People think writing the script is the hard part.

It’s not.

The hard part is getting it produced.

For years, I’ve been developing a slate under Dreampool — Homegrown, Dutch Treat, The Coffeyville Two Step, and Wolf Trap. Different genres. Different tones. One common thread: they were written to be produced. While writing for the sake of writing is highly rewarding, there is a reason it’s called a ‘screen’ play. To be seen on the screen.

Finishing a screenplay is just the start. Then comes the real work: packaging, attachments, budgets, tax credits/incentives, relentless rewrites…and the good ol’ Hollywood Shuffle.

As an attorney, I’ve learned that films don’t always fail to get produced because the story fails. We’ve all seen some pretty awful movies, story-wise. Success can simply result from right place (or call, email, meeting, post), right time.

Independent film is architecture. Creative, yes — but also legal, financial and strategic, mostly strategic.

This is a long game. It requires patience without complacency and confidence without ego. “Not now” is often just timing – or at least you hope that as a writer.

One “yes” changes everything.