How to Sell a Movie Script to Disney
If you write kids' movies, you probably dream about selling your script to Disney. Whether you go through an agent or a production company; whether you start by writing a novel or winning a contest; or whether you approach Disney directly, it can be done. That doesn't mean it will be easy or even happen at all, but it's worth the effort.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Hollywood Creative Directory book (or Internet membership)
- Paper
- Printer
Instructions
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Selling a Movie Script to Disney
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Do your research. Find movies matching the genre of your screenplay that were produced by Disney or one of their companies (such as Touchstone), either on the Disney Channel or on the big screen. Look up these movies on Internet Movie Database (IMDB.com) to find out which production company made the movie.
Look up the production company in your "Hollywood Creative Directory." The directory lists their address and contact information. Send the production company a query letter, telling them about the script. If they buy it and make it into a movie, it is possible that because they have an established relationship with Disney, they will make Disney aware of your skills and script. -
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Use a screenwriter's agent. The American Screenwriters Association (ASA) lists all the screenwriter's agents, as do several other databases.
Find an agent who deals with the genre of the script and send her a query letter or the script. The agent would be responsible for selling your script, and would know if Disney might be interested. -
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3
Win the Disney Feature Writing Fellowship Program contest. Held yearly, this contest pays a stipend to its winners, who are mentored as writers by the Disney company. Disney selects up to four people per year; the deadline is usually in the late summer. There is no entry fee. To enter, you must submit a script or short play, as well as the other application materials requested.
This is a highly prestigious contest and is open to all writers, including professional ones, so it is also highly competitive. -
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Write and produce a play or publish a novel. Disney sometimes buys the rights to these media and turns them into movies. This route requires a literary agent, who will attempt to sell it to Disney. This method is the least direct way to get Disney to produce your work, but it does exist.
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Sell the script directly to Disney. Because Disney won't take unsolicited material, find the name of a producer who deals in the script's genre to maximize the chance of getting the screenplay read. For example, watch a Disney movie that is similar to your script, look up the producer's name, and find his or her contact information at Disney. Write a query letter to the producer at Disney and hope for the best.
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Tips & Warnings
If Disney is not interested in buying your script, try other companies.
Do not pay money to agents to read your work. There are plenty of reputable agents out there who don't require upfront money.
