Screenwriting : Get It Made LA - Proof of Concept by Bertilda Duhon Lacy

I've not worked with 'em yet - but may soon. I have an acquaintance who is working with them now & he's pretty upbeat about it (he's upbeat about everything). My advice is to comb through the many layers of their site and look for any pit-falls; like ownership rights, expenses... I did notice some review requirements and a time limit. I'm going tp plow through it later tonight - I'll let you know if I find anything.

did you win their contest?I think that is the prize - they shoot a PoC of your script. I looked at their website, not sure how they make steady income to stay in business.

https://filmfreeway.com/get-it-made

Dan MaxXx No, I did not enter their contest. I submitted a script to Absurd Hero Productions for consideration to be optioned. They chose to pass on the optioning it, but in the email stated their interest in shooting a PoC for it. The email was a little random -out of nowhere- so I'm not sure how legit it is. I submitted the script a while back. I'm scheduled to meet with them today. So, I'll keep you guys posted.

Good luck, Bertilda!

I'm with Dan on this - I haven't yet figured how they survive, so I'm a little skeptical at this point.

Just had my meeting and it was sort of a bust. They make their money by having writers pay to compete to have a PoC of their script produced. Then, it is used to market the script to bigger production companies and streaming networks. I already have a pitch package that I developed with OpenGate Entertainment. It came out fantastic. So, I'm going to likely pass on Get It Made.

How much do they charge for a Proof of Concept? Do they get a fee if the idea is sold to a buyer?

Dan MaxXx From what I understand is that, they charge a fee to compete (around $3 a day =$90/month), receive feedback, and get guidance of crafting your PoC script without a guarantee it will get made. He explained that PoC productions usually cost between $6,000-$8,000. Writers could come into the process with their production money in hand and that would guarantee it getting produced or you can remain a member long enough to where you've ultimately paid for your production and get it done that way as well.

They do take a portion of the sale if you are able the sell the script with use of the PoC. In essence, the writer would sign an agreement that gives a cut to everyone involved in the PoC - directors, actors, etc. once it's sold.

Seek legal guidance ... I wouldn't do it as you're already getting too many hands on it. If you do go this route make sure you have a contract that says they are "non-exclusive" meaning you could talk to anyone about your project and sell it with out them involved, and no money would be paid to them. If they don't want this clause in the contract you turn and walk away!

I think I know someone who has worked with them. But based on what you've said Bertilda, it just doesn't seem like a good deal. I mean, I guess I'm more used to publishing where, unless you go with a vanity press, you don't pay to publish. And it's probably not a scam. It just feels a little iffy to me. So, I wouldn't, but if you feel okay about it, do as Lindbergh says. Get a lawyer and definitely a contract.

As per Doug, I know someone working with them. As I understand it, they recently received an angel investment of more than half a million USD.

I'm on the fence about the offering as I just don't know enough about it and I'm pretty jaded on anything pitch related. Matt seems like a nice guy. He's got an Asylum film under his belt.

A screenwriter would have to be completely out of their mind to pay that kind of money in hopes of selling a spec screenplay.

I'm with CJ and Dan G. - a POC isn't the way to garner interest in a spec script. You're better off, like always, to find ways to network in person, build relationships (give more than take) - then, over time, people who are invested in you will take interest in your work.

This is a people business, and developing "professional friendships" (or, better yet, true friendships) is the only way to make a career (well, that and being a great writer).

Marathon, not a sprint.

IMHO

Thanks for all your feedback friends! I’ve decided to pass on Get It Made at this time. I'm going to stay the course with my current pitch package and representation. Something is going to hit.

Thanks for this thread Bertilda Duhon Lacy I received the same email this week. I'm not sure which script I submitted (is that bad?). The people behind it seem to have legit credits etc on IMDB which is great. I do need a pitch deck or POC for one of my films with attached talent but I'm still on the fence about it. $90 per month isn't terrible, but I'm also leaning into the stay the course route as you mentioned. Good luck to you!

John Ellis tells the TRUTH - this industry thrives only on "professional friendships" - it's an eyeball to eyeball business. Email, Skype & Zoom are moving up to a degree, but it's still a personal business.

I wrote a screenplay 25+ years ago when the internet was dial-up. I used a book from the public library to learn how to format it properly. Then it sat as I didn't know what to do next. About 2 years ago, I revisited it, then took a big step to enter it into a bunch of screenwriting contests. Surprisingly I received decent reviews. Matt Boda, from Get It Made X invited me to have a free month trial. I have now been a member for a year. Everything GIMX offers was EXACTLY what I needed. They have it all, from table reads, peer support, writing rooms, educational topics, resources, experience, industry professionals, and more. I've now gained the confidence to proudly call myself a screenwriter and have 3 other screenplays on the go. Any new writers or even seasoned writers that have doubts about this program, take it from the biggest skeptic out there, this is the best group ever. I'm a lifer.

