Wow. An education and it's only part 1! Amazing insights here, thanks to all for sharing! Congrats and good luck to Daniel Kunka!

Yeah this one is a keeper. Thanks so much for your insights Daniel!

What a great peek inside the business this is. Thank you both for sharing. And how frustrating to be outside the buyer's minds. Wouldn't they have to be anticipating what's going to work or sell tomorrow? How can something like that be anticipated? And what do you think of Spielberg's recent statement that the machine is broken and the film industry is going to implode, and Lucas agreeing with him? Thanks again. This is a rare opportunity.

Cyd, I'm working up a post about 'broken' Hollywood. I'll see if I can hail Daniel's attention and hopefully he can stop by and provide some thoughts to the comments here including yours.

Cyd, thanks for the kind words... Anticipating the market is tough. There's always cycles in Hollywood -- PARANORMAL ACTIVITY comes out and everyone wants a found footage spec, then a few of those sell, CHRONICLE comes out and does great business, and then just like that the word from studio executives is "no more found footage!" So it can be frustrating. I think you have to look at broad strokes first (and this kinda gets to the second part of your question). Hollywood isn't in the drama business anymore. Or the 80M period biopic business anymore. Yes, LINCOLN gets made, but would I recommend writing a George Washington spec script? Absolutely not. And while I think Spielberg and Lucas have a completely valid point, I think the word "implode" is a poor word choice. These huge companies make lots and lots of money making movies. The business isn't going anywhere. It's just different now... And that difference is where writers need to step in and fill the need that Hollywood has -- they want high quality concepts that they can sell at the marketplace. They want star roles for actors, the want genre (thrillers, action, adventure, comedy). So you want your idea to fit that mold. And if there's a "run" on a certain type of idea (found footage etc) write fast, cause sometimes those trends can be over quickly. But if you get something out there that's right place, right time, you can get yourself a sale.

Wow! You responded! Thank you so much. I didn't think it was going anywhere, but statements from big guns can be a little rattling. Genres are popular for a reason, they satisfy something in the widest range of people. It's fantastic hearing someone like you confirm that belief. Awesome. Thank you so much.