Screenwriters: How to Find an Indie Producer 

You’ve written shorts, features, and pilots. You’ve spent the last three years submitting scripts to competitions and festivals. You’ve scoured the web for agents who don’t have a closed-door policy for submissions. And you’re getting nowhere.

Maybe it’s time to find an indie producer. It’s going to feel a lot like online dating. It’s going to take time. But it can work. Last year, I was alone. This year, I’m collaborating with US and UK producers on two optioned projects. Here’s how it can be done. 

1. Respect Their Time

Independent producers have zero hours in the day. They’re busy supporting their current writers & directors, seeking investment, working on pre-production, showing up to the set, or selling films at markets. Many of them have second jobs. Read any report from Dear Producer and you’ll understand the challenges they’re facing. So when you decide to contact an indie producer, make sure you’ve done your homework. Don’t waste their time.    

2. Build a Screenwriting Portfolio in a Few Key Areas

You should have high-quality samples that show your strengths in a couple of key genres (e.g. horror, family, action, thriller, sci-fi, etc.) and/or categories (e.g. strong female leads, period, etc.). This will also help you narrow your search for producers in your playing field.    

To get your scripts to the strongest stage they can be: 

1. Ask friends who work in theatre, TV, or film for honest assessments.  
2. Only submit to script competitions that have a reputation for providing meaningful feedback.  
3. Apply to respected screenwriting labs that include industry mentors. 

If you need inspiration, Lauri Donahue has compiled a thoughtful List of Screenwriting Fellowships, Labs, and Contests with due dates. 

3. Identify Your Quality Markers

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a mid-career changeover, you’ll have useful skills to bring to the table. Before approaching an indie producer, think about your: 

• Education: Relevant degrees, industry certifications, university extension courses (e.g. UCLA), etc.
• Awards & Commendations: Screenwriting contest placements, participation in writing labs, etc.
• Creative Projects: Published books, produced plays, music & dance performances, etc.
• Self-Produced Film Projects: High-quality social videos, short films, etc.
• Workplace Skills: You may have acquired these from within the film & TV world (e.g. crew experience, PA jobs, etc.) or outside of it (e.g. marketing, project management, PR, accounting, sales, etc.).
• Unique Background: Geographic location, languages, world experiences, community involvement, etc.    

You can highlight many of these quality markers on your website & LinkedIn profile. You’ll also have relevant talking points when a producer starts to ask you about your background. 

4. Refine Your Online Presence

When you include website & social links in your email signature, an indie producer will be checking them to learn more about you. So give your online presence a personality. 

For example, if you write edgy arthouse horror, highlight your favourite films, post articles about under-appreciated directors, share photos & clips that inspire you, and seek out other people on social who do the same. You’ll be building your industry reputation and your community at the same time. 

5. Join Film & TV Organisations

You don’t need an agent or manager to become a member of an organisation like Women in Film & TV (WIFT). There are scores of useful networking groups that welcome emerging screenwriters. They host in-person and virtual events. They send out newsletters with links to writing opportunities. And they are chock-full of independent producers who are willing to chat to other members. I’ve put together a list of starter ideas in 100+ Independent Filmmaker Resources. 

6. Network at Regional Events, Festivals & Markets 

Because I lived near Boston in 2020, I began by attending WIFVNE events and the annual Massachusetts Production Coalition meeting. I didn’t meet my producers there. But I did meet an incredible woman who knew everyone in the New England film business. 

When the pandemic hit, I shifted to virtual events. I met my UK producer, Daniel Kenney of New Colony Film, at a 2021 Makers Pop-Up organised by FOCUS. We began by being curious—I was intrigued to hear about his 18th century UK period project and he was interested in learning more about my WWI/Edwardian TV pilot. Five months later, we’re in development on London Sparrow. 

So introduce yourself politely, explain what you like to write about, talk to everyone, and keep the “Six Degrees of Separation” rule in your head. The independent world is a supportive one. If you have a solid portfolio and quality markers, somebody will give you a referral.  

7. Network at Large-Scale Festivals & Markets

Most serious film producers will hit the “Big 5”—Marché du Film/Cannes, Sundance, TIFF, EFM/Berlinale, and Venice—but these are just the start. 

• Raindance is a hive of UK & European creatives.
• Industry Days at the Chicago International Film Festival is great for filmmakers with Midwest roots.
• Annecy and the View Conference are superb for emerging animators.
• MIPCOM is the place to be for TV professionals.
• Busan Film Festival attracts a ton of Asian filmmakers.
  
• FilmFreeway has hundreds of more ideas.  

Don’t live near a big city? Lacking the funds for a flight to Sundance? Go virtual. Many festivals and film markets were hybrid this year. I’m hoping they continue to be so, because it levelled the playing field for emerging creatives from diverse backgrounds. I saw composers and screenwriters picking up jobs on the spot at the AFM Virtual Networking Pavilion.

8. Research Producers Who Play in Your Field

If you watch an indie film that you adore, check the Cast & Crew section of IMDB. It will list all the producers who worked on the project. You can then visit their company websites to learn more about their upcoming slate, their mission, their social presence, and their contact details. 

Before you send an email asking producers for a 15-minute virtual coffee, research their background thoroughly. The scripts in your portfolio should match up with their company’s: 

• Budget range
• Genre categories
• Production values 

There’s a reason for this targeted approach. Even if an indie producer doesn’t want to work with you, they’ll understand your creative goals. They’ll have practical advice. And they may know somebody who knows somebody. 

9. Invite Producers to Workshops/Readings

This is how I met my US producer. I was looking for an experienced female producer from Massachusetts who could give professional input on a complex period piece called Dill. I found Nerissa Williams Scott of TCGT Entertainment through the WIFVNE membership directory and invited her to attend a private reading/workshop.  

• She attended the first virtual workshop, where all actors & participants were paid for their time.
• She stayed in touch as I worked on edits.
• She read the next iteration.
• She submitted the script to the Roxbury International Film Festival for its Daily Reads event.
• And she officially came on board with the project after we heard the actors’ feedback. 

Find the people who are willing to champion your voice and foster your growth.  

10. Chat About Shared Values 

A screenwriter/producer relationship is like a marriage. It’s a long-term commitment that involves trust, mutual collaboration, and a healthy sense of humour. 

So don’t lead off with a hard sell. When you’re starting those initial conversations, ask independent producers about their long-term goals. Be curious about their mission. Find out what they aspire to create. Then you can decide if you’re the right fit. 

Did you know?

Raindance is the world’s only film festival with a Higher Education programme
Raindance offers:
A 2 year Higher National Degree
A Top-up BA
A Masters Degree in Filmmaking or Screenwriting