Hello, I made a similar post about a year ago. Here are my thoughts - not trying to sell anyone on it or not. I decided to join after weighing the pros and cons. So far I do not regret it. Beyond the hope to get a POC produced, there is a great community of writers and perks. We have a weekly table read of each others POC scripts and give feedback (I get on that list to read about every 2 months). We have a peer partner every month to work with and give feedback on each others projects. There are group coaching sessions where we have an industry coach go through things like Pitching, Treatments, and the POCs. Also if you are in LA, you can go on set whenever they do a POC and participate/view to learn the business. For me, even if I never get the POC Produced, its a good community.

Now for the POC, you submit every month for a score and feedback, based on these scores, GIMx selects the top POC script a few times a year to be produced. If you get picked, Bingo! free POC. Alternatively you get production credits for things, I.e. your monthly dues go into your fund, participating in Group coaching gets you production points, joining table reads etc... They all add up and eventually if you get enough points you can opt to get your POC made. Or lastly if you have the money, you can just opt to pay them to make your POC.

Once you have a POC made by them, they market it with you and if that results in a Sale, I am pretty sure , but don't know, they take a cut of that deal. If you sell your feature script outside of that POC, they have no rights to it. Hope that helps.

I agree with Rushton, Joe and Boomer whom I've gotten to know pretty well over the last year. I've been an active member of GIMX since its start nearly two years ago and was one of the first members. The concept of Get It Made might be tough to swallow because this group is the first of its kind, but I can say without a doubt that this is the real deal and involves an excellent community of writers, producers, directors and includes regular feedback, coaching, table reads, monthly and annual contests with feedback, nothing like any other group I've ever been involved with. If you take advantage of everything GIMx offers, you cannot go wrong. I'm in pre-pro and exec. producer on my proof of concept. GIMx stays attached to the feature or pilot if it gets optioned, and that's a good thing because Matt Boda's an incredible networker, partnering with other professionals, organizations, and is very hands-on as he shepherds the team through the production process.

A writer's membership dues and additional earned production points based on group participation go into a personalized fund to make your POC once enough points have been accumulated. Even the POC scripts which we focus hard on getting right are excellent standalone marketing tools. I've written 5 POCs since becoming a member and have rewritten whole scripts based on the great feedback. I can't say enough good things about GIMx and what incredible opportunities it offers. Like the title says, GIMx is all about getting it made. If you'd like to learn more, please LMK and we can talk.

Hey Doug- Yup, I am upbeat about everything! As you and CJ ('ello, mate) know I'm a little biased on this as my script development skills from GIMx led me to an actual producer's job! CJ- I was Matt's first AD on the Asylum film ( https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14604564/). ALL WRITERS out there. You should always do your due diligence on anything, but think on this: if you cannot afford film school and really don't want to chuck your money at script competitions (AFF pulled in $400,000 last year) and ask yourself- is there a film produced from these comps- oh... their grand prize is to connect you to an industry pro.. for what? to get an opinion? I've been writing for many years and was lucky in the fact I had many industry contacts before I started writing (www.onthemoveproductions.com) but as a GIMx member we get lots of connections to industry pros (spent 2 hours yesterday in script development w/ Giovanni Lampassi!!) and - more importantly- we connect to a whole worldwide writing community. CJ- Your Script Revolution is wonderful (as are many platforms out there) but NOTHING compares to GIMx! Why? Because unlike other platforms it is totally interactive...It is really like being in a virtual film school. Go check out their platform and schedule a call (https://www.getitmade.la/membership). Or reach out to me at: morenoalex007@gmail. com Again- do your own research but don't state you are skeptical without doing your research first. Happy writing!!!!

Cheers- Alex

pro.imdb.com/name/nm5563203

I've been a GIMx member for a year now, and I can only echo my fellows' comments. I'm in many other platforms because they each have their good points and none of them is free. Now, what GMIx offers me is one of a kind. With them I discovered the nuts and bolts of a POC; improved my skills; felt more confident in meetings; met talented and generous writers who genuinely offer their help. And, thanks to one of them I even landed my first paid writing assignement! So, what's the point of discussing a fee when what you get is worth so much?

What to say about GIMX if my peers have already said everything good about it! I've been a member since the beginning of the program and I've learnt so much from them, particularly being a Brazilian-Australian screenwriter trying to make my voice heard in LA. And the industry pros involved in their program (from group coaching to pitch contests), is not a joke. As Suzanne says, what they give you back is worths more than what you pay.