not just because you think it is. These are choices that a Director will want to make. As to other references etc, the Producer will take care of checking any clearance rights once they move forward with the script.

Angela (About Angela)

I want to write a screenplay based entirely on a book that I have read. How would I go about getting permission for writing the screenplay?

Aseefa

You need to contact the publisher and find out if the rights are available. If it's an adult book ask to be put through to the Adult Rights department and if it's a Children's book, then it's the Children's Rights department. Check the book itself to find out who the publisher is. Pretty straightforward. It's increasingly common to find that film rights etc have already been negotiated long before a book hits the shelves, but there's no harm in asking.

Angela (About Angela)

Since I want to go and be educated in screenwriting, what should I do before all of schooling is accomplished? I have four years ahead of me of schooling, should I start putting my ideas into my own screenplay format until I learn the real deal? Or should I just wait? What should I do?

Brett

There's no doubt you will learn a lot of great things in whatever screenwriting program you attend. But every good writer will tell you that the best way to get good at writing is to write. Write a lot and, in between, read a lot. If your passion is to write, four years of school shouldn't stop you from beginning. Learning technical aspects like screenplay format won't take long and, if film is truly your passion, studying screenplays and cinema will continue for the rest of your life. So what are you waiting for? Write! Let whatever ideas you learn in school catch up with your practical experience as a writer. Finally, and most importantly, learn to observe and experience life - that's where your stories will be found.

Rob (About Rob)