How to Sell Your Script without Selling Your Soul

If you’re a screenwriter, chances are you got into this career because you have stories that you’re passionate to tell; that resonate with people and maybe even make a difference in how folks think.

That sense of artistic integrity is important. But at the end of the day Hollywood is a business. It’s Show Business. Your art is the “show” but the “business” part is equally important. Movies and TV shows can’t just be great stories, they need to turn a profit. 

So how do you give your script commercial appeal while also creating something of substance? How do you meet the demands of the industry while also maintaining your creative vision?  

Believe it or not, there is a sweet spot where commercial value meets creative brilliance. Here are a few tips on how to achieve that (often illusive) balance:

Do Your Homework

Nobody’s going to buy your script if it doesn’t have at least a hint of commercial appeal. So, take the time to understand what sells:

Peruse the trades or — better yet — scroll through streamers like Netflix, Max and Hulu to see what types of projects are consistently getting made. What kinds of movies and TV shows seem to come up again and again? 

For example, horror movies and contained thrillers are often in demand — both genres are cheap to make and have a proven fanbase.

On the TV side, shows that feature unique worlds and relatable characters have a proven track record (think Grey’s Anatomy, Abbott Elementary, Succession, Yellowstone, The Sopranos).

The goal isn’t to copy. It’s to understand what sells. Don’t ever chase the marketplace, but always be aware of it.

Once you’ve got a handle on what makes a project enticing from the commercial side, it’s time to do a little introspection —

What Are Your Screenwriting Values

If you have a clear idea of the stories you want to tell, the characters you want to champion and the themes you want to tackle — the easier it is to weave them into commercially viable projects. So, what inspires you? What are you passionate to write about? Maybe you’re driven to write strong female leads, or amplify underrepresented voices, or maybe there’s a particular theme you’ve always wanted to explore?

When you know what your screenwriting values are, and also have a good idea of what Hollywood’s “commercial values” are. Then comes the balancing act —

The Balancing Act

It doesn't matter if you're writing a big action movie, formulaic rom-com or family friendly sitcom — there are almost always ways to sustain your artistic integrity, weave in depth, and themes that matter to you.

For example, Calle Khouri and Ridley Scott’s all time classic, Thelma & Louise is a buddy action movie. It’s also a story that features two female leads — a perfect vehicle to explore the theme of female empowerment. The result is a movie that’s super commercial, award-winning and has something to say.

Or take Jordan Peele’s academy award-winning horror, Get Out. The movie explores deeply personal themes of race and privilege. But thanks to the script’s sense of humor and relatable characters it’s also highly commercial.  

The same “balancing act” can be found in almost any successful TV show you can think of:

The Last of Us isn't just a show about a zombie apocalypse. It’s also about family and finding humanity in an inhumane world.

Ted Lasso isn't just a light-hearted comedy about a British football club. It’s a poignant exploration of friendship and mental health.

It’s Not Selling Out, It’s Being Strategic

Yes, finding the balance between what a studio or network wants and what you want to write about can be a challenge (and a compromise). But when a script manages to be both commercially exciting and have something deeper to say, it tends to be a hot commodity. It’s not about selling out; it's about being smart so your script sells.

All that said, always trust your gut. If you feel like the changes you’re being asked to make go beyond ‘compromise’ and are too far away from your artistic vision and values, know that you can always walk away and live to fight another day. 

What are your tips and tricks for writing sellable scripts that don’t compromise your artistic integrity? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!

For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:

For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch

To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.

For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.

And you can find my book, Hollywood Game Plan on Amazon or at Michael Wiese Productions (MWP).