When you do a written pitch, should your synopsis contain the whole story, half of the story, or should you even cut it of at the point that the mission and the stakes are clear, you stated your theme, and now the story is really going to enroll (takes off)?
Screenwriting : Synopsis of your pitch doc by Rutger Oosterhoff
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Erik Grossman (stage 32) sent me a sample document. They (buyers) want the entire story, from beginning to end.
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Your question made me search, and I found this nifty article: http://www.writing-world.com/screen/room/screen05.shtml Good summary for me. Hope it helps. Everywhere I've read said pitch was only a paragraph long. It basically covers the acts of your script. Guy looses girl, guy fights to get girl back, guy gets girl. Stuff like that. Obviously it needs to sound better and sexified.
Thanks Dan and Cameron. Somehow this sounds strangeDan ! Where is the surprise in reading the script. Oh yes, I guess that's the point, they don't want surprises. Going to tead the article now Cameron.
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Ok-haha-- Writing World: "Now, sometimes people ask you to send a synopsis of your movie for them to consider producing, but that's not really what they mean. What they want for you to send them is a written pitch, as opposed to a verbal pitch. Don't be fooled. A synopsis encapsulates a story; a pitch is designed to sell it. It's not about telling them this happens then this happens then this happens. It's about telling them this is so cool and then this is even cooler and then, Surprise!, this is the coolest of all. It's much less about the details than about the sizzle. So don't worry about synopses; instead, spend your time getting good at pitching both verbally and in writing."
You lost me at "Ok.." what do you know what People want when you haven't sold anything? Contact Erik & ask
Well I would hate to think that the person writing that article hasn't sold anything... But who knows these days. I thought it had some pretty decent tips, but I'm in learning phase. I could be wrong, but I don't like to dismiss anything before trying it. Try both ways and see what happens? What do you have to loose?
...sorry folks, what I meant to say is that this quote in the article seems to contradict for what the production companies are asking for the written pitch doc must look like. I'm not judging anything here!!
..and yes, this was a very informative article!
Hello, everyone. I'm Rutger's partners, my name is Jerel. We have more than one project in the works and have forged a great work ethic. I want to thank everyone for their input. Dan made a good point. They want top, bottom, and the middle. Why not? This is still a real estate deal. "I need to know if the location is nice, and what's it going to cost to turn the lights and the water on?" These are logical questions we all have to answer because the people whom say yes to us have to answer to someone hire too. I appreciate everyones input, it is always valued. Please let me and Rutger know if you wish for a critique on your project and we will gladly give it a look with honest and constructive thoughts. Have a great day. Mr. Damon.
Well said Jerel!!
Can someone please show me a (Successful) written pitch. Or tell me where to go to look at one? Thanks.