Writing and Selling Thriller Screenplays: From TV Pilot to Feature Film

Writing and Selling Thriller Screenplays provides insights and case studies to help screenwriters and filmmakers navigate the genre and pitch their scripts to producers and investors. The book covers the changes in the industry, including the impact of marketplace disruptors like Netflix and the rise of mixed-genre projects. It also offers alternative routes to sales and production, such as transmedia and immersive storytelling online.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Oldcastle Books Ltd

Writing and Selling Thriller Screenplays is a comprehensive guide that provides valuable insights into the process of creating compelling thriller feature scripts and successfully pitching them to producers and investors. Originally published in 2013, this new edition has been updated to include an all-new resources section and a host of new case studies that reflect the significant changes that have occurred in the film industry over the past decade. With the rise of marketplace disruptors like Netflix and the initial phases of The Marvel Cinematic Universe, new opportunities have emerged for screenwriters and filmmakers who are eager to showcase their stories to industry professionals.

In this revised edition, author Lucy V. Hay not only guides you through the writing process of movies but also offers valuable insights into the creation of spec TV pilots. By examining iconic mixed-genre projects such as Stranger Things (horror-thriller), Brooklyn 99 (comedy-thriller), and Lost (sci-fi-thriller), Hay explores what writers can learn from these shows. She also challenges the traditional lone protagonist narrative in thrillers and examines how the genre is evolving beyond The Hero's Journey.

To support her arguments, Hay includes case studies of popular films like The Hunger Games, Captain Marvel, Iron Man, and many more. These case studies provide practical examples of successful thriller scripts and showcase the techniques and strategies employed by successful screenwriters.

Furthermore, the book delves into the process of selling a screenplay to investors, covering high-concept ideas, pitching, packaging, and the realities of film finance. It has been updated for the 2020s, ensuring that readers are equipped with the latest information and strategies to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the film industry.

In addition to traditional sales and production routes, Hay explores alternative avenues for script sales and production, including transmedia such as novels and adaptations, as well as immersive storytelling online. This comprehensive guide provides a roadmap for screenwriters and filmmakers who are passionate about creating thrilling and engaging stories for the big screen.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 128 x 199 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857305527