Navigating the Complexities of Hollywood's Green Light System
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Chapter 1: The Fundraiser and the Green Light
Recently, I found myself at a fundraiser for my son’s elementary school, an alternative private institution in West Los Angeles known for its so-called "diversity." This term, as I’ve come to realize, often refers to the array of parents who work in the entertainment industry—agents, directors, producers, and screenwriters.
Among the attendees was a parent who holds the position of president of production at a prominent movie studio. Coincidentally, my partner and I had just submitted a draft for a writing project at that very studio, and it had been received positively. Consequently, I felt quite upbeat as my wife and I entered our hosts’ opulent home.
As we arrived, the studio chief welcomed us with the words, "Congratulations. We just greenlit your movie." My spirits soared even higher, prompting me to increase our planned donation to the school. After all, I had a greenlit project—why not share some of that fortune?
However, reality soon set in.
Section 1.1: The Reality of the Green Light
A few days later, our agents informed us that the studio had brought in a well-known screenwriter for a rewrite of our script. They reassured us that it was nothing major—just some minor tweaks and polish to enhance the script.
Months later, we received the new draft, but the studio's feedback was far from enthusiastic. The screenwriter was asked to revise again, but the response remained lukewarm. The excitement surrounding our project quickly faded, and what was once a greenlit film was now left in limbo.
Subsection 1.1.1: Past Experiences
I’ve encountered similar situations on two other occasions. One involved a remake of a 1950s comedy, where our script had attracted a major comic actor. The announcement made headlines, and the studio gave us the green light. However, when the actor's team submitted their revised script, they had drastically altered the narrative. Once again, we faced a green light followed by a red light.
In another case, we were deep into pre-production, working closely with the director on script revisions. Everything seemed to be on track—budgeting, casting, and scheduling were all in motion. Then, unexpectedly, a film was released that shared a significant plot element with ours, completely overshadowing our project. The cycle of green light to red light repeated itself.
Section 1.2: Understanding the Difference
These experiences highlight a crucial distinction: there's a regular green light and a true GREEN light. The standard green light often serves as a temporary approval, akin to a blinking signal rather than a firm commitment. A genuine GREEN light indicates solid commitment to the project.
So, how can one tell when they’ve received a genuine GREEN light? The truth is, you won’t know for certain until the first day of principal photography when the director calls out "Action," and the cameras start rolling. Numerous factors can derail a project during pre-production, shifting a green light back to red.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Persistence
When someone congratulates you on your movie being greenlit, it’s wise to respond with a smile and the phrase, "From your lips to God's ears." Meanwhile, keep busy working on other stories. While it’s possible your film will move forward, having additional projects in the pipeline is essential in case that green light turns red.
The Business of Screenwriting is a weekly series of insights based on my journey as an outsider in Hollywood who sold a spec script for a substantial amount and built a career in screenwriting. Throughout this journey, I have made commendable choices, some mediocre ones, and a few regrettable decisions. My hope is that you can learn from my experiences.
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