I would appreciate anybody's opinion on whether this might be worth the money for a Hollywood outsider sitting on a television pilot screenplay: https://www.vipfilmsummit.com/stage32
What gives me the most pause is that it's being held well outside D.C., at Dulles airport: I'm actually imagining people flying in from Los Angeles to the airport hotel, collecting their money from the yokels, then flying straight back to L.A. and laughing all the way to the bank. Is it actually possible that they are interested in scoping out talent in this area? (Somebody, ahem, who might have a really brilliant television pilot based in D.C., written after years and years of experience here?)
I'm a very introverted person, so paying for a chance at 90-second pitches might not be the best use of my money, but if it's a good learning experience, I will do it. But I would love to hear people's thoughts, since Stage 32 specifically emailed me about my humongous Stage 32 $20 discount, ha ha.
Thanks, Laura. A couple of the sponsors are Virginia Film Office and Discovery (in Maryland), so there does seem to be a legitimate interest in promoting local filmmaking. Still, I really am much better on paper than in person (zero charisma!). I just did my first Happy Writers two-pager submission for $35! I think that is a much better way for me than trying to sound exciting for 90 seconds. I really appreciate your feedback!
Thanks so much, Laura.
Well, Ardua, if you do attend the event, please let us know how it goes.
The website looks like crap. Not sure if this a first year event. Sorta feels like a stage play doing previews in a small town before coming to Broadway.
I’m skeptical of any film conferences at airport hotels and I just don’t understand why professional guests solicit from amateur audiences.
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First - I'm acquainted with Steven Adams and Buffalo 8. Steven seems to be a stand-up guy and B8 is doing some good stuff (they're owned by Bondit, a well-funded, legit financing company). Since B8's basic service runs about $1200, this VIP event could be a cheaper way to talk to Steven (if you get the chance). Franco Samaco is a working indie producer. Matt Chassin is a great guy and effective PR/Manager. So there is some value here - if you're local and don't have to spend money for travel. Downside, all the "investors" (except Adams) are tech guys with little to no experience in film/TV. So if you go thinking that your pitch would garner direct investment, I would highly doubt it. If you're looking to pitch in order to find dev partners or representation - again, as a local event, it's not bad.
Thanks for all the input, John. My feeling from what you're saying is it is a good opportunity for local filmmakers (directors/producers) with some experience, but probably does not make much sense for a newbie screenwriter who has no clue how much it would cost to shoot my television pilot?
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Dan, I had the same thought about the airport hotel! Just picturing people flying in, collecting their money, and flying out! But hotel space is extremely expensive in D.C., and this is still summer tourist season, so it might be an economical choice. And perhaps since Virginia Film Office is a sponsor, they might want it more accessible to Virginians. Thanks for your input. Right now I'm leaning against going, but I'll see if I get any other comments.
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Rosa Lafantastica try to work the event. They must be hiring locals.
Ardua, to answer your question - IMO, no it wouldn't make sense. But Dan MaxXx has a point. If you can volunteer, that would give you some networking opps.
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Look like this was mainly for last year. As it happens, I was in the midst of writing some local producer friends and suggesting they attend this year. I attended last year without pitching and am planning to attend this year (also without pitching), but the panels and the networking with local filmmakers at various stages was very useful. It's organized primarily by Ron Newcomb, who works in Virginia and is trying to get more filmmaking happen in Virginia and the mid-atlantic states in general. Not sure if the Stage 32 discount applies for this year, but you could ask: https://www.vipfilmsummit.com/
It's moot if you're attending to pitch. The slots are sold out.
Carefully read the bios. There's a lot of "Worked on..." "Worked with..." Which means what?
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Happy to answer questions from anyone...
Tony S. not sure what you mean by that - the slots are not sold out.
I chose Dulles, simply for the convenience of the VIP. My goal was to get them here and not have any hurdles to doing so. It's not LA trying to come here to make a quick buck.
I'm not an event planner (nor a web developer Dan), nor do I want to be, but I do want to create sustainable filmmaking for our region and to offer opportunities for leveling up to area filmmakers that otherwise would not have them.
The VIPs are people that I want to meet. I'm only trying to break-even on the event, as I'd like to get as many projects into various stages of production - it's the only way we can create sustainable filmmaker.
The workshops alone are worth the price.
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I don't believe I need to see my optometrist. Following the link in the OP:
Pitch the Panelists$149
All Pitch Slots are SOLD OUT
Looks like a good event, with accomplished people from successful companies on the panels. Looks like there are still pitch opps in the Silver and Gold packages. And it looks like a familiar name is on the panel. Amanda...Toney...Amanda Toney...where do I know that name from? Heh-heh. (Just kidding, Amanda!)
Like I said. . .