Getting your work out there.

[Golem_3]

Okay, so, I'm new to the group,
but I've been writing my own screenplays since 2004.
Kifaru asked about what to do/how to do/where to go.
This discussion (I want it to be) all about WHERE to go/ WHO to go to/ and HOW.

I sent a screenplay of mines (that was documented in the WGA, *Writers Guild Of America*) back in 2005, to Duly Noted, Inc. (they're a production company in L.A.)
The woman I sent it to worked on the film "Real Women Have Curves".
Anyway....
I know I'm not the only person here who needs help with this.
Is anybody part of an agency?
My strengths are more in visuals, but I've learned that writing my own directorial work is best (for many reasons).
WHAT should we do before, during, and after we send screenplays out there into the unkown?

FINANCING.
I've been to the NYFFA (New York Foundation For the Arts).
Like all other state non-profits, they hold seminars/meetings for artists looking for sponsorship.
I applied/submitted my work. Rejection rejection rejection.
To my dismay, there aren't many organizations that give grants to filmmakers.
Veeeerrrrrry tough.
Other sources?

Joint-ventures.

Also: BETJ has a competition for directors called Filmmakers' Challenge(sponsored by Johnson & Johnson).
$100,000 is the prize for winning SHORT FILM.
Entries must be recieved by sometime in November.
PLEASE, go to the website for more info.
ALL of you should enter this.

[Daoud]

Thanks for the info on the grants & experiences, especially about BETJ. I don't know about repping but I'll see what's up.

[Golem_3]

Daoud said:

Thanks for the info on the grants & experiences, especially about BETJ. I don't know about repping but I'll see what's up.

No prob.
Ay, check it though...... I've been contemplating the possiblity of collaborating with folks. You know, this person has a camera (but no material), that person writes his/her ass off (but no equipment).
I wish I was back in NY, 'cause I could easily get some gear.

[Nadia C]

Oooh. I will definitely enter this either this or next eyar. Question...should you get things *copywrighted before sending them to films? (Golem____I've gone to Film school, though I didn't graduate. It's a dream of mine to be a filmmaker, or at least screenwriter. So if you're ever in the NYC area, hit me up).

[Golem_3]

Nadia C said:

Question...should you get things *copywrighted before sending them to films? (Golem____I've gone to Film school, though I didn't graduate. It's a dream of mine to be a filmmaker, or at least screenwriter. So if you're ever in the NYC area, hit me up).

The way I've always gone about it is to have it documented in the WGA. However, you could also either A) send it to the Library of Conress. Or B) mail it to yourself (the poor person's copyright).
I never went to film school, but the 1st rule I Iearned was to always protect your own best interests. In other words, make it official/ have stuff in writing.
You can't copyright an idea, but... you can keep people from using certain intellectual properties.
Actually, the ONLY person (as far as popular culture knows) who has copywritten a title/and idea is George Lucas. Nobody can use Star Wars in any way/form without his permission.
Yes, filmmakers have been sued by people claiming to be the originators of the film's screenplay. However, its not what you know, its what you can PROVE.

When I was making documentaries, I always made sure to make my subjects (the people) sign a talent release form. You're supposed to make them sign before you shoot, but sometimes I broke that rule and let them sign after I shot.
Those contracts always make me laugh because nowhere else do I see phrases like "...has universal ownership".
So, basically, if you wanted to make money off of my film on Jupiter, I can sue you.

I am SO missing NYC. Thats where it all happens (as everyone likes to say).
Little Marvin (a comedian/ actor/ "singer" kinda) wanted to work with me, making a mockumentary.
He lives in NYC, but he travels alot, and last time I heard from him, he was taking a break. He has a website (his name).
I wanted to make a doc of HoneyChild Coleman (from Audio Dislexia), but she was too busy.
Manhattan (where I lived for a lil bit) has a public-access station that always has programs going on, and I knew a few people there who make stuff.
I worked with this guy name Rich (in Brooklyn) who has his own production company, but he doesn't make anything anymore, and he lost his passion.
Yeeeaaaaars ago, I worked for Hype Williams, when I was in college ('97).

You went to film school? Where?
I wish I went to one. I really do. Like, UC Berkley or NYU.
Why didn't you finish?

IFC medialab (website) sometimes has some contests/ or chances to feature your work on their cable channel.
At the very least, you can post your work on their website.

Yeah, NYC is only 3 hours away, and plus I have some un-finished business up there.