Expert: Phil Nemy - 10/17/2005

Question
dear phil,
            I have a couple of questions. I have an idea for that I'm pretty sure would make a good movie, if done right it may even be the next "disney" blockbuster. I however am no more than a movie-lover, I cannot write screenplays etc.
Is there any way that I could "sell" this idea to some hollywood "bigwig"- actor/director/writer etc.-who could then go through the hollywood paths to make this idea come alive? Something like a finder's fee ,if there is any such thing in the movie-making world. I'm afraid if I send it to one of those
"common" addresses some underling or letterscreener will just take my idea (and payday).
Please give me some advice.Thanks.
                                                          Colin.
p.s. sorry for the long letter.

Answer
Dear Colin,

Thanks for writing. Let me see what I can do to answer your questions.

"Is there anyway I can sell this idea to a bigwig?" Technically, yes, you can sell your idea to anyone who wishes to buy it. The REAL question is whether or not you have a relationship with any Hollywood Bigwig. No one in Hollywood reads unsolicited material, so unless you have an agent, or an entertainment law attorney with relationships, or you have the right relationships yourself, chances are no one will respond to your query letter.

To better protect your idea, write the idea out as detailed as you can in a story form - beginning, middle and end of ths story - and then go online to the Writers Guild of America website (wga.org) and register your idea, which written out is now called a treatment." It will cost about $25-$30 to register your idea with the WGA but it gives you written bonafide proof that YOU created the piece you've written and the DATE you created. This protection lasts 5 years and can be renewed again for another 5 years.  DO THIS BEFORE YOU LET ANYONE READ YOUR IDEAS.

Hope this helps! Good Luck!

Phil