Questions
Why does Robert Kosberg accept ideas from non-writers (and writers without agents) when other producers do not?
Two reasons. One, Kosberg has made a speciality of selling ideas to Hollywood. Most producers develop a few ideas that they hope to personally oversee through completion. Kosberg sells lots of ideas and typically participates as an executive producer.
Two, he believes that anyone, regardless of their lack of connections to the film industry, can come up with a great movie idea. Hollywood is a numbers game -- the more ideas you have, the better your chances of success. So listening to ideas from "outsiders" is in his best interest.
After I submit my idea, does it belong to you?
No. Your ideas remain your property. You can submit them to other producers as well as us at the same time if you want (please let us know who so we don't overlap). If we succeed in selling your idea, you keep all the money paid by the studio. Our compensation comes as producers.
Will my idea be seriously considered?
Yes -- that's why we're doing this. But, let's not kid ourselves, great ideas are rare. If it were easy, there would be great movies released every weekend and great television shows on every hour of prime time.
We can only promise that your idea will be seriously read and evaluated.
Will I receive feedback from you about my idea?
No, only if we like it. Then you will receive a telephone call from Robert to discuss how he might pitch (present) your idea to studios or production companies. If there were any way we could give feedback on each idea, we would. But it is not possible.
How long before my idea will be evaluated?
Anywhere from a week to a month, depending on travel, schedules, etc.. Robert reads ideas in spurts, so it might take some time before he gets to yours. Don't get discouraged if you don't hear back right away.
Why must I "sign my life away" on the release form?
Studios do not want to face nuisance lawsuits and will not listen to any idea unless they are contractually protected against legal action. To protect his relationships in Hollywood, Kosberg insists that he is legally protected. One-sided release contracts are a fact of life in Hollywood.
Why must I purchase the CD-ROM before submitting my idea?
So we can increase our odds of finding something great. The CD-ROM will teach you how to find, shape and submit the best ideas. By limiting submissions to people willing to spend the time learning the basics, we can weed out many inferior ideas which would waste our time.
Also, when you buy the CD, your name and address will be entered into our registered database along with your User Name and Password. That way when we receive a submission we will know for sure who sent it. At $20, we've priced the CD-ROM to be a good value, less than most hardback books. If this bothers you, please do not write to complain. We respect your choice not to participate.
I am a film school graduate, not a neophyte.Why do I need the CD-ROM?
Even veteran writers who have earned money in Hollywood often pay to attend Kosberg's pitching seminars because they know they have something to learn from him.
What if I have a full-length screenplay?
Can I send that instead of a pitch idea? Not right off the bat. The first thing is to get Bob interested in the idea in your script. If he likes the idea, he will call you. You should mention in your submission that you have a completed screenplay, or treatment.
How much money can I make selling my story to Hollywood?
That varies, depending upon how much the studios want your idea. If your idea is hot enough that more than one studio wants it, you will earn more. Typically, you can expect between $5,000 and $50,000 to have your idea optioned. If the movie gets made, you will most likely earn a substantial bonus. All of this is negotiable.
Do you take a percentage of the option money?
No. The option money is all yours. We are not agents. We receive producer's fees from the studio for bringing them the idea and for supervising the creative development of the idea.
Once I have my UserName and Password, can I submit more than one idea?
Yes. You can submit as many ideas as you want. In fact, we encourage you to be persistent. We do not charge members to submit ideas.