Screenwriting Myths & Facts: Part 10

True or False

1. “Pay or play” is a term that means a writer has to be paid whether the buyer likes the material that’s been written or not

   That’s true.

2. For a television series to be sold, a show runner has to be found first

   That is true.

3. A deal memo is an agreement between an agent and a writer for representation

   That’s false. A deal memo is an abbreviated copy of a contract listing the major points of the deal.

4. The biggest set pieces are found in horror movies

   That’s false. They’re found in action movies.

5. When you pitch your logline, the potential should be obvious if it’s a comedy, adventure, thriller or action movie

   That's true.

6. You should mention your story falls into multiple genres when you pitch

   That’s false. Pick one predominant genre and stick to it.

7. The expression “turn it upside down and inside out” is a brainstorming technique that means take an existing story and change it substantially to make it fresh

   That is true.

8. When you pitch an action movie, you must mention who the hero and who the villain is

   That's true.

9. The expression “half baked idea” is a negative term

   False. It means that there is something of value in the story but it needs to be developed further to become “fully baked”.

10. Acquiring rights to a story can be done by the writer

    While that’s technically true, it’s best to go through an entertainment attorney.

About Steve Kaire

Steve Kaire is a screenwriter and "Pitchman" who has sold 8 projects to the major studios without representation. The last project he sold, he’s Co-Producing for Walden Media. A screenwriter for over 30 years, he holds a Masters in Dramatic Writing and has taught writing classes at the American Film Institute. Steve was featured on the Tonight Show’s, "Pitching to America" and was voted a Star Speaker at Screenwriters Expo three years in a row. His unique CD & Ebook, "High Concept - How to Create, Pitch & Sell to Hollywood" is a best seller. His website is: HighConceptScreenwriting.com.