Hollywood Player’s Big Tip: This Is What Hollywood Wants!
Scott McConnell
Story consultant and former producer helping screenwriters and producers to develop resonant scripts. Book a Story Consult now. Screenwriter.
One of Hollywood’s top producers stared at me from across his desk. He leaned forward and said:
“This is what Hollywood wants…”
I leaned forward and he continued.
“A story that everyone knows but everyone has forgotten.”
I stared back.
He then explained the big secret to me:
The Wizard of Oz.
One of the most famous kids’ stories of all time and most popular films ever. Everyone knows it. But everyone has forgotten that there was series of Wizard of Oz books.
Mr. Big’s point:
Branded IP is what drives Hollywood execs and producers. You don’t have to sell a Wizard of Oz story because it sells itself. The audience is there. Everyone recognises the name, the film, the story, the characters, the messages. Feels the vibe.
And it’s less risk!
Why was Mr. Big telling me this and what is the opportunity here for you?
领英推荐
Creative Solution
Find that big IP everyone has forgotten.
There lurks a chasmic opening and a devilish problem.
Not many of us have access to famed, branded IP like the Wizard of Oz. Often a writer, estate, or studio will own the IP, so you have to purchase it. Or forget it.
Or look elsewhere.
About ten years ago, I started as part of my story services finding and developing “lost” or “forgotten” classic stories that (mostly) have NO IP controls. That is, stories now in the Public Domain. I pitch such stories to a very limited market.
So can you.
The key is identifying the truly great stories buried in history’s pages that would resonate with modern audiences.
You will also need to protect yourself because these poems, plays, novels, and histories are freely available stories. I suggest that you know how to uniquely adapt these narratives. Have your own special take on them.
If you want me to work with you on a lost classic story, email me at: [email protected]
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Media Coordinator, award-winning Independent Film Producer
5 个月I hope they want me!
Writer of Award-Winning Short Stories, Scripts, and Teleplays
5 个月This good to know, but…REALLY?!?
Optioned Screenwriter at KnownAsTroy
5 个月As a former music agent, I used to get songs across my desk that were waaay better than anything you are hearing on the radio. Problem was, the band was unknown, had no means to promote themselves and didn't have much of a following. Six months later, that song would quietly die when that band broke up because the lead singer impregnated his girlfriend and he had to get a real job. Yet, Inferior music by better known musicians and bands would continue to get airplay. Today we have the same problem with films making the big screen or streaming series merely because a known director or actor was behind the project. Many times the product is far inferior to what some unknown writer like myself and others are out there sitting on. #KnownAsTroy #D2DTalents #NoBody #TheWarLetters #TheMoneyIsland
Writer of none
5 个月Hi, Scott, very interesting to know, but maybe it's musical fantasy Hollywood is looking out for rather than action or war times stories. I bet if someone did write a musical, they'll snap it up quick.
Gate Gourmet - Author - Screenwriter
5 个月Aren't many movies derived, in whole or part, from ancient stories?