Pitch Susan Boehm (Saturday, August 31st 2024)

• About Susan Boehm

Known for a high level of script expertise, Susan is a  film executive with over 25 years of global experience encompassing acquisition/distribution, development, sales and agency work with an emphasis on script assessment and development of screenplays and TV with award-winning filmmakers as well as emerging talent. Susan's credits include: LAST CAB TO DARWIN (Jacki Weaver, Emma Hamilton), THE ROCKET, and THE BABADOOK (Essie Davis).

As a highly respected and experienced Script Consultant, Susan has worked with writer/director/producer teams on award-winning projects seen at A-list festivals. She is currently working with US-based screenwriters, and is under contract as an assessor with Screen Queensland and Screen Tasmania.

Susan was Head of Development and Acquisitions at Icon Film Distribution where she bought 20 films at script stage for Australia/New Zealand distribution including the Oscar® winning Still Alice, Love & Mercy, Oscar® nominated The Wife, and the AACTA winning and Australian hit Last Cab to Darwin, among others.

Prior to Icon, Susan was a Development Executive at Screen Australia where she developed the multi-award winning The Rocket and Last Cab to Darwin. Before re-locating to Australia in 2009 Susan was the Managing Director, International of IFP (now The Gotham) where she ran the No Borders International Co-Production Market for four years. There she selected and supported filmmakers such as Ava DuVernay, Denis Villeneuve and Fred Schepisi. Susan started her film career at the William Morris Agency, worked at the sales and financing company Cinetic Media, and was a script consultant for Hallmark Films and Vanguard Films.

In her career in theatre she produced Dates & Nuts by Gary Lennon Off-Broadway, and was a marketing consultant for the Broadway productions Jelly’s Last Jam, Arthur Miller’s Broken Glass, Swinging on a Star and A Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart. While living in Australia she was a regular participant on panels and workshops at State Funding bodies and the Screen Forever Conference, and was also a guest lecturer at Griffith University.

 

Susan specializes in all genres of Feature Film and TV scripts.

Tips on pitching to Susan Boehm

Guidelines

• You may only pitch ONE project per reservation. Execs are looking for projects they can develop, NOT portfolios.
• You should have a completed script available upon request for the project you pitch.
• Do not reach out to the executives unless directed by Stage 32. They do NOT accept unsolicited material or appreciate being cold-called/emailed by strangers.
• Missed reservations are not refundable and will not be rescheduled.

Live Pitches

Within 15 minutes of your scheduled pitch, the exec will reach out by Skype or Phone. Your pitch session will last approximately 8 minutes.

Written Pitches

Written Pitches will be no more than 2 pages submitted as a PDF or WORD document. Any written pitch uploaded past the deadline will not be shown to the executive and will result in a non-refundable forfeiture of your pitch.

Scorecards

Within 3-4 weeks of your pitch session, you will receive a Pitch Scorecard on which the exec you pitched will provide pitch feedback and note if they are PASSing, or would like to REQUEST your material.

If you are requested, you will be notified via email with further instructions. The execs will have 2-3 months to review your material and note if they are PASSing, or would like a MEETING. If a meeting is requested, we will introduce you via email.

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Please understand that these are working executives, and their schedules are subject to change at a moment's notice. We always strive to give you at least 24 hours of notice if a session has been cancelled, and we will recommend another executive for you to pitch your material to.

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Need help with your pitch?
Download the Stage 32 Pitching Guidebook

Questions or Concerns?
WriterHelp@Stage32.com

What Are Stage 32 Pitch Sessions?

You've written your feature screenplay or TV pilot and you believe it is ready for the market. But, how do you know if your script or pitch are in the best shape to take your project - or your career - to the next level?

Whether you're preparing to find (or switch) representation, or go out with a script to production companies, studios or buyers, Stage 32 Pitch Sessions are a great first step to make sure you are on the right track.

For nearly a decade Stage 32 has maintained professional relationships with over 1,000 industry professionals including development executives, managers and producers across the industry. These executives work with us to listen to your pitch and provide feedback for you, all while finding undiscovered scripts they wouldn't normally have access to. With executives helping you understand what works and doesn't work with your material you can continue to hone your script and pitch as you prepare to go to market.

Through feedback given during Stage 32 Pitch Sessions, hundreds of writers have had success in their careers. Stage 32 writers have moved on to be signed, optioned, produced (including the 2020 film CHICK FIGHT), or put into development with industry professionals. In fact, in the last year alone, there were over 2,000 script requests and 500 meetings set up with industry professionals for writers through Stage 32.

How Does a Pitch via Skype or Phone Work?

Part of having a great script means that you have to be prepared to pitch it in a room or through a video pitch. It's important that you know the nuts and bolts of your pitch in order to give yourself the best chance for success when pitching it. We're here to help you.

In our Skype or Phone pitches, you have the option to pitch face-to-face directly with the executive through Skype or via telephone. Your pitch will be 8 minutes in total. It is up to you on how you want to use your time, but we recommend you spend 5-6 minutes to pitch your project, followed by 2-3 minutes of questions or feedback from the person to whom you are pitching.

This is a great way to work out pitching your material while establishing a new connection in the industry! You will be able to interact with the executive of your choice who specializes in the genre and format of your project. Would you like tips on how to pitch live? Download our pitching guidebook here.

How Does a Written Pitch Work?

Don't feel comfortable pitching live yet? Not a problem! Alternatively, you can submit a written pitch of up to 2-pages in length. This option is perfect for those writers who feel more comfortable expressing their ideas on the page rather than in person. It also allows for flexibility if you are unable to pitch live during a scheduled session.

Would you like an example of a written pitch? Simply email writerhelp@stage32.com for a sample written pitch.

5 Tips To Make Your Pitch Successful

Remember that executives who are hearing your pitch are supportive and want to give you the tools to succeed! There are ways in which you can help make that happen. Here are some tips to help you during your pitch.

1. Talk briefly about yourself and your connection to the material.
2. Give the title, logeline, genre(s), and comparable film or television tiles.
3. Set up the world in which your story takes place in and then the protagonist. Then dive into the story pitch.
4. Less is more! Make sure that your pitch is clear, concise, focused, and engaging. Do not try to pack too much into your initial 5-6 minutes and be sure to leave time for questions and answers.
5. Be polite and receptive - remember the person on the other end does this for a living and their feedback is invaluable for you to understand where you fare in the marketplace.

Do not ask the executive if they want to read your script during the pitch. Do not reach out to an executive outside of the Stage 32 platform. Doing so will have the opposite of the intended effect. Stage 32 is a professional organization and if there is interest in your script, we will facilitate the request.

These are set up as industry-standard professional pitching sessions so we expect you to be fully prepared. If you have questions or need help, don't hesitate to contact the Stage 32 Script Services team at any time writerhelp@stage32.com. We're happy to help.