ALLIANCE FILMWORKSFor years, Writer’s Market for has focused solely on the most traditional publishing formats, including getting published in consumer magazines and trade journals and by book publishers with the assistance of literary agents, as well as writing contests. Those markets aren’t going away, but we can add in other venues, including playwriting and screenwriting.
Screenwriting is a unique market in that writers create scripts that are likely to be only the springboard to the collaborative effort involved with films. Whether writing full-length movies or shorter pieces, screenwriters are bound to have revisions to their scripts made by directors, actors, and producers. But that’s okay.
What gets the whole process started is an amazing script that could last for two hours or two minutes...or, more likely, somewhere in between.
ALLIANCE FILMWORKS9595 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900, Beverly Hills CA 90212. Website: www.alliancefilmworks.com. Estab. 2001. Produces 3 movies/year. Alliance is not accepting unsolicited TV or film submissions, screenplays, pitches, log lines or treatments at this time. Pays option; makes outright purchase.
Produces all genres. Budgets are $1.5 million+.
2251 N. Rampart Blvd., 1479, Las Vegas NV 89128. (702)991-9011. E-mail: query@alliedartistsonline.com. Website: www.alliedartistsonline.com. Estab. 1990. Produces material for broadcast and cable television, home video, and film Buys 3-5 scripts/year. scripts/year. Uses Works with 10-20 writers/year. writers/year. Buys first or all rights. Submit synopsis, outline. Pays in accordance with writer’s guild standards. Responds in 2 months to queries. Responds in 3 months to mss.
TIPS “We are looking for positive, uplifting dramatic stories involving 'real people' situations. Future trend is for more reality-based programming, as well as interactive television programs for viewer participation. Send brief e-mail query only. Do not send scripts or additional material until requested. No phone pitches accepted.”
16027 Ventura Blvd., Suite 320, Encino CA 91436. (818)380-9100. Fax: (818)380-0050. E-mail: jason@americanworldpictures.com. Website: www.americanworldpictures.com. Contact: Jason Corey, acquisitions. Buys 4 scripts/year. scripts/year. Uses Works with 5 writers/year. writers/year. Buys all rights. Query. Pays only $15,000 for scripts. Do not contact if price is more than that. Responds in 2 months to queries. Responds in 3 months to mss.
Needs feature-length films. Send DVD/VHS to the Acquisitions Department.
TIPS “Use strong characters and strong dialogue.”
5225 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 525, Los Angeles CA 90036. (323)935-1800. Fax: (323)935-8040. E-mail: azentertainment@hotmail.com. Website: www.automaticpictures.net. Contact: Frank Beddor, producer. Credits include There's Something About Mary and Wicked.
Looking for comedy, horror, or romantic comedy.
3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd., #1137, Studio City CA 91604. E-mail: bigevent1@bigeventpictures.com. Contact: Michael Cargile, president. “Produces G, PG, and R-rated feature films for theaters, cable TV, and home video.” Query by e-mail. Producers will respond if interested.
TIPS “Interesting query letters intrigue us—and tell us something about the writer. Query letter should include a short log line or pitch encapsulating what this story is about and should be no more than 1 page in length. We look for unique stories with strong characters and would like to see more action and science fiction submissions. We make movies that we would want to see. Producers are known for encouraging new/unproduced screenwriters and giving real consideration to their scripts.”
3760 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90066. (310)390-9360. E-mail: rupert@bizazzmedia.com. Website: www.bizazzmedia.com. Contact: Rupert Hitzig. “Bizazz Media is a full service video production company, built around Emmy and Peabody Award winning Producer Rupert Hitzig and a diverse cast of creative professionals with experienced vision. We specialize in the production of documentaries, electronic press kits, marketing videos, corporate videos, industrial videos, and training films. Whether it's for broadcast, non- broadcast presentation, or the Internet, our productions are engaging, informative, and never dull!"
