Steven Gibson's Lounge Discussions

Steven Gibson
Script for contest

Hey there everyone. So I am entering into a kids' TV contest for Roadmap Writers and my scripts are all animated. SO I was wondering it leaving the parts of what the characters' personalities are like in the script or also add in what the animated characters look like?

Maurice Vaughan

Hey, Steven Gibson. I think you should mention a character's personality when they first introduce in your script. Mentioning a character's personality will help the reader understand who the characte...

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Michael Dzurak

For highly visual characters, such as animated one, I would mentioned at least one key visual detail. For example, I wrote a sci-fi actioner with factions fighting, so I gave each faction a logo and u...

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Pat Alexander

Keep an eye out, Stage 32's 3rd Annual "Family Friendly" screenwriting contest launches next Monday. Could be a good one to enter for your project!

Göran Johansson

Producers and directors like to create. The more you leave to them, the more they will like you. So leave the details to them And the personalities are shown by what the characters do.

Jason Mirch

Steven Gibson - make sure you are also entering the Stage 32 Animation Contest when it opens up! We have fantastic judges and mentors who work one-on-one with the winner.

In the meantime, you might al...

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Steven Gibson
Pilot Script lenth

So here is something that's on my mind. So I'm in this online course for screenwriting for the Toronto Film School and I ask my instructor this question, are pilot scripts for pilots 30 pages long and for hour long pilots 60 minutes long or they are just for network TV 22 to 44 pages long. Because I...

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Craig D Griffiths

A producer I am working with at the BBC has asked for 48 pages per episode. Is that standard, might be for the BBC. That is the only TV experience I have.

Martin Reese

Usually 60 pages. I use Act breaks.

Doug Nelson

You're writing for tv - leave room for the commercials. I've no idea what the BBC wants.

Danny Manus

For childrens animation, i wouldnt go longer than 25pgs.

Vikki Harris

If your intentions are to sell to a streaming service, then the number of pages aren't so anal.

Steven Gibson
Posting a video message on YouTube

Hey there everybody so I got an idea of posting a video message on YouTube trying to get peoples' attention to me on promoting my scripts to the community. So Iwas wondering if that would work?

Nick Waters

Hey Steven Gibson, I would recommend networking with people here on Stage 32!

Bill Albert

If you do it you might want to do it on Vimeo. The quality is a lot better and there are no adverts.

Kiril Maksimoski

Dan's right... I even got hired via X.

Screenpit seems good notice prompt...maybe will be using it on the next turnaround with my spec I'm polishing atm...

Frank M Victoria

Didn't do much for me. And I got 50,000 views.

Jason Mirch

Hey Steven Gibson - I agree with Nick Waters - best way to get traction is to network more directly through Stage 32. You can be very focused and connect with people who you know will help move your p...

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Steven Gibson
Teaser in Powerpoint TV Pitch Bible

I am watching "How to Write Your TV Pitch Bible to Sell your Show" hosted by Anna Henry, and so should me about a Teaser, but how do you put a teaser in a TV pitch Bible?

Amazing Kacee

Can you rewrite the question as what you wrote makes no sense? It may be important to note a Pitch Deck and a Bible are totally two different things.

Steven Gibson
How to Write a Pitch Deck

So I am watching this webinar about to write a TV pitch Bible and in the webinar they say something about a Pitch deck, and I was wondering how do I write a pitch deck, do you need Microsoft word to make it or is it the same as using Powerpoint to make a Pitch Bible?

Stephen Folker

Timothy Liebe I'd agree with you. But if you have a track record and / or know the people you are pitching your project too, it really doesn't matter how you present it. They are investing in you. Too...

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Jessica Rose

You have received tons of answers and probably have what you need, but I just searched this last night and funny I should read this today! This guy along with others are now combining the Bible and th...

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Jessica Rose

I have not decided which software I will be using, so these answers to your question about which software to use, helps. Thanks!

Shari Berman

PPT seems to be the go to software but use what you have and what works for you.

