by Mj Ferruzza

Created on: January 28, 2010   Last Updated: January 29, 2010

As a producer, I have seen, read and used this advice for writers trying to get their screenplays up and running. There are really no clear or fast tracks to get your script from keyboard to movie screen. Some writers are hired, some are inspired. But most are just like you and me, ordinary people with great or interesting story ideas that would fit the big screen. But how do they get their ideas (in the shape of a screenplay) to being optioned or produced?

I have listed below some simple steps to help:

#1 Register it with the WGA (Writers Guild of America). You don't have to join WGA to do this. The cost is nominal. And it will help you in the following steps.

#2 Pinpoint and actor or actress that would fit the lead in your screenplay. Most talent have their own production companies or are associated with one (if not a studio). Will Jim Carrey, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Aniston or Brad Pitt drop everything to option or produce your film? Probably not. But many second tier actors just might.

#3 Say goodbye to your screenplay. Once you option off your screen play - (Usually a 2-3 year process, afterward you get the rights back if not produced - a literary agent is best for this negotiation) - the production company can do what they please.. and it will probably end up in some form you never intended, but are appeased with a check... usually the industry minimum for first, second or third time screenplays. What happens to most optioned screenplays? They go on a shelf never to see the light of day... And you can't sell it to someone else who will produce it.

#4 Local or independent film producers may just snap up the script... you get little or no money. The script gets hacked to pieces (as mentioned above). But you get a writing credit on a produced (or semi-produced) film. Many of these film makers (ie..Indiana Filmmakers) have their own link on Facebook.

#5 Enter it in every screenwriting contest you can find or afford. This will give it word of mouth and you may garner some awards to use as a way to option it with the companies I mentioned above.

Good luck. There are many writers who stop in their tracks when they think ahead of what it's going to take to do something with their work.  A little faith, luck and perseverance goes a long way.

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