Should I Go Out Wide With My Script?

Question: I do have an agent. I just finished writing my spec and it’s pretty commercial. I gave it to my agent, and instead of him wanting to take it out wide, he said he wants to target one producer. Does this make sense?

ScreenwritingCompass:

These are completely different times we are living in. Had you asked me this question several years ago, I would have given you a different answer, but the way the marketplace is today, I will answer it as follows.

Currently, Universal says they are out of money. WB says they are out of money. Sony is running out of money. It feels like we are back to a writers strike, since most of the projects the studios are buying are either big properties (Barbie, Sweet Valley High) or projects with attachments.

Going out wide with a spec isn’t always the best thing. Sure it gets you exposure, but would you prefer exposure over a sale?

If your agent wants to target a single producer there could be a variety of reasons.

1) He isn’t confident with the script and wants to take a “test run” with a producer.

2) He knows the current state of the marketplace and wants to get a producer on board to help package the script.

So the answer to your question is yes, it makes sense. By giving to one producer, hopefully that producer will help package your script and then can sell it to the studio.

Good luck!