Dear Contributing SS Members,

It's been proposed by a couple of SS veterans I should post on this.
So, I'm putting feelers out to see if there's any interest in this discussion.

Would contributing SS members like to hear about the pitch convention?
Do you think it would benefit you to learn how these events work?
Would it be helpful to know what I learned in class to polish my pitch?
Do you want to know what questions producers will ask you on the spot?

I assumed someone here had done something like this in the past.
If interested in starting this discussion, please post to the thread.
And if you can think of specific questions right now, post those too.

If sharing this info can somehow aide SS members, I'm happy to share.

Regards,
E.D.

YES. Please. Too often I think some people here write in a vacuum, with no thought to marketability, etc. I would be EXTREMELY interested to hear your take on the experience.

Great topic - I think you should just give a walk through on your experience, how you prepared, what pitch you used, the questions that were thrown at you and how you handled them etc.

100% interested in prep, experience, good intentions v. what actually happened, foibles of others, "WTH was that other guy thinking", things that made you go "Ooooo!", what they're frankly not really interested in, an amazing lack/absence of __?__ , NEXT TIME you'll kick a$$ with __?__, was it a madhouse from PLANET OF THE APES? etc..

Yeah.
I'm interested.

And were there hor d'oerves?

Duh.  :D

Bring it on!

I concur with the rest

Very interested.  A Podcast would be a good idea also...tomorrow night?

A written description would also be great, in addition to a radio show.

Quoted from Grandma Bear podcast time!  :)

Ha, I wish - the flat I live in has just been sold, and while the new owners are willing to tolerate me staying for a few weeks until I find a new place, there's no Internet connection here now. Once I'm more settled I promise it will all get up and running once more.

But please tell us everything here, Brett!

A question I have, is...

Did you have a bunch of scripts with you?  Did you use the classic 3 brass brads to bind them?  How did you carry them in?

Did anyone have a diva fit and start a fight?

Quoted from Grandma Bear podcast time!  :)

Quoted from Dreamscale Very interested.  A Podcast would be a good idea also...tomorrow night? A written description would also be great, in addition to a radio show.

Quoted from Dreamscale A question I have, is... Did you have a bunch of scripts with you?  Did you use the classic 3 brass brads to bind them?  How did you carry them in?

Quoted from B.C. Did anyone have a diva fit and start a fight?

Hmmm, a podcast you say, could be fun.
I'm clueless on the logistics of setting one up.
If y'all think it would benefit our intrepid members, I'm in.
Perhaps a written follow up for those who can't stand my voice. :P

I brought a total of zero scripts to the convention. No laptop either.
PitchFest is about enticement and generating interest.
Babz described it as, "showing a little leg".
So, I was only armed with my pitch and leave behind.
I want them to come to me and ask for my material.
That being said, I did have a thumb drive on me, just in case. ;)

I'm a big believer in the two brad system.
It leaves open that spot so they integrate your script into a binder.
And I save money too! :D

No diva fits I saw, then again, I was too busy pitching my brains out.
However, one woman got a handshake deal with an agency.
Bam! Representation, right at the table. That was cool.
I liked her braids, she put little rocks in them.

E.D.

What pitch event did you attend and what type of scripts were being sought?

Of course, I want to hear what happened.

A podcast would be great. :)

Okay - just Googled Great American Pitchfest - didn't know that existed - just thought it was the title of your post! Have you been to any others, or was this your first?

Quoted from Eoin Okay - just Googled Great American Pitchfest - didn't know that existed - just thought it was the title of your post! Have you been to any others, or was this your first?

Quoted from Eoin What pitch event did you attend and what type of scripts were being sought?

GAP was my first event of this kind.
InkTip is next month here in L.A.
Then Screenwriter's Expo follows in September.

PitchFest provides a directory of attending companies.
Part of that is a FAQ each company is asked to fill out.
It outlines the goals of each individual company.
And one of those questions was, "What scripts are you looking for?"
Pretty much every genre and marketing quadrant was covered in those answers.
Two things they had in common was: Fresh ideas & good storytelling.

The directory helped me form a strategy as to whom I wanted to pitch.
125 companies and I have time for roughly 20 pitches.
You need to maximize your chances, it's a real race against the clock.
Not to mention a great list of contacts eager for new talent you can use later.

E.D.

Thanks ED - I'm miles away from pitching yet - but all of that is very interesting and should come in handy when/if get to that stage.

Quoted from Eoin Thanks ED - I'm miles away from pitching yet - but all of that is very interesting and should come in handy when/if get to that stage.

The prep classes PitchFest offers are open to the public.
They're an invaluable resource.
They're also individual classes you can pay for a la carte.
The cost comes in if you want the contact info and opportunity to pitch.
It's also quite an experience hanging out in a bar with aspiring writers.
Quite worth the effort, there were many there to get a taste.
And these events happen in major cities across the country.
I met someone that attended an event in Washington, D.C.

E.D.

So Brett,

When you apporach a table, what are first exchanges like?  Do they get right to the point like,  "Describe the story in thirty seconds" "What are your character arcs?"  "Whats' the theme?"  "What are the plot points?"

