Crossword Genius

Live cheaply, putting millions into unfinished screenplay (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scrimp

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'live cheaply' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'millions into unfinished screenplay' is the wordplay.
'millions' becomes 'm' (abbreviation).
'into' is an insertion indicator.
'unfinished' means to remove the last letter.
'screenplay' becomes 'script' (I've seen this before).
'script' with its final letter taken away is 'scrip'.
'm' going inside 'scrip' is 'SCRIMP'.

'putting' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scrimp that I've seen before include "Be economical, mean, with" , "To pinch pennies" , "Be prudent" , "Do or spend less than is needed" , "Skimp, stint" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app