http://www.deadline.com/2013/02/screenwriting-part-1-are-those-script-seminars-coverage-services-pitchfests-scams/

Found this interesting story on Deadline.com.  It appears to make the argument that script seminars, pitchfests, and coverage services are either a waste of time at best, or a scam at worst.

For those of you who have participated in any of the above, what was your experience or what is your opinion of what is discussed in the article?

I'm a believer of coverage services. My best notes come from coverage services. They lay it on you straight - no coddling.

Always look before you leap.

Ghostie

I'd say it's a mixed bag.  

The coverage that I experienced was - IMHO - a waste of money.  And, looking at the economics involved, that's almost a given.  If you go to the "affordable" coverage shops, think about how many scripts the reader must be go through, in order to clear a decent amount of $$ per day, after the shop gets it's cut.  It's just *asking* for a rush-job.  If you don't have any other venues for criticism, fine.  But if you cultivate good contacts here, you can get better reviews for free.  Or, barring that, pay for a more expensive reader that has great recommendations and track record.

Pitchfests?  Haven't done one myself (yet), but I know of at least one person who's had great results from it...  :P

I vwish there was a pitchfest in New York City.  All the ones I've seen are on the west coast.


Phil

Quoted from Grandma Bear I've tried inexpensive and expensive coverage services and I've been satisfied with both. Nothing beats getting 15 or so free reviews from here though. IMHO it's better to get comments from several different people than 30 pages from one "pro". The issues your script has, is easier to identify when several people mention the same thing over and over. With just one reviewer's comments, that person's own ideas, might be pretty far from how you see the script yourself. If you know what I mean.

I'm with Pia on this one.
I'll hand out big change drafts to my inner circle.
Be it a close knit group of writer friends of posting here.
If multiple readers get snagged on the same stuff in your script, then you know.
They'll likely even write down the critique in different ways.
But it helps the writer zero in on major problems.

Quoted from Grandma Bear I went to a pitch fest thing in LA in -09. It was a lot of fun. Seriously! I had a great time...especially partying at night. The pitching itself was okay. You meet a lot of industry preofessionals that are genuinely looking for material. Problem is, they are looking for REALLY GREAT material. Something very few people bring. Some people got some bites on their work, but ultimately nothing came out of it. Some of the people I met who got some interest from the people they pitched to, were asked to do rewrites and get back with them. This went on for a couple of years for some. Those people took this very seriously and spent all their time on rewriting and rewriting, only to see nothing happen years later. I would still go for the party though.  ;D

Like Pia, I did enjoy the partying as well.
Nice way to network with fellow wannabe gate crashers here in town! ;D

Did I get traction with any of the dozens of script requests I got?
Nope. Does it matter? Not really.
Because it all helped me to develop confidence in myself and my craft.
So, now when I get into a room with industry folks, I sound less like a rube! ;D

Here's a SS podcast interview I did after my first pitch event...

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-RadioSimply/m-1308783659/s-new/

I get grilled by the SS vets on my adventures in Burbank.
That was just as fun as going to the pitch con! ;D

Regards,
E.D.

Quoted from dogglebe I wish there was a pitchfest in New York City.   All the ones I've seen are on the west coast. Phil

Pretty sure I sent Janet notices about one in your neck of the woods.
Think it's in April?

Lemme check my e-mails...
A-ha! Here it is.

http://www.screenwritersworld.com/ehome/51534/89588/?&&et_mid=600618&rid=233059978

Hope this helps!

Regards,
E.D.