10331 Watkins Mill Dr., Montgomery Village MD 20886-3950. (301)840-2248. Fax: (301)990-0707. E-mail: info@writephotopro.com. Website: www.writephotopro.com. Contact: Sam Blate, CEO. Produces educational and multimedia for marine, fishing, boating, business, education, institutions and state and federal governments. Uses Works with 2 local writers/year on a per-project basis—it varies as to business conditions and demand. writers/year. Buys first rights when possible Query with writing samples and SASE for return. Payment depends on contact with client. Pays some expenses. Responds in 1 month to queries.
TIPS Writers must have a strong track record of technical and aesthetic excellence.
406 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90401. (310)455-5000. Fax: (310)688-8000. E-mail: info@rifkin-eberts.com. Website: www.rifkin-ebertsproductions.com. Production company of actor Bruce Willis; credits include Bandits, Hart's War, Timber Falls.
c/o USA Films, 9333 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills CA 90210. (310)385-4183. Fax: (310)385-6633. Production company of actor/director Neil Labute. Credits include Your Friends & Neighbors, In the Company of Men, Nurse Betty.
315 W. 36th St., Suite 1002, New York NY 10018. (212)334-8110. Fax: (212)334-8290. E-mail: info@leedanielsentertainment.com. Website: www.leedanielsentertainment.com. VP of Development We work in all aspects of entertainment, including film, television, and theater. All nonagency scripts must be accompanied by a signed copy of the submission release form, which can be downloaded from the website. All scripts should be registered or copyrighted for your protection. All scripts should be in standard screenplay format. Include a synopsis, logline, and character breakdown (including lead and supporting roles). Do not send any extraneous materials.
TIPS Lee Daniels produced Monster's Ball and The Woodsman, and produced/directed Shadowboxer. He is the first African-American sole producer of an Academy-Award-winning film.
10202 W. Washington Blvd., Lean, No. 333, Culver City CA 90232. (310)244-8833. Fax: (310)244-2151. Lead developers and producers include Steve Tisch, Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal. Credits include The Weather Man (2005), Alex & Emma (2003) and A Knight's Tale (2001).
TIPS Escape Artists distributes its films domestically via Columbia Pictures and internationally via Summit Entertainment.
820 Majorca Place, Los Angeles CA 90049. (213)300-1896. E-mail: fastcarriervp@aol.com. Website: www.fastcarrier.com. Contact: Rory Aylward. Estab. 2000. Mass market motion picture/TV audience. Buys 1-2 scripts/year. scripts/year. Uses Works with 1-2 writers/year. writers/year. No options or cash up front. Query with synopsis. No teen sex comedies, large science fiction movies, historical epics, serial killer movies, or gross violence and humor at the expense of women, children, or minorities.
Our bread basket is cable, broadcast, and smaller theatrical films in the following genres: women in jeopardy, low-budget family movies tied to a holiday, low-budget westerns, horror, and romantic comedy.
16255 Ventura Blvd., Suite 625, Encino CA 91436. (310)277-1408. E-mail: ginty@robertginty.com. Website: www.robertginty.com. Contact: Robert Ginty. Estab. 1989. Commercial audience. Buys 12-15 scripts/year. scripts/year. Uses Works with 10-20 writers/year. writers/year. Buys first rights, all rights. Query with synopsis. Pays in accordance with WGA standards. Responds in 1 month to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss.
115 W. California Blvd., #310, Pasadena CA 91105-3005. (626)943-0950. E-mail: submissions@greyline.net. Website: www.greyline.net. Contact: Sara Miller, submissions coordinator. Grey Line Entertainment is a full-service motion picture production and literary management company. We offer direct management of all services associated with the exploitation of stories. When our clients' motion picture screenplays are ready for the marketplace, we place them directly with studios or with major co-producers who can assist in packaging cast and/or director before approaching financiers (Warner Bros., New Line, Fox, Disney, etc.), or broadcasters (HBO, Showtime, etc.). Query via e-mail only. No attachments. Review online submission guidelines before sending. Responds in 2 weeks to queries.
Queries for screenplays and treatments should consist of a compelling and business-like letter giving us a brief overview of your story and a 1-sentence pitch. Be sure to include your return address and a phone number. No multiple submissions. Treatments and screenplays submitted without a completed and signed Grey Line submission form will be discarded. Include SASE for reply. We recommend you register your screenplays/treatments with the copyright office or WGA before submitting.
