Resources

Shingles

by ScreenCraft on March 21, 2013

No, we’re not talking about roofing. No, we’re not talking about the painful, blistering skin rash. What we are talking about is production shingles. These are the small but ultra-powerful production companies that are set up…i.e. meaning that they have producing deals…at major Hollywood studios. These deals are often "first look deals". As the name suggests, this means that when these production outfits develop and decide to come out with a script, their studio partner gets the exclusive opportunity to consider the project and commit to making it. If the studio decides to pass, depending on the deal, the production shingle may have the option to take the project out to other studios.

Variety recently ran a list of key production shingles. Find it below.

 

Facts_on_Pacts_March_2013

 

Study that list closely, because the information there is very valuable. Why do you want to know as much as possible about the key production shingles in Hollywood? For one thing, that list of names is a who's who of power players. If those producers and executives have studio deals, then they're the real deal, and the best thing you can do is research and find out as much about all of them as possible.

 

Study their slates...not only what kind of scripts they've produced in the past, but what they have coming down the pike. Identify and focus on the shingles whose brand seems compatible with your script. This kind of targeting can be tremendously useful for you. For one thing, it helps you to contextualize your script in the current marketplace. You want to ask yourself "is my script hot?" If it isn't, don't panic; chances are, it will be. This town changes zeitgeists at the speed of sound. And if it isn't, this is a good opportunity to take inventory and see if you can push your script in a more salable direction without ruining the core elements that make your script and your voice unique.

 

If you find shingles whose brand you feel your script would be compatible with, that's great. Shingles are often small, and it may be easier to get your script an audience. Of course, if you strike out, don't fret. That's where we come in.

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