If you’re a screenwriter, you may not know it yet, but you’re also a salesperson.
You have to sell your work. To agents, producers and managers. Over and over and over again. So it’s a good idea to get as much practice pitching as you can.
You’ve heard the advice before. Pitch to family, friends and strangers on the street.
Another great option: Check out pitchfests. There are quite a few to choose from, but our favorite (if you couldn't tell by the title of this post) is the Great American PitchFest.
The GAPF is an honest, straightforward event. We know the people that run it, we know their team, and we can vouch for what a valuable opportunity it is for screenwriters.
The pitching experience alone is worth the money, even more so if you leave having made a deal. So keep reading to find out more about this year's event (including a discount code for Script Quack readers)...
You’ve heard the advice before. Pitch to family, friends and strangers on the street.
Another great option: Check out pitchfests. There are quite a few to choose from, but our favorite (if you couldn't tell by the title of this post) is the Great American PitchFest.
The GAPF is an honest, straightforward event. We know the people that run it, we know their team, and we can vouch for what a valuable opportunity it is for screenwriters.
The pitching experience alone is worth the money, even more so if you leave having made a deal. So keep reading to find out more about this year's event (including a discount code for Script Quack readers)...
The Details
When: May 31 - June 2
Where: The Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 2500 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA
Price: Free on Saturday, $275 to Pitch
Where: The Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 2500 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA
Price: Free on Saturday, $275 to Pitch
free stuff
A lot of people make the mistake of assuming they can only attend the GAPF if they pay, but that's not true. There's free stuff ALL DAY on Saturday, June 1.
That's right, that Saturday you can just walk right into the Marriott and take part in all sorts of screenwriting activities. There are panels, classes, prize drawings, and way more. You name it and they've probably got it.
CLICK HERE for a full list of all the free stuff that's being offered this year. Again: You don't have to register or anything. Just show up and go to whatever classes you want.
But if you're smart, you'll stick around to pitch on Sunday...
That's right, that Saturday you can just walk right into the Marriott and take part in all sorts of screenwriting activities. There are panels, classes, prize drawings, and way more. You name it and they've probably got it.
CLICK HERE for a full list of all the free stuff that's being offered this year. Again: You don't have to register or anything. Just show up and go to whatever classes you want.
But if you're smart, you'll stick around to pitch on Sunday...
Pitching
If you've got a project you want to sell or use to find representation, you should get a ticket to pitch on Sunday, June 2.
Here's how it works: For one price, you can pitch to as many companies as you can squeeze in on that Sunday. It takes some careful planning to hit your targeted companies, but if you're determined, you can pitch to twenty different companies over the course of the day.
You can select the people you want to pitch to from among 120 production companies, agents, managers and studio executives. All people that have the power (or whose bosses have the power) to make your screenwriting career a reality.
Over the past few years, we've seen lots of serious companies there, including 20th Century Fox, Imagine Entertainment, Paramount and Original Artist's Agency.
So don't take this pitching lightly. Do you homework and come prepared!
Here's how it works: For one price, you can pitch to as many companies as you can squeeze in on that Sunday. It takes some careful planning to hit your targeted companies, but if you're determined, you can pitch to twenty different companies over the course of the day.
You can select the people you want to pitch to from among 120 production companies, agents, managers and studio executives. All people that have the power (or whose bosses have the power) to make your screenwriting career a reality.
Over the past few years, we've seen lots of serious companies there, including 20th Century Fox, Imagine Entertainment, Paramount and Original Artist's Agency.
So don't take this pitching lightly. Do you homework and come prepared!
prepare the right way
First, obviously, you need to prepare a solid, quick pitch.
We recommend "Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds." Gimmicky name, really strong advice on pitching. And you can read it in an afternoon.
Beyond that, you need to spend your preparation time wisely.
A mistake a lot of writers make before quick pitch meetings is that they study each company they're pitching to way too much.
It's always good to know who you're pitching to, but don't spend an hour researching a company you're pitching to for five minutes. Know their past successes, what they've got slated now, and what kinds of movies and writers they usually work with. It should take a few minutes on IMDB Pro.
Then focus on preparing answers for questions that producers or agents might have about you and your work. This is particularly relevant if you're pitching agents or managers. Even if they don't have time to ask you too many questions during the actual pitch, be ready! You might see important people in the elevator, in the parking lot, or at one of the PitchFest's great networking events.
Here's some stuff people might want to know about you and the project you're pitching:
- What type of thing do you write? (genre, sub-genre, sub-sub-genre)
- How long have you been writing? (don't overlook having good answers for small questions like this!)
- Do you prefer TV or movies? (hint: tailor your answer to who you're talking to)
- Who do you see as three potential leads in your movies? (hint: make sure they bring in $$$ at the box office)
- What movies are your movies like?
- What TV shows do you love and why?
We recommend "Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds." Gimmicky name, really strong advice on pitching. And you can read it in an afternoon.
Beyond that, you need to spend your preparation time wisely.
A mistake a lot of writers make before quick pitch meetings is that they study each company they're pitching to way too much.
It's always good to know who you're pitching to, but don't spend an hour researching a company you're pitching to for five minutes. Know their past successes, what they've got slated now, and what kinds of movies and writers they usually work with. It should take a few minutes on IMDB Pro.
Then focus on preparing answers for questions that producers or agents might have about you and your work. This is particularly relevant if you're pitching agents or managers. Even if they don't have time to ask you too many questions during the actual pitch, be ready! You might see important people in the elevator, in the parking lot, or at one of the PitchFest's great networking events.
Here's some stuff people might want to know about you and the project you're pitching:
- What type of thing do you write? (genre, sub-genre, sub-sub-genre)
- How long have you been writing? (don't overlook having good answers for small questions like this!)
- Do you prefer TV or movies? (hint: tailor your answer to who you're talking to)
- Who do you see as three potential leads in your movies? (hint: make sure they bring in $$$ at the box office)
- What movies are your movies like?
- What TV shows do you love and why?
Go to the Great american pitchfest
Script Magazine recently named the GAPF the #1 Pitchfest out there. And for good reason.
Many screenwriters who have participated in previous years have had their scripts optioned, been hired for writing assignments, or signed with agents or managers.
So get over your fear and start pitching.
Every successful screenwriter has mastered this skill. Sign up for the PitchFest and get started.
If you want to participate in this year’s PitchFest, use discount code SQGAPF10 for 20% off any order at THIS PAGE.
Click here for more information from Signe Olynk, writer, filmmaker and creator of the GAPF...
Many screenwriters who have participated in previous years have had their scripts optioned, been hired for writing assignments, or signed with agents or managers.
So get over your fear and start pitching.
Every successful screenwriter has mastered this skill. Sign up for the PitchFest and get started.
If you want to participate in this year’s PitchFest, use discount code SQGAPF10 for 20% off any order at THIS PAGE.
Click here for more information from Signe Olynk, writer, filmmaker and creator of the GAPF...