Gimmick Submissions

Here's how the system works:

- You send a script to exec/producer/prod co.
- It's received and logged.
- A reader gives it a once-over.
- The reader writes a script report.
- Exec/producer reads the report.
- A rejection is sent in the post, with thanks.

This is the routine. This is the norm. It gets a bit samey for all involved. Exec/producers start to yearn for some sparkle in their lives, and hold out for the one submission that will lift their day and make their life worthwhile. To help facilitate this, unrepped writers often get the idea to put a bit of colour in their submissions. Y'know, add various gimmicks or incongruous items to their script to make it stand out from the crowd.

They might send a clown to deliver their hot new comedy spec. Hey, it will put the exec in a good mood and get the script to the top of the pile, right?

Or they could send a bar of chocolate to sweeten the deal, and get the script read and approved.

Or they might attach a teabag and biscuit to the script as that will be just the thing the reader/exec will need to settle down to enjoy the 140 page epic.

Gimmick submissions, in my experience (the above are real examples), rarely work (here's a tip, chocolate *melts*). At worst, they're ingratiating and amateur. At best, they're amusing and endearing but they don't give the submission any guarantee of favourable consideration.

In Blake Snyder’s “Save The Cat”, he admits to once packaging a script about ‘nuclear’ superheroes into a faux-radioactive unit. This particular gimmick worked for him, and helped to get the script sold (but I'm sure the actual quality of the script had something to do with it). However, his particular gimmick was integral to the marketing appeal of the overall project, so it had some validity (although it still would have been laughed out of certain offices).

Opinion may well be divided on gimmick submissions. Certain execs and readers might like your cheeky approach. You might have caught them at the right time, just when they needed a giggle or some kind of lift to their day. But it's a lottery. You simply can't gauge their mood or predict what will happen.

People are busy. The system works for a reason. The only gimmick you need is a good script. The best trimmings around a good script are a recommendation or referral from an established writer, producer, director or actor, rather than tying your script with a slice of carrot cake.

** UPDATE **

In a twist of sad news, Blake Snyder died suddenly today from cardiac arrest. More info here.