Quoted from Ryan1 So Brett, When you apporach a table, what are first exchanges like?  Do they get right to the point like,  "Describe the story in thirty seconds" "What are your character arcs?"  "Whats' the theme?"  "What are the plot points?"

Ryan,

I took control of the pitch the moment I sat down.
I wanted to put the listener at ease.
I wanted to ensure them I would do all the work, let them relax and listen.
They wouldn't have to pry information out of me, like a social recluse.

So, I led with a planned non-script related prop joke that broke the ice.
They would laugh and/or smile 95% of the time.
It put both of us at ease, and it really helped me focus and gain confidence.

Then, I would slap that vibrant ZP leave behind on the table.
I moved onto describing ZP's genre and what "made it special".
They want to know why your idea stands out from the crowd.
How are you going to tell a familiar tale in a new way?
And I worked on putting that into one succinct sentence.
Then I used a boxoffice hit example to substantiate my claim.

To sum up, in 40 seconds I:

1) Led with a joke, which says I have some comic sense, at the very least.
2) Used a striking image to convey the overall appeal of my story
3) Gave them a clear previously unheard reason why my story is special.
4) Demonstrated marketing savvy to back up my special reason.

Those are all indicators to them what kind of person I am.
Which is all I'm trying to convey to them in those few minutes we have together.
Engage. Entice. Invite. Excite.

Main character arc and thematic inquiries were amongst the most asked.
They wanted to know the emotional journey of your hero.
Once I demonstrated market viability and freshness, that was the biggest concern.

I was very high energy and exuded enthusiasm at all times.
I offered most of them Altoids at one point or another.
And always be super gracious, regardless of their reactions.

Hope this helps.

E.D.

Brett, you are my new hero, and I mean that in a serious way!  Sounds like you fucking rocked the house and I'm so impressed.

Are we on for the radio show tonight, or what?

Quoted from Dreamscale Brett, you are my new hero, and I mean that in a serious way!  Sounds like you fucking rocked the house and I'm so impressed. Are we on for the radio show tonight, or what?

Wow, thanks Jeff. I look at it this way.
If I don't take my career that seriously, why is anyone else going to take me seriously?

If you and the crew want to organize a podcast, just send me a PM.
Off to see Super 8 this morning, I'm free this evening.

Regards,
E.D.

What this shows is that nobody here actually listens to the podcasts, otherwise they'd know all about that. :)

Great info, Brett! Sounds like a daunting but fantastic experience. So did anyone ask for you to send them the actual script, or is that not how it works? Did they ask what other concepts / scripts you had in your arsenal?

I can't do it tonight...big UFC card!!!

Perhaps we should wait until Johnny's internet is restored?
With the time difference for him, it's a chore enough as it is.
Just a thought.

E.D.

If it's all set up then I'll record it.  Just let me know when.  

Tentatively putting something together for tomorrow afternoon, but if people are around and it would be easier tonight then go for it. :)

EDIT: Just someone let me know so I know whether or not tompack my microphone when I head home tomorrow.

Well I couldn't do tonight because as I say I don't have Internet here, but I'll be home tomorrow so would be around to do it then. Brett's around both tonight and tomorrow...

Do we know if this is going to happen tonight?   Tomorrow's Monday here and usually I wouldn't be able to do tomorrow - but it's a three day weekend this weekend so I'll be home.   I won't be up particularly early though.

Okay, should we lock 10pm GMT tomorrow? That'd 5pm for Pia, 2pm for Brett...Michael, does that work for you?

Quoted from mcornetto Do we know if this is going to happen tonight?   Tomorrow's Monday here and usually I wouldn't be able to do tomorrow - but it's a three day weekend this weekend so I'll be home.   I won't be up particularly early though.

Perhaps scheduling in advance would allow more folks to plan to participate?
Just spitballing here, never done one of these before.
Will that allow enough time for Jon's internet issues to get resolved as well?
I'm pretty sure Jeff can't do tomorrow.

E.D.

Not really Jon.  It would be 7 in the morning here.  Likely I will not be up by then being that it's a holiday here.  Much better to do it today if we can.

And Brett are you set up for skype?

Quoted from mcornetto Not really Jon.  It would be 7 in the morning here.  Likely I will not be up by then being that it's a holiday here.  Much better to do it today if we can. And Brett are you set up for skype?

Michael,

I made plans for tonight, based on doing this tomorrow with Jon. Sorry.
Since tomorrow's off, I will gladly make myself available next weekend.
The podcast powers that be can work out the time.
Whatever works best for everyone, I'll make myself available. Promise. Deal?

And yes, I have Skype. :)

E.D.

Guess that's resolved then.  Next weekend.

Apparently Jon is able to record it tomorrow.  So tomorrow is cool if you guys want to go for it. Have fun!

Quoted from mcornetto Apparently Jon is able to record it tomorrow.  So tomorrow is cool if you guys want to go for it. Have fun!

