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The 3 Easy Steps to a Hot Script*
Step 1 - Write a Part for a Big Star.
Everyone knows that the major studios (and even the independents) are looking for a big built-in box office for their properties. What greater guarantee than having Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, or Angelina Jolie in the script? I have seen screenplays that even list the character as "BP." However you do it, make it clear that this part, this movie, was written specifically for - insert big star name here.
It's also satisfying to know that your writing will control the actions of a famous celebrity like a Russell Crowe (but all too often actors take liberties with your script, which was the whole reason Team America - World Police was done with puppets).
Step 2 - Have a "Can't Lose" Hook.
The "hook" is what the story is about. This is what sells your script. Note that the hook is not the same as the movie's advertising "tag line." Here are examples -
The tag line for Jurassic Park is: An Adventure 65 Million Years in the Making.
But the movie's story hook is: Giant dinosaurs eating people.
Jaws 2 Tag: Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...
Hook: Giant sharks eating people.
War of the Worlds Tag: The last war on Earth won't be started by humans.
Hook: Giant Martian machines eating people.
So, no matter what your movie is actually about, to have a hot script, your hook should be "Giant - insert noun here - eating people."
Of course, there are always exceptions. The hook for Sean of the Dead was
"normal-size zombies eating people."
Step 3 - Pay Off the Producer's Secretary.
No explanation necessary. If this is your first script, click here.
Step 1 - Write a Part for a Big Star.
Everyone knows that the major studios (and even the independents) are looking for a big built-in box office for their properties. What greater guarantee than having Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, or Angelina Jolie in the script? I have seen screenplays that even list the character as "BP." However you do it, make it clear that this part, this movie, was written specifically for - insert big star name here.
It's also satisfying to know that your writing will control the actions of a famous celebrity like a Russell Crowe (but all too often actors take liberties with your script, which was the whole reason Team America - World Police was done with puppets).
Step 2 - Have a "Can't Lose" Hook.
The "hook" is what the story is about. This is what sells your script. Note that the hook is not the same as the movie's advertising "tag line." Here are examples -
The tag line for Jurassic Park is: An Adventure 65 Million Years in the Making.
But the movie's story hook is: Giant dinosaurs eating people.
Jaws 2 Tag: Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...
Hook: Giant sharks eating people.
War of the Worlds Tag: The last war on Earth won't be started by humans.
Hook: Giant Martian machines eating people.
So, no matter what your movie is actually about, to have a hot script, your hook should be "Giant - insert noun here - eating people."
Of course, there are always exceptions. The hook for Sean of the Dead was
"normal-size zombies eating people."
Step 3 - Pay Off the Producer's Secretary.
No explanation necessary. If this is your first script, click here.
* For those with the guts and determination to do it the hard way, master the ScreenplayWire
10 Steps to Screenplay Sales Success at "How to Pitch a Script."