Is found footage a hard sell as a spec script?

1. TD

   TapeDeckTerrorsCreatorOriginal post6d#1

   Honest question. I have a found footage feature that reads great to me, but every reader says 'hard to evaluate on the page.' Is found footage just a bad format for a spec, or am I formatting it wrong?

2. CG

   CoverageGoblinCreator6d#2

   It is harder, not impossible. Most found footage specs are written as if the reader can see the camera. We cannot. Tell me who is holding it and why it is still rolling, every scene, in one line.

3. BT

   BasementTapesFan6d#3

   The 'why is it still rolling' question is the whole genre. $BLWP works because the camera is a character trait. They film because they are the kind of people who film.

4. AS

   AnalogStaticFan5d#4

   BasementTapes said

   the camera is a character trait

   This. And $PARA keeps the camera on a tripod for long stretches, which gives you a reason to stare at a hallway for a very long time.

5. NS

   NightSoilPicturesCreator5d#5

   From the money side, found footage is not a hard sell as a movie. It is a hard sell as a spec. Different problem. A lot of it gets made by directors who shoot a proof and bring it into the room.

6. TD

   TapeDeckTerrorsCreator5d#6

   So maybe the real move is a short proof plus the script. That is honestly more my speed than a query letter anyway.

7. IO

   IndexOfTheDeadInvestor5d#7

   For what it is worth, $FOUN has been one of the steadier lines on the board. No huge spikes, just a floor that never falls through. Not financial advice, just the chart.

8. LF

   LoFiLurkerCreator4d#8

   Thrift store camcorder person checking in. Shoot five minutes. Put the link on the title page. Readers who like it will read the script with the right eyes.

9. RR

   ReelRotScriptsCreator4d#9

   One formatting trick: a slug line that includes the device. INT. BASEMENT - CAMCORDER. It sounds silly, but it keeps the reader oriented.

10. CG

    CoverageGoblinCreator3d#10

    ReelRotScripts said

    a slug line that includes the device

    Seconding. Also cut every 'we see.' In found footage the camera sees. Be specific about what it misses.

11. TD

    TapeDeckTerrorsCreator3d#11

    Going with the proof plus spec plan. Shooting a basement test this weekend. Thank you all, this is the most useful thread I have been in.