A few months back, I posted about winning one of the top action/martial arts film festivals in the country, who are connected to Cinemax and Warner Brothers. Consequently, I was invited to a pitching opportunity (5 to 35-million-dollar budgets) with notable industry folks reviewing winning films and screenplays. Including a well-known producer and a finance guy, there were thirty other winners at the Zoom conference, and many spoke. I chose to lay back and listen. Instead, I connected with the producer on Linkedin. My short note conveyed that I agreed with his philosophy and was already doing much of what she recommended. He sent me a positive response encouraging me to continue on the same path.
Before Christmas, I was invited to submit materials that included my writer's bio, screenplay, teleplay, pitch deck, logline, synopsis, show bible, and character descriptions. Like with most pitches I present, I move on to the next thing and am pleasantly surprised if I receive a response. In this case, I figured it might be a long shot. Nevertheless, yesterday, the Festival director sent me an email stating,
XXXX just contacted me and want to set up a meeting with you on Wed or Thursday EST. When are you available? The earlier, the better, they said. If not this week, next Monday or Tuesday. Please let me know asap.
This ain't my first day at the rodeo. I've been blessed to have had material considered by Paramount, Warner Brothers, William Morris, Shondaland, Blumehouse, and many others. However, my successes have been with indie producers and one entertainment agency. The producer involved in this upcoming meeting made what I consider one of the best films of the decade, so I’m heading into unfamiliar territory and pleased they want a meeting.
As with all opportunities in this business, I’m cautiously optimistic. Finally, like everything I’ve accomplished over the past few years, I’ve done it without an agent or manager.
Carpe diem!
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Phil, way to ROCK!
Hope that meeting turns out great...and here's wishing you more of the VERY BEST!
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Jim:.
Thanks, buddy! You know I'll keep you posted.
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Fantastic! Fingers crossed it all goes great for you!
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Nice work, Phillip! I wish you the best.
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Keeping that good karma out there for you Phil!! Go get'em!!
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Here's a hint about this unfamiliar territory: no matter whom you pitch and submit to, it's all unfamiliar territory. Now, go break a leg!! (sent you a DM)
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Congratulations to you Phil! All the best and thanks again for all of your help in the past.
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Leonardo: it was a pleasure.
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Congratulations!
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Congratulations on the big meeting, Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal"! :D I'm sure you'll do great!
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Congratulations, Phillip. Great attitude you have and will keep you sane during the ups and downs of the industry.