TIPS Your work must be finished and properly edited before seeking our representation (meaning proofread, spell-checked, and rewritten until it's perfect).
9696 Culver Blvd., Suite 208, Culver City CA 90232. (310)841-2555. Fax: (310)841-5934 or (818)705-7366. Contact: Jessica Roach, development executive; Beth Grossbard, executive producer. Estab. 1994. Buys first rights and true-life story rights Query with synopsis, treatment/outline. Responds in 1 month to queries.
TIPS Company develops material for television and the feature film markets. Interested in women's stories/issues, compelling true stories, social issues, contemporary legal issues, literary material, including young adult, children's titles, and small press books. We are also interested in plays, short stories, and original ideas.
1440 Veteran Ave., Suite 650, Los Angeles CA 90024. (323)663-6940. Contact: Jed Leland, Jr., assistant to the president. Estab. 1976. Buys first rights. Query. Pays in accordance with writer’s guild standards. Responds in 2 months to queries.
Looking for material that is international in scope.
TIPS Our response time is faster on average now (3-6 weeks), but we do not reply without a SASE. No unsolicited mss. We do not respond to unsolicited phone calls or e-mail.
P.O. Box 33544, Santa Fe NM 87594-3544. Website: www.scifistation.com. Contact: Barbara Schimpf, V.P., production; Arnold Leibovit, director/producer. Estab. 1988. “Produces material for motion pictures and television.” Uses Works with 1 writer/year. writers/year. Query with log line and synopsis via e-mail. Do not send full script unless requested. A submission release must be included with all scripts. Pays in accordance with writer’s guild standards. Responds in 2 months to queries. Does not want novels, plays, poems, treatments, or submissions on disk.
6548 Country Squire Ln., Omaha NE 68152. (323)459-5574. E-mail: lustgar@pacbell.net. Website: www.leofilms.com. Contact: Steve Lustgarten, president. Estab. 1989. Has released over 75 feature films. Buys 5 scripts/year. scripts/year. Uses Works with 8 writers/year. writers/year. Buys all rights. Query by e-mail with synopsis. Payment varies—options and sales. Responds in 1 week to queries. Responds in 2 months to mss.
TIPS “Will also consider novels, short stories, and treatments that have true movie potential.”
8840 Wilshire Blvd., 1st Floor, Beverly Hills CA 90211. Fax: (310)358-3192. E-mail: marshakzachary@aol.com; alan@themzco.com. Contact: Alan W. Mills, associate. Estab. 1981. “Audience is film goers of all ages and television viewers.” Buys 3-5 scripts/year. scripts/year. Uses Works with 10 writers/year. writers/year. Rights purchased vary. Query with synopsis. Payment varies. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 3 months to mss.
TIPS “Submit logline (1-line description), a short synopsis of storyline, and a short biographical profile (focus on professional background). SASE required for all mailed inquiries. If submissions are sent via e-mail, subject must include specific information or else run the risk of being deleted as junk mail. All genres accepted, but ideas must be commercially viable, high concept, original, and marketable.”
PO Box 2435, Venice CA 90291. E-mail: info@marullus.com. Website: www.marullus.com. Gerhard Schwarz: gerhard@marullus.com; Fernando Ramiros: fernando@marullus.com; Development: development@marullus.com; Company Relations: info@marullus.com. The goal of Marullus Productions Inc. is nothing short of a revolution in independent film, providing both commercially viable and artistically polished films for both the art house and the local cinema around the block. From family films, mainstream feature films to surreal independent dramas and television series.
126 Hall Rd., Aliquippa PA 15001. (724)775-1993. Fax: (801)881-3017. E-mail: niteowlprods@aol.com; mark@niteowlproductionsltd.com. Website: www.niteowlproductionsltd.com. Contact: Bridget Petrella. Estab. 2001. Production credits include Shopping Cart Commandos and American Playhouse: Three Sovereigns for Sarah. Send a 1-page, single-spaced query letter via e-mail or mail.
