Go Big or Go Home

Getting Viewers Off the Couch

Have you ever been told that your script is not “big” enough or that it read like an episode of a television program? I have. And I read scripts currently that feel that way to me too. Now that I’ve been on both sides of the fence, I have gained an incredible education. What does “not big enough” mean?

It means your story does not have enough excitement, set pieces and memorable characters to really justify being on the big screen. It means your story is okay or good enough but it just doesn’t feel like a major motion picture. It’s heartbreaking to tell that to a writer and it’s heartbreaking to hear. I recently read a crime thriller that was very adept and fairly entertaining. But it definitely felt like an episode of CSI. Serviceable but not get a sitter, pay for parking, buy two tickets and dinner exciting.

And that’s what executives are looking for – scripts that have big, exciting set pieces, really scary moments, fantastic twists, inventive writing or huge belly-laughs. If you keep hearing that your script doesn’t feel “big enough,” go back and look at your premise, first of all. Is it really that unique? Or does it fall under the pretty-good category? Would the story attract an A-list actor who could just as soon stay on their private island for another three months? Would it persuade your stodgy brother-in-law to put down his Coors, leave Major League Baseball alone for the night, get in the car and drive to see a movie? More and more these days, even yours truly gives serious consideration as to whether or not to head out to the movie theater. Tickets are expensive. Lines are long. Parking is a bummer. Concessions are pricey. Why go to the theater when I can go to my local video store, rent a movie or watch tv in the comfort of my own home?

And that’s what we’re up against, guys – television programming and DVD rentals. Television has taken a huge bite out of the box office. There is fantastic writing in the world of television and wonderful original movies on Showtime and HBO. Why should a moviegoer leave the house to go see your movie?

You have to see it on the big screen. Have you ever said that to someone? Well – that’s what you want your script to read like – wow – this is going to be GREAT on the big screen. This isn’t just a heist story or a romantic coming-of-age – this is a MOVIE.