The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna Indie Film Craft 4 | How to Make Your Script Undeniable to an Indie Producer (ft. Julie Waters)
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Aug 28, 2025 Julie Waters, a powerhouse indie producer at Watermark Media, recently produced the acclaimed film 'OH, HI!' sold at Sundance. She reveals what makes a script irresistible to producers and explains the dynamics of the indie film world. Julie discusses the importance of advocacy for queer women in the industry and the collaborative relationship between writers and producers. She also emphasizes the need for authentic storytelling amidst economic pressures, highlighting the evolving landscape of independent film.
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Vet Partners, Expect Varied Development Pay
- Vet companies by their track record and relationships before doing unpaid development work.
- Expect changes since the industry now shifts what gets paid for in development compared with previous eras.
Producers Often Get Paid Last
- Independent producers frequently don't get development fees and are paid only when a project is greenlit or sold.
- That lack of consistent payment is driving conversations about producer protections and a producer union.
Read For Core Elements First
- Prioritize story, character, and tone on a first read to decide if you want to champion a script.
- If those essentials are strong, be willing to do further work on plot or execution with the writer.