You wrote the spec script. But it’s been a few years, maybe a decade since you sent it out to a slew or even a handful of development execs. And nothing happened or they politely passed on the project. Now what? Do you keep revising a screenplay or let it go?
I’ve heard enough screenwriters, the successful ones, talk about a drawer or two filled with scripts that will never see the light of day. Maybe these stories survived a succession of drafts but didn’t make it beyond a few spec script submissions, contests, or readings. Or they were practice screenplays and nothing more. Either way, they were abandoned although may have served as a calling card or step into the screenwriting arena.
I don’t have a desk drawer filled with scripts. It’s more like a lengthy file cabinet drawer crammed with multiple drafts of a few scripts. I had every draft printed so I could turn the pages and read them. And it appears to me, if I’m honest about it, that I’ve given up on them. Two of these project have been optioned in the past, but never got beyond the option period. One of the two, “Catherine of Siena.” was optioned twice by the same producer. It was also a finalist in a screenwriting contest. The other, ‘Strike it Rich,” made it to semi-finalist status at the Screencraft Family Film contest in 2021. Beforehand, the script went through umpteen revisions while I awaited the signature, other than my own, on an option agreement. When the deal stalled out, I revised it to my liking and inserted most of the ideas that were eliminated via the former creative team’s notes. And that’s the version that made it to the semifinal status. Yay! But since the fleeting moment of recognition, it sits stored in a digital file and flash drive. So be it. I’ve resurfaced a handful of scripts a few times for contest submissions after rewrites or a polish. I’ve even convinced myself that, when the timing is right, these stories will have their day. But I’ve fallen down on the one essential beyond the writing. Marketing!
Oh, if I could simply write on assignment, I’m thinking. As a grant writer for a nonprofit, I typically contact the potential funder and talk about the project before the submission. What I’m looking for is some sort of green light before the work gets done. And it typically pays off. There’s no guarantee. But, when a funder suggests asking for a certain amount, there’s typically success at the end result. I’ve come to count on it.
As a news reporter, I knew my stories would get published. They were assigned to me, and my byline was on the article that hit print. It was a bit nerve-racking because, many times, I didn’t think it was my best work. Writing is rewriting, and I didn’t have the luxury of time to rewrite. Many articles were the first draft. So I became, what I thought, was the master of the first draft! Get it done right on the fly! It was part of the news reporting world because there was another interview and story nipping at my heels.
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I’m now writing my third book in the series of “The Miriam Chronicles” with full knowledge that I’ll have to devote much time and ingenuity to marketing the first two installments. It’s not easy for me because I’m not disciplined with time and I don’t have all the savvy of technology at my fingertips. Oh, I have the social platforms, but I don’t know how to skillfully use them to turn out thousands of sales. Whatever the case, at least books get printed whether traditionally, hybrid method, or self-publishing.
But, my dilemma remains. How much time and energy should I devote to old scripts that looked like they had promise, even good coverage eons ago? I’m taking this question to a screenwriting group or two for advice. I don’t mind sounding like a novice by asking a question that may have an obvious answer. Or not. Who knows? I won’t know until I ask!
Whatever you decide to do with a drawer or cabinet filled with undeveloped writing projects, don’t let it stop you from creating! Happy writing! Make each word count toward fulfilling your dreams and goals!