The idea of a spy school for kids is so unbelievably fun. It’s an original idea that once you hear, you wonder why it doesn’t exist already. It’s easy to see how the film will make use of a lot of spy movie conventions while also turning them on their heads through the young characters. The boarding school format allows for an easy to follow structure, and allows for ample sequel potential.
I read this and was so excited.
REQUESTED MATERIALS: PASS
I read this and was gutted.
Simon
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Simon Hartwell I understand the feeling Simon. But please know that it doesn't always have something to do with the quality of your pitch. Not too long ago I submitted a pitch that got a perfect score on all fronts..originality, voice, etc. But the exec passed because of the cost of production which to be honest, I understood. There could be a myriad of reasons why they passed - perhaps it's not in their wheelhouse?
All that to say, keep writing, keep pitching. And yes, I love your idea. It does sound fun!
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I like it. Sounds cool and if I was a millionaire I'd help you make it. Sorry you got a pass. But maybe next time someone won't.
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Sorry to break it to you. But its been done. "Spy Kids" (2001) plus the 3 sequels. "Agent Cody Banks" (2003) and the sequel. "Codename: Kids Next Door" (2002 - Animated TV series) and movie based on the series. You may have some originality in your concept but you'd really have to wow a producer in the pitch. Sorry you got a PASS.
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Simon Hartwell Just one more thing to add - your idea is original because you wrote it! Regardless of whether others tell you, "it's been done", it hasn't been done by you. We all incorporate elements of things we've seen before. Don't let that discourage you. Again...keep going!
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sounds like a really great concept! I second what Leonardo said about it not always being you. There are a million reasons that they may have passed that are completely out of your control. (and Anthony, most ideas are stealing from someone else, I think if the issue is that it's 'too similar' to other projects, they would've pointed that out. If anything it's a boon because he would have successful comps).
Simon, have you done a consultation so you can dig in deeper with an executive?
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Yep, joining in with Emily and Leonardo on this one... you know you've got a great concept with feedback like that, which is incredible! There are a million and 1 reasons that could result in a pass that are entirely out of your control, and it doesn't mean that pass wouldn't change down the line. As an actress, I've had to swallow that pill many times, it doesn't feel good for sure, but you did excellent work and who knows what a connection like that could bring in the future.
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Just the highs and lows of a screenwriter trying to break into the industry all in one review.
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Feedback reads like a suit not interested in working at his job. Maybe thats the education: your pitch was excellent, on par with peers.
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A pass doesn’t always mean that they don’t like it. It sounds like they did. It could be that the companies they would want to team up with to do this may not be into it, its targeted at too young an audience for them and their clients or a whole number of other things. But this is positive feedback.
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If you paid for the feedback they might have only been interested in the money you paid them. That is one of the reasons I will never pay for feedback. Plus I don't care what some executive's opinion is unless they are paying me not the other way around.
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It was good feedback on the concept/idea and it's "out there" with another exec, even though she passed so a couple of positives to take away.
Dan Guardino - I think, one "in" that's the way to go. But on the outside looking in, Paid Pitches, reviews, first 10 pages etc are the only ways in, though it is a lottery. Connecting with the right person at the right time with the right screenplay/pitch. I came close once, The Library, got to the Finance stage but fell there. Still, proved that was another commercial screenplay in the portfolio.
Simon. I understand what you are saying but these types of services have to be considered longshot and they aren't the only way to get on the inside.
@Dan Guardino oh it's a long shot for sure. Better odds winning the lottery.
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It takes like 30 seconds for a show biz person to text/email their circle, "I read this pitch that might be a good project for you. Interested?"
But no, that is too much effort.
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Simon. You can always try to attach a few directors to your best screenplays and use their credits and connections. It is easier to sell a screenplay if a producer likes the director and knows the director might be able to help them get a bankable actor or two on board. Doing that takes a little more time and effort but it would increase your odds.
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So pitch the screenplays to Directors. I do know someone who worked with Chris Columbus. I'll give that a go. He might be willing to reach out to him for me, tho I appreciate I'm shooting for the moom here. But can't hurt to ask.
Lol. Might have over sold that a tad. I have someone in my network on here that worked with Chris Columbus twenty something years ago. Now I just have to remember who that was. Lol.
If they’ve passed on the project but want to review more material, it might mean that the project isn’t for them but they like your writing style and want to see more of it.