Okay so, much of what I've been spending my time and money on are the visuals to go along with my screenplay. Popular Hollywood writer, Corey Mandell say, "when writing a screenplay, your goal is to get others to visualize your movie in the same way you do; match what they see in their head with how you're visualizing your movie.
So I figure what better way (besides having a crafty screenplay) but to provide visuals. So below are a few things I've done to help bring this environment alive for my audience.
1. A visual Screenplay:
In my opinion this is uncharted territory. This largely due to the fact that most studios charge horrendous prices for a 24-page layout. Sure, some people have written graphic novels, or even comic books, but how much of that work properly outlines what could be used in a screenplay. Comic books tend to lack crafty dialogue, and graphic novels lack the screenplay structure and are too wordy. On both ends it would require a writer to convert that work into screenplay standards, in which case, you'll have to prove yourself by building a following.
A visual screenplay offers the best of both worlds. You get to keep the screenplay structure while at the same time providing visual content. You can still pose a visual screenplay off as a comic in order to generate a following, while also reserving the language and structure. If you can, find local talent within the students body at the local university. Usually if they are art majors, or visual communication design, they have to complete a senior project, in which case they could work with you on your project. This is a good way of recruiting local talent and cut cost on graphic illustrations.
2. Do a motion comic:
This is definitely more on the spendy side, however, this is a cool way of generating an interested when submitting short stories to the film festivals and online sites. The cooling thing about motion comics is that it's likely you will hire out for this project. You will likely hire graphic designers, voiceover artist, and musicians to carry the pace of the story, but what's cool is that they all will help in the promotion as well. The graphic designers want more clients and help market your project in order to entice other writers. Truth be told for the other components, it's a mutually beneficial arrangement. Some cool sites to check out are www.vworker.com, www.voices.com.
3. Hire a sculptor:
Again the key is to help them see your story, especially if you are writing an action or sci-fi story. However, if you can show your marketability by introducing various revenue streams, it all help in peaking their interest. Mind you that you still have to have a slamming script, but this can help generate interest. Currently, I'm working with toy manufacturers to help design a prototype for my resin statues. This helps for mass production, in case you were interested in selling the pieces. With these three components it can really open up your options in terms of how you can promote and where. You can exhibit your work at the comic conventions.
4. Create promotional material
Partner with a graphic artist create postcards, flyers, banners of your story. This way if you ever attend an event, you can always leave them with something tangible.
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