If you’ve landed on this article page, you’re probably searching for a
good business idea—an idea that’s light on the pocket but heavy on
returns, promising both a fulfilling journey and potential profit.
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How To Sell Your Movie Idea (Without
Movie Studio Connections)
Everybody thinks they are unique. Everybody is crossing their
fingers, waiting and praying that SOMEONE ELSE will recognize
their talent and sprinkle them with Nollywood's famous fairy
dust.
Do you have a story to sell, if yes I want to congratulate you,
as you can make some money by just selling your story idea, but
you will only get N100,000 to N200,000 per story but if you
learn the act of script writing you can put the story together
and arrange it into a script and sell it for N1M
to N5M. It can be more or less, depending on the
production budget, professional affiliation, and type of
contract signed for the script sale. The amount you can sell a
screenplay for, will
depend on several factors including the quality of the
screenplay, the genre, how much production interest it has
generated, and your level of experience.
In Nollywood, it's not just what you know but who you know that
counts. Be prepared to work hard, and don't give up. Your effort
could turn your dream into reality.
I suggest having the rights to a great story, some money in the
bank, or the interest of a NAME actor. Or you already have a
fantastic screenplay. At least, this is something. Before you
start the process, think about the end goal. Are you planning to
pitch to a studio producer or some prospective investors?
The Pitch: This is where you sell not just the movie but
yourself. Be confident, passionate, and, most importantly,
prepared. Know your story inside and out, and be ready to answer
any questions they throw your way.
The Screenplay: If your
pitch went well, it's time to make sure your screenplay is
producer-ready. I'm assuming you either already have a
screenplay. Or you now have an interested investor… This means
you need a great screenplay to match your movie business plan.
If you're writing it yourself, set a regular schedule and make
sure your script tells your story well with interesting
characters and a good plot. If you suck at writing, you'll need
to partner with someone who can write.
Because making movies is incredible, many prospective investors
outside Nollywood would be interested in funding movie projects.
Why Should Your Buyer Care?
Everybody asks: What's in it for me? Addressing this question is
the number one rule of any negotiation. And you know what? Most
would-be producers screw this up. Don't pitch a horror movie to
someone looking for a love story. And don't pitch a documentary
to someone who makes action films.
Breaking into Nollywood is more than having a stellar idea; it's
about proving you can bring it to life. Don't get stuck in the
“idea phase.” In this industry, action speaks louder than words.
Relationships are key because you need a solid plan to turn your
screenplay into a film. Nollywood is built on connections. Every
conversation is a step closer to making your dream a reality.
Many filmmakers started on small projects and “leveled up” their
careers. With each project came more experience and credibility.
Stop making excuses and take action.
. What do I need besides a movie idea to sell it successfully?
You need more than just the idea to sell a movie idea
successfully. This includes having the rights to a great story,
some funding, the interest of a well-known actor, or a fantastic
screenplay. These elements prove that you're serious and have
something tangible to offer.
How can I create a compelling logline for my movie idea?
A compelling logline is a single sentence that summarizes your
movie idea, highlighting what makes it unique and why it's a
must-see. It should be catchy and intriguing, effectively
serving as the hook to generate interest in your project.
What is the importance of a synopsis in selling a movie idea?
A synopsis is crucial as it lays out your story from start to
finish, including the main plot points, big twists, and the
conclusion. It turns initial interest into genuine excitement by
being engaging and showcasing the potential of your movie idea.
How do I pitch my movie idea effectively?
You need to be confident, passionate, and prepared to pitch
effectively. Know your story inside out, be ready to answer any
questions, and sell the movie and yourself as the right person
to bring the idea to life.
What should a treatment include when selling a movie idea?
Why is having a screenplay important in selling a movie idea?
A screenplay is essential because if your pitch is successful,
you'll need to show that you have a producer-ready script that
matches your movie business plan. It should tell your story
well, with interesting characters and a compelling plot.
Funding your movie project can involve creating a detailed
business plan to attract investors, showing you have solid
funding, filming, and distribution plans. It's not just about
numbers but proving you can turn the idea into a successful
film.
Why is understanding the buyer's interests crucial in selling a
movie idea?
How can I break into Nollywood with my movie idea?
Breaking into Nollywood requires proving you can bring your idea
to life beyond having a great concept. Building relationships,
gaining experience on small projects, and gradually increasing
your credibility are critical steps to making your dream a
reality.
So when you go to the many meetings you've been invited to,
they'll ask what you're working on and what projects you'd like
to develop. Then, and only then, can you sell a pitch. And
here's the thing — if you're a screenwriter, they'll want you to
write it. So it really turns into a writing assignment that is
based on your own pitch. They'll be paying you to write that
pitch into script form.
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