When I first joined this forum, in July '07, one of the first questions I asked, was whether anyone had ever tried to send a script to America. Now that 22 months have passed, and loads of new people have joined, I thought I'd ask again. So, has anyone tried it?
Not me.
In case you noticed, yes, I originally typed 16 months, instead of 22. I don't know how I managed that.
I managed to get a film script to one guy in America who produced a couple of Will Ferrell films. Nice guy, but still a rejection. A few of the other producers I queried just ignored me sadly.
Quote: hotzappa11 @ May 15 2009, 11:51 AM BSTI managed to get a film script to one guy in America who produced a couple of Will Ferrell films. Nice guy, but still a rejection. A few of the other producers I queried just ignored me sadly.
It wasn't Judd Apatow was it? Because that would be hitting the jackpot. I've never considered it worthwhile trying America. I've always assumed it pointless even trying.
The main reason it's hard to break America is partly down to humour and many Americans don't find it as appealing (or don't get it).
The Office is a perfect example. Of course it needed repackaging but it is very different now to the English version partly because they have more writers now and it's kind of become its own but the humour is very much a different flavour of comedy.
Quote: catskillz @ May 15 2009, 12:40 AM BSTWhen I first joined this forum, in July '07, one of the first questions I asked, was whether anyone had ever tried to send a script to America.
I remember you asking that question.
Quote: earman2009 @ May 15 2009, 12:37 PM BSTIt wasn't Judd Apatow was it? Because that would be hitting the jackpot. I've never considered it worthwhile trying America. I've always assumed it pointless even trying.
Afraid not earman. Would have been bloody brilliant though! Apatow is one of my influences.
I was going to write a script for an American film student to film. I forgot about that actually and never got around to it. That's not like me at all 
Okay, if you had the chance to get your script turned into either a British sitcom, an American sitcom, or a film, which would you choose, and why?
Quote: catskillz @ May 15 2009, 5:00 PM BSTOkay, if you had the chance to get your script turned into either a British sitcom, an American sitcom, or a film, which would you choose, and why?
Maybe, actually, an American series. And yes, it would purely be for the fact that if it became a hit you would earn a shit load more than you would here.
I'm currently in the process of formulating something that (if it's any good) could get pitched over there.
I forgot how annoying it is getting across the selling point from your head, onto the page.
Quote: Seefacts @ May 15 2009, 6:02 PM BSTI'm currently in the process of formulating something that (if it's any good) could get pitched over there.
I actually, rather sadly, now do look at anything new I'm writing and wonder, if it gets made here, if the concept would appeal enough to an American audience for it to be snapped up for an Office style reboot over there!
Quote: Matthew Stott @ May 15 2009, 7:21 PM BSTI actually, rather sadly, now do look at anything new I'm writing and wonder, if it gets made here, if the concept would appeal enough to an American audience for it to be snapped up for an Office style reboot over there!
Well, it's where the money is.
Thought you lot would be interested in reading this: http://www.harpers.org/archive/2002/03/0079095