E Langley

Photoshop or similar is essential. An AI image generator like Midjourney as well.

Steven Gibson
Using Microsoft word of Powerpoint for making a Pitch Bible

So I am watching this webinar about wrting a Pitch Bible and I was wondering if I use Microsoft word or Powerpoint to make it

Maurice Vaughan

ShotDeck is great, Louis Macovsky.

Ewan Dunbar

PowerPoint give you a lot more creative options when putting your final deck together. Pitch bibles tend to be more text based.

Steven Gibson

Thank you for your suggestions, so I am going to use Powerpoint

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Steven Gibson.

Suzanne Paschall

PP is my go-to, Steven Gibson ...and yes, ShotDeck is a must!!!

Steven Gibson
Places to post screenplays

Do you guys know where the best sites are to post scripts and screenplays to executives?

Dan MaxXx

0

Legit corporate executives dont risk lawsuits reading unsolicited material.

Maybe managers since they're all basically freelancers.

Richard "RB" Botto

Shoot success@stage32.com an email and let them guide you, Steven Gibson

Steven Gibson
Are pitch decks and pitch bibles the same

So I am asking this question, are pitch decks and pitch bibles the same, because I want to know, because I signed up for writing gigs on International Screenwriters Association

Marcel Nault Jr.

I think everyone covered it, but if it helps you in any way, your bible is essentially your "blueprint" for your movie or TV series or any type of visual storytelling you are willing to put forth for...

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Dan MaxXx

Dont wanna take money out of ppl's pockets who sell pitch decks & bibles to writers but it's pathetic to ask writers for pitchdecks, bibles, attachments, budgets. What the hell- are development execs,...

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Ray Ghasemi

That was great Emily....

Maurice Vaughan

It would be great to get a script picked up just because of the script, Dan MaxXx, but a lot of times, writers need the extra stuff. I don't see it as all negative though. I also see it as the writers with the extra stuff have an advantage.

Richard "RB" Botto

Asking for a pitch deck for a feature? Rare. For a pilot/series? All day, every day.

Steven Gibson
What do you guys think about my query email

What do you guys think about my query email

Dear Mr. Fred Seibert

I admired your work on helping Nickelodeon during their early years, helping it to become the kids’ TV network we know today, and along with your work with the network and your shows like Oh Yeah! Cartoons, the Fairly Odd Parents, Cha...

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Steven Gibson

Yeah I can do that, the koalas struggle to find out where they came from in the Universe, while they fight crime and develop their powers over time, but that won't happen yet, because the series needs...

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Bill Brock

Is this an initial query or a follow-up email? If it is initial, it is WAAAAAAAY BEYOND what is required and/or expected. No producer is going to have the time or interest to read what appears to be m...

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Steven Gibson

But what I learned from Steve Longi's webinar the synopsis is a page and a half long, here clink on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDZvY_bSbKk&t=598s...

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Steven Gibson

Thank you for all of your comments and help, I think I am good with your suggestions and what to do about my query letter.

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Steven Gibson.

Steven Gibson
What do you think about my query email?

What do you guys think about my query email?

Dear Mr. Fred Seibert

I admired your work on helping Nickelodeon during their early years, helping it to become the kids’ TV network we know today, and along with your work with the network and your shows like Oh Yeah! Cartoons, the Fairly Odd Parents, Ch...

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Christiane Lange

Nice, but wayyyy too long. Cut the intro to mentioning one show, then add "and so many others."

Logline: Five Koala Bear siblings, raised by a human mother, use their martial arts skills to fight crime...

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Steven Gibson
New at this promotion lounge

Hello everyone.

A Stage32 memeber suggested to me to get my query letter reviewed by someone in this lounge, but I'm afraid that if I post it someone will steal my query letter

Steven Gibson
Someone reviewing my query letter before submitting it and stuff for query letters

So I re-watched Steve Longi's webinar, and he saids that there would not be a synopsis, but in the webinar there are 3 things to market a script, the query letter, the logline and the synopsis. So I am confused here do I need a synopsis in the letter or not or a summary? And also is it ok to put dow...

