The One Thing Missing From Your Screenwriting Marketing Strategy - Adding Value
What if we told you that there is a super simple, yet highly effective screenwriting strategy that very few Creatives ever adopt? And the writers that utilize this tactic, usually end up with a full career.
And it all comes down to one thing - Adding value.
The reality is: getting a spec script sold is very difficult. Ungodly frustrating. And to be honest, damn near impossible! A lot of times, even the best original scripts won’t actually be optioned, purchased, or made (Sorry!). Instead, these specs are often used as a launching pad for being hired to write someone else’s idea.
We never think of it that way when we start out. But it’s actually one of the keys to becoming a career screenwriter.
So how about we take this concept a step further and instead of pushing your spec script to land a sale, you use it as a preview for your talents while you offer value to producers and decision-makers in the industry?
But how exactly can adding value lead to a successful career?
Let me ask you a question:
When was the last time you asked someone if they had a passion project or an idea that they would love to see turned into a screenplay?
And when was the last time you offered your services to help achieve that?
“In an industry where most people pitch and push their own ideas, the one thing that would make you stand out is to be the one who listens.”
If this is a collaborative medium, then show that you are more than willing to collaborate.
Maybe you know a producer who has been sitting on a unique idea for years but simply hasn’t found the time to flesh it out.
Or, potentially there is a director who can see shards of a story and glimmers of a concept, but just can’t seem to stitch them together yet.
Oh, there are loads of talented, accomplished actors out there with ideas for characters and scenarios, but they simply lack the skill or talent to put them onto a page.
This is your moment to swoop in with the solution!
Be a problem-solver… an opportunity provider…. A value-giver!
Now, just like any professional service provider, some obstacles and challenges could lie ahead with this strategy. However, it is completely achievable as long as both parties:
Are transparent with the goals
Understand how much this idea/service is worth
Know what the expected outcome should be
To help you avoid unwanted friction here are 4 important Value-Add Components that you need to take into consideration:
Understand your audience - Make sure you have a clear idea of who they are, what they want, and how you are going to help them
Make it clear what you are proposing - Both parties need to be in complete agreement over what it is that you are proposing,
Continuous communication and transparency - Be sure to keep the line of dialogue open and honest. If you run into difficulty, don’t hide. Instead, embrace it and communicate. Don’t forget, this is their idea. They want this to succeed more than anybody.
Be proactive in solving their problem - To the best of your ability. Follow-through and deliver.
Should We Put this Screenwriting Strategy to the Test?
Your homework for the week is to contact a producer or a decision-maker that you have met in the past. But instead of hustling your own project, you offer your services.
See if they have an idea or a passion project that they would love to realize, but haven’t had the chance to organize yet.
Become their solution.
To help you get started, we have created a new Value-Add Screenwriter Email Template. This has been written as a re-engagement email to a producer who you haven’t spoken with for a while.
[Like all templates provided, we recommend that you treat this as a first draft and tailor your version to better suit your own unique voice, circumstance, and relationship]
Hi (Name),
Hope you have been keeping well.
It has been a while since we chatted and I was wondering if you might have the time to meet for a coffee? It would be great to catch up.Also, I am curious to hear if you might have a passion project that you've been thinking about for a while, but haven't had the chance to develop. I know what it’s like to have an exciting idea or concept but never finding the time to build it out. Maybe this is something I could help with.
Anyway, have a great day, (Name), and hopefully, we can chat in person soon.
All the best,
(Your Name)
As you can see, the goal here is to reconnect while offering something unique and valuable at the same time.
Another pro tip would be to offer to send them some of your work, to show them an example of your writing style, structure, and ideas 👉Which is also a great way to get them to read that spec script of yours that you’ve been shopping around 🤯
But now, when they read your work, they will approach it with a different attitude and spirit. They will view you as an opportunity. And in this zany life, sometimes, all we need is an opportunity.
Pretty good, right? So let’s not delay. Let’s get cracking on this new screenwriting strategy this week. You never know, this one tactic could be the spark that ignites your entire screenwriting career.
Now, let’s get to work rascals!
If you like this email template, then we recommend you download our new Screenwriter Email Marketing ebook, which contains 5 ready-to-send emails, specifically written to help you nurture relationships and secure writing opportunities.
The track I listened to while writing this article was: DJ Shadow’s Uncharted: The Eldorado Megamix from Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune
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