[Watch the video interview on YouTube here]
Film Courage: What do you think the difference is between getting a screenplay optioned and getting it made?
Matt Harry, Author/Screenwriter/Instructor at New York Film Academy: The difference between having a screenplay optioned and it getting made could be a very, very long gap.
It could be a long journey between those.
Optioning basically is just someone saying, oftentimes a producer, could be a director or an actor, saying I like this idea.
I want to take it out and see if we can get the money to make it or maybe they want to rewrite it with you before they take it out wide to everybody on the town.
Then getting it made is really a different thing.
You really are getting people to commit their time, oftentimes years to make something.
I think that’s the hardest thing in this business.
Story Questions book — Now on Payhip here!
I think the reason it’s so hard to get so many things made is because people are terrified about how they’re going to spend their time.
That’s the most finite resource.
Money, too, but time is like, you’re asking when you take out a screenplay to a producer or an actor or director or crew, you’re going to set aside this amount of time in your life to work on this thing.
It could be quite long, especially for a director.
You are going to miss out on other things in that time.
Is this the kind of thing you’re willing to miss out on other stuff?
Is this big enough?
I think as a writer, that’s why I think your passion for the story is so important because everyone else like you have this flame you’re holding and you’re passing on this flame to other people.
And if your flame is not a giant bonfire, you’re going to…(Watch the video interview on YouTube here).
About:
Matt Harry has been writing since he was 10 years old. He learned to make movies at the University of Southern California, which was the closest he could get to attending Hogwarts in the real world. He has worked as an editor, screenwriter, director, producer, college professor, and pizza delivery technician. Matt has published six novels, written two immersive plays, and sold a TV pilot. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons, all of whom (thankfully) like to read.
BUY THE BOOK – YOU ARE A FILMMAKER: An Interactive Novel https://amzn.to/4wZO9Wt
MORE VIDEOS WITH MATT HARRY
About New York Film Academy:
Founded in 1992 by Jerry Sherlock, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) provides an accessible, hands-on education in filmmaking, media, and the performing arts. With a mission to make the film industry more accessible to all, NYFA empowers students from diverse backgrounds to tell powerful stories through a project-based, immersive curriculum. Students work closely with industry professionals, gaining invaluable mentorship and real-world experience while building creative, technical, and collaborative skills. NYFA’s global community includes students from over 160 countries, fostering a network of passionate storytellers. From day one, students dive into creating projects that refine their craft and prepare them for successful careers. With a focus on practical experience and individualized support, NYFA equips students with the tools and confidence to excel in the competitive world of filmmaking and the arts.
CONNECT WITH NYFA
Nyfa.edu/location/nyfa-los-angeles
Advertisement – contains affiliate links
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
New book from Film Courage! – See it on Payhip here