Gah, I missed this part.
It seemed like such a hassle this past weekend.
I hope we can all be on the same page and agree on a time.
I should be available Friday after dinner and the rest of the weekend too.

E.D.

I've got Friday evening/night open.  Saturday I'll be out all day/night.

Quoted from Dreamscale I've got Friday evening/night open.  Saturday I'll be out all day/night.

I'm down for Friday evening, if that works for folks.
Pia? Jon? Cornetto? Marky Mark? Bert? Bueller?

E.D.

Quoted from Electric Dreamer I'm down for Friday evening, if that works for folks. Pia? Jon? Cornetto? Marky Mark? Bert? Bueller? E.D.

Don't forget Frye.

Don "The Predator" Frye?  The old, drunk MMA fighter, turned "actor"?

Quoted from Dreamscale Don "The Predator" Frye?  The old, drunk MMA fighter, turned "actor"?

Nah, Cameron ""Damn it, Rooney!" Frye.

Should I keep my Friday night open?
Inquiring podcast virgin want to know. :)

E.D.

I'm available tomorrow night, but not Saturday.

I'll be around Friday night if you want it recorded and Jon can't do it.

Quoted from mcornetto I'll be around Friday night if you want it recorded and Jon can't do it.

I'll leave my night open, just shoot me a time.
The more the merrier.

E.D.

Nope, won't be able to record it. But if Michael's willing to, then you guys go ahead and I'll edit it when Michael sends it over. Later in the summer when things have stabilised this will all be much, much easier...

Pia, Jeff, Cornetto & Jordan,

Thanks so much for hosting me last night for the podcast.
What a treat it was to put voices to your User ID's.
I hope you all had as much fun as I did.
Much thanks to Cornetto for the recording.
And a shout out to Jonny for patching all of it together.
You guys were a blast.

Regards,
E.D.

Look forward to hearing this one.  I hope Jeff had some Jaegies in him when you did this.  Is it getting posted under simplyscripts radio?

Quoted from Ryan1 Look forward to hearing this one.  I hope Jeff had some Jaegies in him when you did this.  Is it getting posted under simplyscripts radio?

I believe we were all rather inebriated, sans Cornetto, at the time.
Pia. Jeff. Jordan and myself, quite the drunken quartet.

Last I heard, Cornetto sent the recording to Jon to edit.

E.D.

Edit's done. Just gotta finish the show notes and then it's off to Don. It's a good'un...but not the easiest to edit. :)

Yep, this'll be posted as a special edition of SimplyScripts Radio - the show'll be coming back permanently later this summer. Watch this space!

Brett, you never responded to me about what happened to me?  Did I just disappear?  Did we lose our connection?  I don't remember saying bye to anyone...

Was I that hammered?

Quoted from Dreamscale Brett, you never responded to me about what happened to me?  Did I just disappear?  Did we lose our connection?  I don't remember saying bye to anyone... Was I that hammered?

You went off to hunt the great enchilada beast, never to return. ;D

Quoted from JonnyBoy Edit's done. Just gotta finish the show notes and then it's off to Don. It's a good'un...but not the easiest to edit. :) Yep, this'll be posted as a special edition of SimplyScripts Radio - the show'll be coming back permanently later this summer. Watch this space!

Thanks for all the hard work!
I'm sure it will be great.
I suppose if we were less sloshed it woulda been easier to edit. ;D

E.D.

OK, that's right.  I hadn't eaten, and I needed to throw my enchies in the oven.  Must have been too wasted to make it back. Sorry about that.

Looking forward to hearing how it turned out.

What's the latest word on when the podcast will be up?  Jeff was too wasted to make it back cuz he was cooking his enchies?  This sounds like a classic.

;D ;D ;D ;D

I made Chicken Enchiladas prior to the show, but didn't get a chance to get them in the oven, so I hadn't eaten since lunch, and I was drinking quite heavily.  I guess I threw them in the oven, ate them, ate too many 30 minutes later,and most likely shuffled off to bed, completely unaware I was supposed to check back in on Skype.

Oooops...

Quoted from Ryan1 What's the latest word on when the podcast will be up?

Submitted it to Don on Monday, he said he'd get it up as and when. :)


Don's Edit - It is now up at: http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1308783659/

PitchFest Follow-up Update:

So far a couple meetings with management agencies.
I'm happy to say they're excited about me wanting to stick with Zombie Playground.
Apparently, a lot of writers they interview want to sell it and forget it.
They feel I would be an asset to attach as a producer to pitch to their clients.

A feature film producer I met at GAP sent a request for ZP this morning.
His feature film credits include:
"A Cinderella Story" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1591095/ and
"Sydney White" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0815244/

It's the second request to roll in post-con.
So those leave behinds are still working their magic.
Script reads are at least a six week backlog.
So, I continue to play the waiting game.

InkTip is on approach, I'll trot ZP out at that convention.
One company participating is a main line to Nickelodeon and Paramount.

You bet your purple goo mutant butt I'll be pitching them in three weeks! ;D

Much thanks, as always, never would have these chances with out SS'ers!

E.D.

Who Da Man, Baby?

You the man!!!