Hey guys!!! Crazy question here, if a producer's email is clearly given to the public through their contact page, would it be okay to reach out to them in regards to wanting to submit a 2 page written pitch or would the more appropriate course be to try and find out their manager's information to send to them? I think it's ok to contact the producer directly if their info is given, what would you do?
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Hi Tiffany Hilliard
Put yourself in the Producer's shoes - how many pitches (requested & unsolicited) do you think they get in a week?
It's better to make a connection before you pitch anything, IMHO, and even then, a logline at most - start small and if that hooks their interest, they'll request more. Reach out on social media platforms and build the connection and rapport, then pitch.
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If me, I would email them a query letter introducing yourself (keep it BRIEF unless you have an impressive literary resume or you have done something that directly connects to the script other than writing it, e.g. you're an astronaut and the script is about a manned mission to Mars), then include your project's logline and a very BRIEF synopsis that hits the high points of the script. Close by asking permission to submit your pitch and/or script. I would suggest keeping all this to the equivalent of no more than half a page. Good luck!
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Hi, Tiffany Hilliard great question! Did you know you can pitch (written or verbal) to an executive right here on Stage 32?! We have access to the best exec's from Universal, MGM, Mandalay Pictures, HBOMax and more. I think this is a much better approach. Check under the "Script Services" tab and if you're wondering who the best match is for your project, please reach out to Jason Mirch (j.mirch@stage32.com), the Director of Script Services. Jason's amazing and super-helpful. Happy pitching!
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Producers generally don't have Agents/Managers but Writers do. It's the Writer's Rep who contact the Producer on the Writer's behalf - not the other way 'round. A few small time Producers (like me) make themselves available based on personal interaction - not many.
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Producer here, and I agree with Dirk Patton. If a producer has made their email easily available then it's typically alright to contact them, but start with a query, keep it short and simple, and don't send anything via attachment - treatment, script, etc - until you are invited to do so.
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All really great feedback and advice. If you're looking for a more in-depth discussion on this topic we have a really fantastic on -demand webinar with producer Rachel Crouch (SWISS ARMY MAN, DON'T THINK TWICE) on how to find and work with a producer. Check it out here: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-to-Identify-Secure-and-Build-a-Rela...
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Thank you all for your feedback!!
Thanks Harrison, will definitely check this out!!
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Hey Tiffany Hilliard! All really good advice here. Having been on both sides of the table - meaning receiving hundreds fo queries a month - most are tossed unfortunately. I think that if you're going to be emailing them with a query, it might make sense to first try and establish a relationship prior to the "ask" which believe it or not you can do over email.
The thing that I would do is send that producer a note of congratulations, thanks, appreciation about a project that they have produced which you have seen that has moved you in some way. And then leave it at that. Everyone likes to be appreciated and a short note (that is not overly gushy) which applauds there work may just get a response. Then at the very least you have started a correspondence.
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Thanks Jason, great points!! You guys are awesome!!