The Journey of Unproduced Screenplays: Stories and Insights from a Professional Script Developer

Have you ever written a screenplay that never saw the light of day in a movie theater? It's a common experience for screenwriters, and there are numerous reasons why a script might fail to be produced. In this article, I will share some personal stories and insights about unproduced screenplays, drawing from my background in the screenwriting industry.

Common Reasons for Unproduced Screenplays

There are several factors that can contribute to a screenplay not being produced:

Changes in studio direction Budget constraints Shifts in market trends Internal decision-making processes within the production company Personal preferences or opinions of key individuals involved in development

In the following sections, I will delve into some specific examples of how unproduced screenplays unfolded, providing valuable insights for aspiring screenwriters and industry professionals.

Unproduced Screenplays: Personal Stories

I would say I have had the unfortunate experience of writing and selling screenplays that never made it to the big screen. These stories often have a twist or an unexpected turn of events that highlights the intricate and unpredictable nature of the screenwriting industry.

First Unproduced Screenplay

Once, I wrote a screenplay which found its way to a friend named Sandy who worked for a successful production company. Within weeks, her bosses made a deal for the script without even requesting a second draft. However, fate had other plans. The director who was originally chosen to helm the project later read the script and decided against making the movie.

On the day the project was officially cancelled, I missed a dinner party at Sandy's house, which turned out to be a missed opportunity to attend a party where the director was present. This could have been a great narrative in itself, but it's just part of the often frustrating reality in the industry.

Second Unproduced Screenplay

Another time, my writing partner and I were given the task of adapting a horror novel that was, in my opinion, the worst book I have ever read. The producer in question was the wife of a Las Vegas hotel magnate, and she offered us offices in a lavish complex attached to the Beverly Wilshire hotel. While it would have been tempting to accept such an offer, no writer wants to spend their day with a producer looking over their shoulder. So, we declined.

Things took a turn when we learned that the producer had hired a new president for her company. This president was experienced in the industry and we knew he would veto the project upon reading the book. We chose to accept the first offer and sign the contract right away, leaving the screenplay to be written and then tossed aside once presented.

During the six weeks it took to write the screenplay, I was tempted to introduce some insane elements to ensure it wouldn't be read, but the urge was subdued by the need for the payment.

Lessons Learned

These experiences have taught me several important lessons:

Not every script will be produced, but every script can still be a valuable learning experience. Timing and market trends have a significant impact on the success of a project. Relationships and networks within the industry play a crucial role in the progression of a screenplay. It's wise to be mindful of contract details and be prepared to move on quickly if necessary.

Despite the challenges, there is always a lesson to be learned from these experiences, and sometimes, the negative experiences can be the most educational.