How Can You Sell Your Screenplay To A Hollywood Studio In Six Weeks?

     First by thinking outside the box. Normally, one would have an agent who has studio contact with a producer and decides to option your screenplay for a year. I had that happen years ago with Sidney Glazer. He won an Academy Award for producing "The Eleanor Roosevelt Story." But Glazer decided he didn't like "The Great American Hoax" after all, and threw my 100 page script across the room as he lay on a couch with a vinegar rag on his forehead. A real schmuck!
     When a young filmmaker in New York City came to me for advice, let's call him George because he became famous, he said he was headed for Hollywood with $10,000 in his bank. How should he spend it out there in order to make his first movie with a script he had written.
     I told George not to waste his time and money. The dollars would all be gone in a few months for food, rent and other expenses. Instead, he should use the money to rent a classy limousine with a uniformed chauffeur, dress himself looking spiffy and visit the major studios one at a time.
     When his expensive limo pulls up to the gate, tell the guard you want to rent a studio to produce your first movie. Wait until the guard gets off the phone and you'll have directions to enter and drive to one of the huildings with offices. There, you will meet an executive salesman who handles studio stage rentals. He will ask for a copy of your script and be impressed with one of your engraved business cards.
     This is the procedure I advised George to take. He did and found the welcome mat at three of five studios. Studio number one decided to make him an offer: rather than than rent their facilities, a crew, editing rooms and all the other expenses, why not just produce his movie under their banner. They would pay all expenses, in addition to a producer's salary, that would also include an office to work in and a cottage nearby to live in. Profits would be shared fifty -fifty from the first dollar.
     What I just described was over a six week period. George was down to has last $200 when he signed the contract and received a studio check for $1,500,000.  He was sweating profusely when he deposited the money in his bank. George couldn't believe his good fortune. He made his first movie, then three more, got married, had three kids and is happily living in a huge Beverly Hills home.
     I believe this scenario could still work again. So you wannabes consider the potential. But don't fall for the sucker trap option. Your creative efforts will be tied up for a year or more, nothing will happen and you'll continue having dinners out at MacDonald's.
     There are actually thousands of screenplays on studio shelves. I've seen them and heard sad stories from college graduates with film degrees bagging groceries, moving back home with parents. Don't let that happen to you!