Mark's Pro Tip #4

 Pro Tip #4: The value of a script is not what you think!

I get a lot of novice writers coming to me for story and budgeting services, and a common refrain I hear is that they've written the next Citizen Kane. Not only is this NEVER the case, but the people who say this with the most gusto often have the WORST material. It's not that they're trying to write something bad. No artist sets out to craft a piece of shit. It's simply that they're energized from having watched too many movies, but haven't received the sort of training in the craft that allows them to execute at a professional level (or even know what professional screenwriting looks like). So here's a little secret for everyone who thinks they've written The Shawshank Redemption:

You script is literally worth the paper it's printed on.

Yes, seriously. If it costs you $4.50 to print out your script, then that's what it's currently worth. Not until someone other than you has decided they want to buy it, finance it, make it, etc., does the value of that script increase. Don't fall into the trap of thinking your script is special. There's 100,000 spec scripts floating around Hollywood on any given day, and nearly everyone has an overly high estimation of theirs.

If you really want to boost the value of your script, there are a few steps you can take that will give you a better chance: 1) Learn the craft! Study it. Writing is hard. Just typing out your idea in Final Draft doesn't make you a screenwriter. Master classes and extension courses are available, so you don't need a four-year degree. Just a dose of humility. 2) Execute! Read scripts that have sold and emulate that style and quality. 3) Solicit feedback from people not related to you and who have no reason to be nice to you. Professional coverage services, writer groups and screenplay competitions that provide feedback are a few great options. 4) Rewrite!!! And if you can't get it over the line, hire someone to rewrite it.

This industry is all about getting kicked in the teeth and then saying, "Thank you, sir. May I have another?" This is the most likely path you'll face in getting your script produced. Understanding that your script is not as great as you think and that you'll face a lot of rejection is key to preparing yourself for the fight ahead. But if you stick with it and put in the work, you may just come out the other side with a script that is worth something someday.

Mark's Pro Tip #3

Pro Tip #3 - Not all money is good money.

"Just get the movie made," I often say to clients, colleagues, mentees and friends. Getting your movie made is paramount. That sometimes entails killing your darlings or making sacrifices you wouldn't otherwise make. It also means sometimes taking less money or money with strings attached. However, it's imperative that you're able to determine whether money is "good" money or "bad" money, as the last thing you want to do is end up in a legal situation or worse. Here are a few ways to determine whether money is "good" (worth taking) or "bad" (not worth taking):

- Are the recoupment terms overly onerous? In other words, might you be unable to meet the obligations the investor is asking for, even under the rosiest scenario?

- Does acceptance of the money put your other investors in a bad place or, worse yet, cause them to drop out because it now makes their position untenable?

- Does the investor seem to have unrealistic expectations of what you can truly do?

- Is the investor asking you to personally guarantee return of the money at some future date?

- Are there strings attached to the money that otherwise put you, your team, your other investors or any others working on the project in a precarious position legally, financially or reputationally?

- Does the investor demand he retain control of the funds and all key decision-making during the production process?

- Is the investor refusing to work with legitimate organizations like major banks where funds can be verified and escrowed or provide other reliable methods of verification?

If you answered "no" to these questions, the money may very well be good to go. If you answered "yes" to these questions, it's probably not. To know for sure, the best bet is to consult legal counsel and any knowledgeable stakeholders that you trust.

At the end of the day, if you need to turn down some bad money, just remember that that funding source is not the only game in town and that there are plenty of good money sources out there to fund your movie. You just need to go find them.