We will be producing at least 5-10 feature films in the next 2-5 years. We are searching for polished, well-structured, well-written, and professional-looking screenplays that are ready for production. If your screenplay does not meet these standards, do not send us a query. All screenplays must be in English and be in standard industry format. Provide a working title for your screenplay.
TIPS All submissions must include a dated and signed Submission Release Form or they will be discarded immediately. All full-length feature film screenplays must be 80-130 pages in length. One-hour TV spec scripts must be 55-65 pages in length. Do not send us computer disks. One hardcopy of your screenplay will suffice. Do not cheat on your margins—we will notice. Proofread your screenplay thoroughly before submitting to avoid typos and punctuation and grammar mistakes. Copyright your script with the US Copyright Office and register it with the WGA. All screenplays must be firmly bound and include a cover page with the title of the work and your name, address, and contact information. Your materials will not be returned.
23679 Calabasas Rd., Suite 686, Calabasas CA 91302. E-mail: popartfilms@earthlink.net. Website: popartfilmfactory.com. Contact: Daniel Zirilli, CEO/director. Estab. 1990. Produces material for all audiences/feature films Query with synopsis. Pays on per project basis.
"We also have domestic and international distribution, and are always looking for finished films. We're producing 3 feature films/year and 15-20 music-oriented projects.”
TIPS “Send a query/pitch letter and let me know if you are willing to write on spec (for the first job only; you will be paid if the project is produced). Be original. Do not play it safe. If you don't receive a response from anyone you have ever sent your ideas to, or you continually get rejected, don't give up if you believe in yourself. Good luck and keep writing!"
P.O. Box 33544, Santa Fe NM 87594-3544. Website: www.scifistation.com. Contact: Arnold Leibovit, director/producer. Estab. 1987. “Wants plays geared toward a broad audience.” Uses Works with 1 writer/year. writers/year. Query with logline and synopsis via e-mail. Do not send script unless requested. Submission release required with all scripts. Pays in accordance with writer’s guild standards. Responds in 2 month to queries. No novels, plays, poems, treatments, or submissions on disk.
1875 Century Park E., Suite 600, Los Angeles CA 90067. (310)551-2060. Fax: (310)201-0729. E-mail: info@shorelineentertainment.com. Website: www.shorelineentertainment.com. Production credits include Glengarry Glen Ross, The Visit, The Man From Elysian Fields. Estab. 1993. Mass audience. Buys 8 scripts/year. scripts/year. Uses Works with 8 writers/year. writers/year. Buys all rights. Query. Responds in 1 week to queries.
TIPS Looking for character driven films that are commercial as well as independent. Completed screenplays only. Especially looking for big-budget action, thrillers. We accept submissions by mail, e-mail or fax. No unsolicited screenplays, please.
P.O. Box 2247, Westport CT 06880. E-mail: spencerprods@yahoo.com. Contact: Bruce Spencer, general manager; Alan Abel, creative director. Produces material for high school students, college students and adults. Occasionally uses freelance writers with considerable talent Query. Payment negotiable. Responds in 1 month to queries.
TIPS “For a comprehensive view of our humor requirements, we suggest viewing our feature film productions, Is There Sex After Death (Rated R), starring Buck Henry. It is available at Netflix. Also, Abel Raises Cain. Or read Don't Get Mad . Get Even and How to Thrive on Rejection by Alan Abel (published by W.W. Norton), both available from Amazon.com. Send brief synopsis (one page) and outline (2-4 pages).”
279 E. 44th St., New York NY 10017-4354. (212)697-4015. Fax: (212)697-4827. Contact: Alan Lawrence, president; Marty Holberton, vice president. Estab. 1968. Produces variety of material for TV, radio, business, trade associations, nonprofit organizations, public relations (chiefly political and current events), etc. Audiences range from young children to senior citizens. 20-40% freelance written scripts/year. Uses Buys scripts from published/produced writers only writers/year. Buys all rights. Submit resume. Makes outright purchase. Pays in accordance with WGA standards. Sometimes pays the expenses of writers on assignment. Responds in 3 weeks to queries.
