No - not what you'd wear in a casual ballgame: my question is about how, or indeed whether, to pitch shorts.
I've written several TV pilots and one feature. I usually research relevant production companies and people to contact and and then generally get some engagement when I want to talk about an idea. It's not super impressive but something usually happens, even if it's thanks, no thanks. (Actually, that's what normally happens - but sometimes there's a real conversation and something to learn as a result.)
But shorts...?
I wrote one because I thought this could be my calling card. But unless I make it myself (I don't have the appetite for that) there's the question about what can I do with it. Who makes shorts from someone else's screenplay? I guess I should have thought of that first...Any words of wisdom?
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My best tip is to network with indie producers, indie directors, and actors, Steve Mallinson. That's how I sold four short scripts to a producer on Stage 32. Most of the shorts I watch are made by indie filmmakers.
I suggest checking out these blogs on networking: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41
I also suggest keeping an eye on the Job Board: www.stage32.com/find-jobs
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Sometimes film school directors that don't write look for scripts to film. Also, film students that are purely on the production track that don't write anything will sometimes buy scripts. I haven't looked in awhile, but InkTip used to be a place where short scripts are bought. Short scripts that win contests tend to get requests.
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Great input - thank you!
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You're welcome, Steve Mallinson.
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Here is a great example of people coming together for shorts. An article popped on my newsfeed today for an anthology series posted on YouTube from Blackmilk Studio called "A Thousand Suns." There are 6 episodes there, short, sci-fi, very well produced.
YouTube landing page has all 6 episodes : https://www.youtube.com/@blackmilk_studio
Recording of live podcast talking to the filmmakers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=851mSkRXRis&t=212s