Writer FAQ
How does this Process work?
It starts by you filling out the form, sending us a short blurb about who you are, and including a writing sample (ideally a piece from a screenplay or teleplay).
For those we feel align with us, we’ll let you see our list of shows. If you are interested in any, you can let us know. If that show is available, we will send you more information along with a prompt. You write a sample scene from the prompt, which will be an audition of sorts.
Keep in mind, we do not own your original submission, but also you can not do anything else with your prompt. Writing it does not entitle you to any concept, story, characters or anything else related to the series.
For writers we feel matched with our direction of the show the most, we might ask to become a Showrunner (you would write the first episode, and essentially you would be the head writer and organizer for the series) or a Writer (you would likely write additional episodes and/or join the writer’s room). Most writers will not be offered either immediately but we might keep you in mind for future projects.
We will pitch shows with completed scripts to Investors for Executive Producer Credit. If an Investor does so, we will make the first 1-3 episodes of the series. You may asked to write additional episodes.
None of this entitles you to financial compensation. If show receives funding, you will receive a small amount (although most of it will go to production). Please sign on for love of it and your belief in the project. You will have a small ownership of the show as well. Ideally more money to come in the future if the show gets picked up.
What kind of writing samples are you looking for?
A: We're looking for writing samples that showcase your unique style and creativity. This should include something in screenplay format. But we would like something in particular that could fit out brand: innovative yet accessible.
There's no strict word count requirement, but we recommend submitting a sample that's long enough to give us a sense of your writing style and abilities. Generally, a few pages should suffice.
Will I receive feedback on my writing sample?
Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we're unable to provide individual feedback on writing samples. However, if your sample is selected, the next step will be to write a sample directly related to our show ideas, and you may receive feedback to that. Also if you are selected to be a writer, we’re happy to offer notes.
Will Cideshow own my submission?
Absolutely not. Your submission is your your submission. We’re just seeing what you’ve got. Please keep in mind that us or one of my writers may be working on something similar, but we’re looking for writers not ideas.
If you are selected to write off of a prompt, though, that script is for Cideshow use’s only. Writing a sample scene from our prompt does not entitle you to entitle you to use that writing outside, nor reuse any characters, storylines, concepts or anything else related to our series outside of partnering with us.
How will I know if my writing sample has been selected?
If your writing sample catches our eye, we'll reach out to you via email to discuss next steps. Please note that due to the high volume of submissions, we may not be able to respond to every submission.
Will I be paid for writing a sample scene or a script?
Unfortunately, we're unable to compensate writers for sample scenes or for even writing the entire script. However, if the show you wrote an episode gets picked up by investor, you'll be compensated for your work on the full script although not even this will be a lot (the goal is to be able to fund a show on very little investor money; however if this sold is picked up for more episodes or sold to a bigger network, you get part of that. Exact percentages to be figured out).
How much financing are you asking to make these series?
Low-budget. Low low budget. For the scripted shows, we’re asking for only around 3,000 per episode total, for a total of 1-3 episodes. That is not much. The main purpose of getting the episodes made are to build an audience for the series and ideally get it picked up for additional episodes by either funding it by fans or investors OR getting it sold to a bigger network.
How will the production and distribution work if it gets financed?
We will have a production house make the agreed upon episodes for the allocated budget. Ideally this will take a month or two. Once the episodes are up, it will be shown on the Cideshow Streaming Service and app with possibly an episode running on our social media channels.
We will have exclusive rights to distribute it.
If you are the showrunner, you can be on set if you wish.
Can I pitch an idea for my own show?
Yes. You would need to schedule a time with us. However, we encourage you to look at the catalog first so you can see the kinds of shows that would fit our brand.
All the same rules apply if it’s your own show. It does become a Cideshow series if we go with it and you will automatically become the showrunner. We have the same percentage breakdown; however, if it’s not picked up by an investor, you maintain full ownership of your idea.
Can I become executive producer of my own show?
Yes, if you have the means to do so, you can choose to fund your own show. You would get executive producer credit for it and a larger ownership stake of your show.
Keep in mind, they won’t be cheap, the average price around $10k
What kind of power does executive producer have?
The executive producer can be on set and sit in the writer’s room. They are free to give notes, but showrunner is under no obligation to follow the notes (keep in mind, though, that executive producer might not decide to fund additional episodes if all their notes are ignored).