Happy Friday!
Has anyone done AFM in Santa Monica with a script?
I've never been there as an attendee or exhibitor. It seems like what you do is you rent a room/booth/mini-booth and then put up some posters you create that represent your various scripts, bring a million business cards, and then pitch people for a week. Is that correct?
Has anyone had experience just going without the expensive room/booth/mini-booth?
If you go with three comedy feature screenplays and some business cards, is it worth it if you are an extrovert and comfortable pitching?
Thank you so much!
1 person likes this
AFM's agenda is sales and distribution of completed works. Having been, doing what you want to do, a booth/posters would be a waste. Do your research and network. It's great fun and expensive. You could probably get away with the three-day pass toward the end.
First, devour Stephanie Palmer's "Good in a Room." More important than cards.
The pool and the bar. Be cool. Learn to read an opening for conversation. When I was there a composer was slapping a headset on anyone he could, forcing his music in their ears. Not the best approach.
Thank you, guys! Great info!
Have an awesome weekend!
3 people like this
Yea, ive been there and that is NOT what you do. If all you have is a few scripts you dont get a booth. those are for distributors, companies, financiers, etc. not lone writers. plus, it will cost you about $12,000. so...no. But you can get a badge and try to set up meetings or just go wothout a badge and network and try to get into some parties. thats the better and cheaper route.
1 person likes this
Scott- As a new copyrighted screenwriter with only (3) I have been advised not to go to ADAM till I have at least 4. Why? Because if you meet a producer, director or distributor you want to have options. Also if those (4) don't work I have 12 Longlines from the other ideas I have. If one of those Longlines is of interest I can tell him I have already scene carded them out and can have the script ready if they want to provide some development $$'s. And of course I will sign a distribution agreement with them so they know that I am serious.
Dan, awesome advice!
Dan you're the Man!! I am going to go to the AFM site know and see what the steps are to volunteer. Of course I will still have JFK to Austin ticket to buy. And I guess a low cost Motel will be $100 for the night. But this suggestion really brings me closer to bringing my (4) copyrighted comedy scripts there. Thanks again my fellow Metro New York member.
AFM is in Santa Monica.
1 person likes this
Hi Scot, I checked out your profile and saw you already have both film & video credits. That puts you in a much better schmoozing position than any newbie with just unproduced screenplays!
I hope I don't have to warn anyone here about the classic newbie mistake (which I've seen more than once in LA): at a film festival, awards event, pitchfest, film set, whatever, do NOT carry around copies of your screenplay to hand to people you've just met! They'll assume you're a crackpot who wandered in from Hollywood Blvd.!
1 person likes this
Wayne, true that. However, in case you get "asked" about your projects, great to have your scripts, pitch packages in your phone at the ready. At a place like fests, award ceremonies, markets, avoid the temptation to do the unsolicited pitch thing.
Focus on having real, human conversations. Be interesting. Be courteous.
Never pitch in a bathroom! No matter who you might meet in there.
1 person likes this
I've seen it happen. Unbelievable! Hope you nailed his shoe!
1 person likes this
Very few (if any) producers are at AFM looking for scripts. The vast majority of producers and studios are there to sell their product. Either finished or already packaged and looking for money. I see writers there all the time pitching and pitching. What I haven't heard of is an unrepresented writer making a deal for a screenplay at AFM.
1 person likes this
D Marcus is right on this one. also, ive been pitched in bathrooms on more than one occasion... dont do it.
1 person likes this
Just reflect the pitch logline onto the ceiling, and ya might hook 'em ;-)