Good evening Stage 32 community,
I'm looking into pitching a few ideas in a pitch session through Stage 32, as a written pitch, and I was curious if I can do a pitch session with a children's book or do I need a written screenplay for each pitch? I'd really like to get a few books in front of the right people to consider a feature, TV show, or movie with my books and I'm all set to write up the pitches, but I don't want to do that if I need a screenplay for each one. Can I get some help on this?
If I do need a screenplay, do I hire someone for each one needed, or is that something where I can team up with a screenwriter and we introduce the idea together in a Pitch Session?
Would love any info to teach me the steps and things I need to know for navigating this area. Thank you!
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If you don't have an agent to sell the rights to your IP, then you're probably going to need to adapt your stories to a screenplay format if you hope to get anyone interested.
Thank you!
Geno Scala, sadly, it goes the other way around, too. I'm a novelist, and last week I was approached by someone with a screenplay that has won a few awards here and there and was "looked at by Liam Neeson," who wanted me to adapt his screenplay into a novel for which we'd share future profits 50/50. I'm a professional, so I tried to explain why I was turning him down. Spend the time and energy to write an entire novel, based on an IP that I don't own, which doesn't have a publishing deal lined up and may never get one? No thanks.
Geno Scala, I take exception to your premise. I scripted one of Curtis' books today (Sunday) and had a blast doing it - free of charge. We'll let Curtis decide if it's worth salt.
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His books are for pre-schoolers. A whopping 24 page book that tells a story in rhymes.
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This is a really good question! Thanks so much Curt Fulster for asking.
I'm a story writer and have so far written 65 works and have copyright for each of my works. I'm looking for a screenwriter that will work in partnership with me to turn my ideas into movie scripts. If you find this interested and ready to let's work in partnership, please do not hesitate to contact me here or via mail at: micheal.segun.smith@tvstar.com Thanks
I have all of my work copyrighted. I was wondering if an agent would be the next step. Thank you Jeff!
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Hi! To give you some more info: Execs want pitches that are fully rounded and thought out, so saying "I have a book and I think it would be a great script" unfortunately isn't enough. You don't need a written script, what would be more beneficial for a children's project is what format you envision this being, why/how your main character can provide content for several episodes of an animated show or a for a full-length family movie and then sharing how many books you have attached to the IP to draw from. You do not need an agent (an agent won't help you develop this concept, they are focused on selling and this sounds like it needs more development) what you need is to fully develop the idea and then present it. Look into creating a treatment or a pitch deck so if execs are interested in your pitch you have something to send them. Best of luck!
Thank you Tessa. I don't plan on saying "I have a book to turn into a movie." I've actually been working with screenwriters, brainstorming and prepping pitches for the last couple of weeks. I do appreciate the insight of specific points to hit and I've been focusing on those points as well.
I'm looking to pitch a series, a feature, and a full-length film. We'll see what happens.
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Kapow! Tessa = truth
3 of my books I gave my rights to the charity they benefit, but I have close relationships with the charities and their consent to use the books (I can prove it if needed). I'm not sure why my name isn't showing copyrights, but I'll look into that and message you. I have the hardcopy copyright registration, so I'll see what the issue is.
Ahh I believe so.