An Open Forum email question from Patrick:

My question today has been bothering me for some time. At the moment I’m working on a script that revolves around a group of adopted brothers. I’d say it’s an Action/Thriller. I won’t really go into it, unless you need me to. Now I’ve been experimenting with a few aspects of the story and I’ve realized that I can really jack up the experience when i add a few “touches”. However, as I go over the polished version, I can’t help but notice that theses so-called “touches” will boost the budget required tremendously. They require alot of special effects/CGI, etc. I don’t want to scare off any potential buyers with a hefty budget, so is it more wise for me, as a spec script writer, to be a “budget-conscious” when I write, or is it best to just write to my hearts content??

If your script is a mainstream commercial movie – and being an action-thriller, it sounds like it is – then I wouldn’t worry about it.

Re CGI: The costs of that technology has come way down over the years, so you’d probably be surprised at how little it adds to budgets nowadays (relative to the amount of screen time).

If the story concept is a strong one, the characters are compelling, and the writing is good, a studio will not shy away from acquiring that type of script involving a minimal to moderate amount of CGI.

Now if it’s all CGI, that can be an issue. Studios would be more likely to bite on a big budget effects-laden project that is a pre-branded / sequel / remake title.

Finally, you mention “heart’s content.” I would not underestimate the importance of this re spec scripts. First, it’s hard enough to write a full-length screenplay; if you’re not emotionally attached to the material, that much harder. However if you love the story, much easier to get motivated, force ass on chair, and write. Moreover the passion you have for your story, hopefully showing through on the script pages, can have an enormous effect aesthetically on the reader.

Then there’s this: Let’s say someone buys your script. You get repped. You start nailing OWA’s (Open Writing Assignments). Great. Except for one small thing: You’ll be writing their material, not yours. So a spec script represents an opportunity for you to write your vision of a story in its totality, the purest form of who you are creatively.

So in sum: Budget concerns re CGI in a spec script? Not that big of a deal. Writing to your heart’s content? Two thumbs up!