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Steven Gibson

Yeah, that's the problem if I post my query letter to the promotion section of the lounge, it might get stolen by someone else.

Maurice Vaughan

You could post an ad in the Job Section for someone to review your query letter, Steven Gibson.

Steven Gibson

Here is where I learn how to market my script https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDZvY_bSbKk&t=598s

Bill Brock

No need to write the "Great American Novel" in your query letter. If you want your email to be read, keep it short and sweet. Producers are BUSY!!

Attached is a very simple model that producers may actually read.

John Fernando

If you're sending a query 'letter' for an unsolicited script to a production company - I believe the etiquette is to follow their instructions if they have any, on their website. If they don't have an...

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Steven Gibson
Pitch pratice sessions

Is there a pitch pratic session section on the script services?

Emily J

There is as part of the Writers' Room! Every Thursday night, it's great! https://www.stage32.com/writers-room?affid=ejlounge

Steven Gibson
Sending a script seprate after a responce from the sent query letter to the producer

I have a question. Could it be possible if I can send the script after a responce from a producer, because I am afriad that he or she might steal my work, if I attach my script to the query letter

Dustin Richardson

Yes, don't send the script unless it's requested. You should receive a non disclosure agreement to sign before sending it over. And always make sure the work you're sending out is registered somewhere for your extra protection like the WGA or Library of Congress.

E Langley

Only send it if a producer asks for it you should not send before it's requested.

Leonardo Ramirez

I received a notification of a comment that per Stage 32 policy, violated community guidelines and as a result was deleted, despite being edited. Once notification has gone out, the person to whom the...

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Kiril Maksimoski

Only send scripts if you've been asked to, otherwise you wont be taken as a serious writer...

Craig D Griffiths

Just another version of the same response. Think of it as pizza. Someone puts a menu in your letterbox (query letter). You are interested you order a pizza.

Imagine if someone just turned up with a piz...

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Steven Gibson
Literary Agents

Do you know anyone who is a literary agent?

OB Nwani

Hello Steven I am also looking for one as well for my animated project

Regina Wills

same here

Steven Gibson

I am looking for a literary mananger and or agent who specializes in animation TV and movies and live action movies

Molly Peck

Hi Steven, we can help you if you email success@stage32.com with some more details about your projects. Regina and OB, success@stage32.com is a great resource if you need recommendations on who to tal...

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OB Nwani

Thank you! Molly Peck

Steven Gibson
Introduce myself

Hello everyone. My name is Steven GIbson I am 28 years old and I am aspiring to become a screenwriter.

When I was a young boy I was diagnosed with Autism, which makes things hard for me socially and I struggled with sensory issues a lot too when I was younger. Having Autism meant I was usually very...

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Niki H

Hi Steven, Nice to meet you! Thank you for sharing your story and passion. Be sure to engage with your fellow writers in the Scriptwriting Lounge. https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting

If you'd...

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Maurice Vaughan

Nickelodeon was my favorite cartoon channel growing up, Steven Gibson. :) Some of my favorite Nickelodeon shows were "Rugrats," "CatDog," and "Angry Beavers."

That's great that you never let Autism g...

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Steven Gibson
What is TV Landscape and what is an episode springboard

Hey everyone I am posting this message to ask you guys a question. What is TV Landscape and what is a episode springboard. It's for a contest that I am entering in and I want to know what they are? If you get this please comment on it and please answer my question

Kevin Jackson

I am not sure what a TV Landscape is, but a springboard is a summary of an episode. About a paragraph or two on what that episode is about. Usually in Animation Pitch Bibles you give 3. It is so who e...

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Steven Gibson

So basically an episode springboard is like a TV storyboard?

Kevin Jackson

Not a storyboard. A storyboard usually has images like a comic. I can send you samples if you would like.

Kevin Jackson

You don't have to take my word for it. