Hello all. I thought I'd share my first pitchfest experience to anyone interested.

This was also my first trip to California. I went because my feature screenplay, "Memories" was a finalist in a film festival out there. While looking for other screenwriter related things to fill my days during my visit, I found out "Story Expo" was taking place that same weekend! Seriously lucked out there. Along with awesome classes, they host a pitchfest, so I signed up to do 12 pitches. Story Expo had a list of what each company was looking for, and I also dug a little deeper into each company to make sure I made the right choices. It was $25 for each 5 minute pitch.

I pitched to management & lit agencies as well as production companies.  I mostly pitched "Memories", but also chose a few to pitch my thrillers to. Out of 12 pitches, 7 people asked for my one sheet and requested my script. 3 said "nice pitch" but it wasn't what they were looking for, 2 were just plain rude and aszy.  

What I realized was, what they were mostly responding to was my enthusiasm. When I got into what inspired me to write the story and what the theme was, their ears really perked up.  It wasn't the breakdown of the story itself, it was the connection I had with the story and what would connect the audience to the story and characters.

I had a blast and CANNOT wait for the next pitchfest. I wasn't nervous, not sure why, but I did feel the pressure. I mean, a favorable decision from someone in that room could seriously change your life. Oh yeah...some of the companies I had success with:  Oddlot Entertainment, Metropolitan Management, Real Creative (a new company started by writers of Friends w/ Benefits), Gilbert Films, Thruline, SilentR Management & Sunflower Productions.

I just sent out all my script requests. Not sure if anything will come of it but if nothing else, I got a huge blast of encouragement. We all need that to keep going.  :)

Quoted from mmmarnie ... What I realized was, what they were mostly responding to was my enthusiasm. When I got into what inspired me to write the story and what the theme was, their ears really perked up.  It wasn't the breakdown of the story itself, it was the connection I had with the story and what would connect the audience to the story and characters.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Marnie. I remember when Brett (ElectricDreamer} posted his weekend of pitching too - he had a similar experience from memory.

Interesting point you make too re what they responded to. Writing is by nature a solitary and introspective existence and we spend a lot of time 'in our own heads' but as with everything today it's essential that you promote yourself and your work if you want to get it produced. In the past I rather naively thought if you had something really good it would magically find its way but it won't. Sad thing is I've known some very talented people who just weren't able to put themselves out there and their careers went by the wayside, or at the very least were not as good as they could have been.

Anyway, it's great that overall (except for a few rude people - pity some people equate positions of power with rudeness ::)) you found it an enjoyable experience.

Quoted from marnie I just sent out all my script requests. Not sure if anything will come of it but if nothing else, I got a huge blast of encouragement. We all need that to keep going.  :)

Good luck and I hope something comes of it. If nothing else you've gained valuable experience to do it again. :)

Libby

P.S. Meant to ask - how did the table read go with the other project??

Hey, Marnie!

I'm glad you had a good time and found producers who appreciated your story and writing!! Good luuuck now!!
7 out of 12 sounds very promissing.

It reminds me of a job fair -you pitch yourself and there are some who look right through you, some take your resume, others... - it's not that many of the "others" usually.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

LC - the table read went very well. The actors were really great. I could tell I wasn't in NJ. They were so professional. I was pissed I only submitted one scene. I could have done two. Everyone else did two. I didn't want to come off as greedy. Dammit! :)  I also won an award that weekend. I totally wasn't expecting it. Now along with my crappy mug, I have a glass star with my name etched on it for "Memories - Best Ensemble Comedy Screenplay". I even had to make a speech. LOL. Thanks to everyone here who helped me polish it up!!!

Kham - You're totally right. It's just like a job fair situation.

I did get two bits of great advice before I went. One was from my hubby who told me to use my 25+ years of bartending experience and just talk to these people like they were across the bar. That totally worked. Also, a writer friend, Bill Beines reminded me that...these people are looking for writers and scripts...and I have them. I have the finish scripts. I'm the writer. That empowered me. I never felt desperate. I felt like I was just searching for a good fit for me and my work.

Since I made this post yesterday, I've already heard back from an agent I sent my script to. Guess he works on Sundays. :P  He wanted me to send him more of my work. That's a good sign, I think!!

That's awesome news. I've always wondered how those pitchfests worked. They always seemed like a waste of time to me. But I guess some one on one time face to face makes a lot of difference. So glad to hear you made some waves. Keep us posted with the latest. :)

Well done Marnie, hope it all works out. Keep us informed.