TIPS We maintain a file of writers and call on those with experience in the same general category as the project in production. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. We prefer to receive a writer's résumé listing credits. If his/her background merits, we will be in touch when a project seems right. We are doing more public relations-oriented work (print and DVD) and are concentrating on TV productions. Production budgets are tighter.
911 Lakeville St., Suite 201, Petaluma CA 94952. (707)637-0027. E-mail: info@toonutsproductions.com. Website: toonutsproductions.com. Contact: Ralph Scott, executive producer. Estab. 1994. “Produces illustrated kids books, art books, internet animation shorts for internet, music-based kidlit properties, and half-hour tv/video with a twist. Among our projects in development: 'Catscans,' Our Teacher is a Creature, Toad Pizza, The Salivating Salamander, The Suburban Cowboys, The Contest-Ants, The De-Stinktive Skunk, and Sneeks Peaks. Audience for all projects except art books is children, 5-12. Always looking for talented, new kidlit illustrators as well.” Buys 4-10 scripts/year. scripts/year. Uses Works with 4-6 writers/year. writers/year. Buys both first rights and all rights. Query with synopsis. Submit resume. Submit writing samples. Submit production history. Creative but brief cover letter/e-mail. Works with 20% first time writers. Illustrators query with creative but brief cover letter, samples of work by e-mail or hyperlink to your online portfolio. Pays royalty and makes outright purchase. Responds in less than 3 months to queries; 6 months to mss. “Please do not submit anything with violence, chainsaws, axes, ice picks, and general blood and guts. We're producing for children, not monsters, or those who aspire to become them.”.
Really good original—clean—content.
TIPS “Suggestion: Use the words 'Too Nuts' at least twice in your query. (Do the math.) If you don't know how to giggle all the way to the bank, you may want to try someone else. If you've already exorcised your inner child, lizard, monkey, etc., that's a 'no no.' Please visit our website before querying. We receive too many submissions about axe murderers and with clearly adult themes. Even if you're still searching for your inner child through your writing, those subjects are clearly not for our audiences. If you send us anything like this, expect a very 'spirited' response. Find your inner child on your own time!"
TREASURE ENTERTAINMENT468 N. Camden Dr., Suite 200, Beverly Hills CA 90210. (310)860-7490. Fax: (310)943-1488. E-mail: info@treasureentertainment.net. Website: www.treasureentertainment.net. Contact: Mark Heidelberger, Treasure Entertainment co-chairman/chief executive officer. Estab. 2000. Management consideration given to writers with produced credits only. Intended audience is theatrical, festival, television, home video/DVD, Internet. Buys 1-2 scripts/year. scripts/year. Uses Works with 8-10 writers/year. writers/year. Query. Pays 1-10% royalty. Makes outright purchase of $1-100,000. Responds in up to 6 months to queries. Responds in up to 6 months to mss.
TIPS “We reserve the right to reject or return any unsolicited material. We also reserve the right not to purchase any material if we don't feel that any submissions are of sufficient merit. Our needs tend to change with the market and will vary from year to year. We are agreeing to look at writer's queries only. Queries should be sent by mail or e-mail only.”
P.O. Box 250, Orange Lake FL 32681. (352)591-4714. E-mail: screenplays@valeofilms.com. Website: www.valeofilms.com. Query by e-mail or mail.
Currently considering projects that contain one or more of the following: character or story driven, identifies moral values, romance/love story, educational/documentary, presents the human condition, strong visual imagery, coming of age/learning, or intellectual drama/mystery.
TIPS “We require that you provide your name, phone number, address, title of your work, and WGA registration or copyright number. We will send an Unsolicited Project Release letter for you to sign and return with a signed copy of your screenplay/treatment. We don't want projects that contain the following characteristics: one character saves the world, SFX based, highly action based, extreme/grotesque violence, high sexual content, or strong explicit language. Although we do have a vast array of production resources available to us, we are a relatively small production company who prefers to limit the number of projects we have in production. Consequently, we tend to be very selective when it comes to choosing new material.”