Hi all! I've got a big event coming up- the London Screenwriters festival at which I'll be pitching my screenplay to industry execs during the 'pitch-fest'! I'll have maybe 5-7 minutes with each before moving on- think of it like a speed dating event!
I'm working on my pitch and I'm thinking of turning it into a script- like an audition piece and adopting a character.
I'd love to hear feedback, ideas, responses on this to help me?!
Thanks all
Ron
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Hi, Ron Green. Here's a recent post with pitching advice and resources: www.stage32.com/lounge/acting/Seeking-Input-Advice-on-Pitching-and-Netwo...
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Hi Ron,
I'm envious that you're going to LSF. I went in 2018, a great experience. I did the pitch-fest, although back then I had no confidence and my project at the time wasn't great.
Picking a good group of execs that match what the type of script you're pitching helps, but even if some aren't a great match - it can be worth spending the time to just chat with them. I ended up chatting to a director, and had lunch with them (by chance I should add). It didn't lead to anything but it was great to network and connect with like-minded folk.
Format would be very similar to the format here on Stage 32, leave time for questions and conversation. Quirky presentation may work to your advantage, it all depends on what you're trying to pitch I guess
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Ron Green Hey, Ron. As a former actor with 30 years of experience, I would definitely ditch the idea of adopting a character. Even if you have the experience and mighty acting chops, you run the risk that the judges may assume that YOU, the writer, are hiding behind a character. I would think most want to know the real YOU, meaning "Do I like this person?" "Can we work together?" "Is he a team player?" Taking on a character, though bold and entertaining, answers none of these questions. Hope this helps. Best of luck on the pitch!
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Most everyone is going to be emotional about their script and hope that their passion wins them over. Be different. Be practical. Give a synopsis of your script, and then tell them why your movie will put butts in seats at the theatre. Do the research and spit numbers at them. make it a hybrid pitch deck board meeting about why your movie is the right choice. Not the best, but the right choice. I say not the best, because everyone thinks their script is the next best thing.
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Ohh, btw, congrats and good luck!
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Maurice- I'll dive into the resources you've suggested- thanks! Adam- sound advice that I've heard elsewhere so it must be good- awsome!
Bill- thank you- very honest and I'm convinced you are right- I'll stay clear of developing a character in favour of showing myself.
Joyce- Love it! The right choice, not the best choice! I do write to put bums on seats (don't we all..?) so this is always in my mind- thank you!
You're welcome, Ron Green.
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Naturalistic pitches usually work best. Try to get the pitch feeling polished in your natural voice, but be you and see what happens. Most people want to know about you and who you are, how you think, because they'll be working with you on the project for months and months and not the character
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Hi Ron Green! If you shoot me an email at success@stage32.com, I can send you some sample pitches and links that can help you with this format :)
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Hi @Ron I’m attending LSF too & so glad it’s LIVE again. I enjoyed the “speed date type slots” (as you call them) cos no chance at all for uncomfortable silences. The longer ones I’d rehearse for hours. Hope they got the “Elevator” pitches back, not seen them since Covid. I agree with comments above not to take on a fictitious persona & also think some execs would find it overkill.
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Anyone has stats of last year's LSF? How many writers walked away with $ from execs?
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Think of it like a joke. You have the key pieces of information you want to hit and play with the telling in between. It will help you to work with the tone of the room while not worrying about not delivering a piece of information you want.