Advice — advice

Question: What is a query? I have treatments -- is that the same thing? Author Christopher Wehner responds: A query is a communication between a screenwriter and any industry professional, including agents, producers or executives. It can take place as an e-mail, letter, fax or even a phone call. A query is your first contact with an industry professional. Traditionally, the term is used in reference to a written query letter (inquiry). Your written query letter accomplishes one of two things: 1) it inquires about the possibility to submit your script, or 2) it persuades someone to request your script....

From a writer living in Turkey:... Question: How can I protect my script in the USA? I mean how can I take the 'all rights reserved' for my script? I am afraid to (have my script) copied and stolen!! What is the best way to protect my script? Marisa D'Vari responds: This is the most common question in all the screenwriting classes I teach. I will detail the steps you can take to protect your script, but ownership will still be difficult to prove - and win - in a court of law. Often, studios and producers don't consciously try...

Question: How does a story analyst become a Story Analyst? Is it worth developing a relationship with a Story Analyst? How crucial can knowing a Story Analyst be to a screenwriters career? Thanks! Marisa D'Vari responds: 'Knowing anyone' in Hollywood is always a great benefit to a career. Friends who work with sound, either on the set or in post-production, can fill your ears about dialogue. Camera people can tell you about shots and perhaps what to avoid at the script stage. Secretaries often know more than the executives who employ them. Ditto for story analysts. The ideal solution is...

Question: How can a great 'non-formula story' get past the gatekeeper? Marisa D'Vari responds: Great question, Stuart. My personal feeling is that several recent events and the national tragedy will pave the way for more personal films. Realize that it all starts with character. The characters in 'Diner' were exceptional, very real, and the audience felt as if they knew them, even if they never met that 'type' before. A gatekeeper is looking for well-turned characters who must resolve universal key issues before the story's end. This is the simple formula for a great film. To test if your characters...

Gangs of New York may be the most ambitious film of the last few years. Its production design and cinematography are among the best I have ever seen. Unfortunately, its story structure cannot support the film's ambition. The main structural element that sets this movie apart from others is context. Most Hollywood fare shows nothing of the world of the hero. It wants to get to the goal as quickly as possible so the audience can start on its wild ride. As a result, the average Hollywood movie has speed, but no subtlety or complexity. There is no sense of...