Cloud Ten Pictures Blog

In response to my blog readers (a.k.a one of my comments from yesterday), today I'm blogging about the process required to get YOUR IDEA to the BIG SCREEN.

Note:  Because of the length of this topic, it will be covered over a series of blog entries.

I hope that practical articles like this will be a blessing to you and - more importantly - to the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that so desperately needs to hear it!

Ok.. so I have this idea (or I've run across a story, idea, pitch, etc.) that I think would make a great film.  What now?

1.  Pray.  You are about to embark on an endeavor that will test you, frustrate you, and hopefully bring about the fulfillment that only God can bring.  Make sure you aren't just coming up with an idea.  Remember: ministry is RECEIVED, not ACHIEVED.  God does the work... we simply receive it and join Him in what He is already doing.  (Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now... but really this is where it begins for us as followers of the King of Kings.)


2.  Option the story.  If you are the idea person or writer, obviously you can skip this and go to Step 3.  If not, you need to option the story from the writer or person who had the idea.  Basically, this means that the originator gives you the rights to his/her story for "x" years.  If you don't make the film before this predetermined period of time expires, then the rights go back to the originator.  This agreement obviously involves some measure of negotiation and compensation with the person you are optioning the idea from, although there are many ways this compensation can come about.  Many idea originators just want to get the story they are so passionate about out there.


3.  Find a screenwriter.  Obviously if you are a screenwriter, then you can just get to work.  If you aren't, then you need to find someone who will write the script for you.  Depending on how serious you are, you should seek out a quality writer who is comfortable and familiar writing in the genre that the idea falls in.

(Note:  Professional Guild writers often receive $60,000.00 for a feature length script + up to $15,000.00 more in fringe payments, back-end payments, etc.)


But if your idea is a solid one, which I hope it is.. this is your first hurdle.  You might need to seek funding at this point from people who believe in the project.  Find the niche market appeal of your work and approach individuals who have a passion for investing in this type of work.  As a general rule, the fewer investors in a single project, the better.



4.  Now you have a script.  It should be written, revised and re-written at least 10-12 times before it gets to you.  It should be the proper length.  One page of script normally equals about 1 minute of screen time.  Feature length scripts should be 100-120 pages in length, with very few exceptions.  Anything over 120 pages rarely gets taken seriously.  There are a few Schindler's List's out there... but your script is probably NOT one of them.


Also, keep in mind that writers are creative people and - as such - they don't always write with a production budget in mind.  Locations, blowing up cars, stunts, and pyrotechnics can get VERY COSTLY.  Generally, the fewer locations, the better.



MOST IMPORTANTLY IS STORY, STORY, STORY!  If you don't have a STORY with appropriate plot lines, sequences, progression, etc., SCRAP IT even if you love it.. before you mortgage your house and sell a kidney.

Ok... don't want to make my blog post TOO long.. right Francine?  ~smiles~  So I'll cut it for here today and talk about what happens once you have a script in hand in an upcoming blog post.

If you have questions about this part of the process, let me know.  God bless!  And thanks again for being faithful followers of the Cloud Ten Pictures blog.

Your friend and blogger... Eric