Creative projects eventually take a life of their own. Even though I wrote my book for independent filmmakers to develop their portfolios, a completely different market has taken interest in my book – teachers. I found out from a few emails and conversations that my book was being adopted as a workbook and sourcebook in some film and drama classes, at the middle school, high school, and even university levels. This was a pleasant surprise, and I decided to take advantage of it by… giving away books.
Educational Donations, or Why I Give Away Short Film Scripts to Teachers
I have donated (and continue to donate) copies of the book to teachers and their schools. All the teacher has to do is fill out a form telling me how he or she plans to use my book in the classroom.
At the risk of pointing out the obvious, I do not make money when I give my book away for free. I do, however, get a class’s worth of films and I get a group of students who will get some value out of my book. If the teachers and students like using my book to create something special, they (or their colleagues and friends) might buy additional copies and recommend the book to others.
And that, my friends, is worth every penny I didn’t make by giving it away.
I am very proud of this book. I think it says something unique and is a useful tool for filmmakers. I hope my story encourages you in your creative endeavors, and I hope you buy the book.
