How Hollywood Scripts are Chosen

In this video essay, I look at how Hollywood finds its scripts, the role of a screenwriter and just what people can do to get their screenplay noticed, optioned and (with a bit of luck) produced. I explain some of the processes behind how producers and film executives find new talent as well as some of the difficulties associated with breaking into (and remaining) in the industry.
Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:27 Optioning a Script
3:57 The Blacklist
6:18 The Alternatives
Links
Blacklist 2023 - variety.com/2023/film/news/bl...
freshmenscreenplay.com/how-ma...
gointothestory.blcklst.com/20...

[@casperbengtsson459]

So if I write 1000 scripts one of them will make it?😂

[@the_flipside]

Now that's the right attitude to have 😏

[@benjamindover4337]

No because it's not a numbers game but actually much more political. You have to write things that put forward ideas which establishment players want to injected into the public consciousness. Like a few years ago, if you wrote woke propaganda, or strong female leads, for example. Now the direction has changed toward mindless fun, action, etc. So don't bother writing anything until you truly understand what the powers that be want to buy. You can also take the opposite route and write things the establishment want to suppress. That way they will be inclined to buy the script and shelve it so that it never gets made. One thing no serious person would ever do is submit scripts to competitions, which are only for newbies who have no idea how any of this works.

[@rusty_crankshafts9516]

proper quality stuff

[@rusty_crankshafts9516]

mate i'm obsessed with your vibs, i must say you proper underated. keep up the good work and you can do just aswell as more established video essay channels out there

[@the_flipside]

Thank you, that really means a lot!

[@ssssssstssssssss]

How about going the indie route and teaming up with a director? Though not for indies necessarily, a lot of famous writers did take that route of teaming up with a director... In general to make it in a field it is essential to get out finished products. The problem with screenwriting is the deliverable is not really a finished product. So I'd say to get out finished products however you can, whether for stage productions, or even if only videos on the Internet.

[@filmmike]

Good quality content! Keep up the consitency and your channel will blow up in no time.

[@the_flipside]

Thank you!

[@lonerangerone]

For the record, Netflix may have been founded somewhere else, but their decisions to buy scripts and where they produce them is squarely in Hollywood. In fact, other than Paramount, Netflix is the only “studio” still in the geographical area of Los Angeles that is defined as Hollywood.

[@the_flipside]

I wouldn't say Netflix Originals are squarely produced in Hollywood as their global production network is integral to their business plan. But I do get where you're coming from as they are obviously a huge player in Hollywood as well 👍

[@postrock12]

Most of the other studios are in or near Burbank,in the valley.behind the Hollywood sign & the hill. Not far from Hollywood. But I get what you mean

[@Sisanf]

Great video! The way more likely game you are playing as a screenwriter is to be hired to write a screenplay under someone’s IP

[@the_flipside]

Thank you, that might be something to look at in a future video actually! :)

[@DomhnallMolloy]

You legend keep uploading good man yourself

[@the_flipside]

Thank you 🙏

[@directorchris2]

Well You 'd be interested to Learn...That as musician NOTICED th Lake House was Ripped off EVEN in Music by Intestellar and the Director in Truman is named because of Jesus and s TOTALLY Idiotic as script only for Hate for t BIG Guy.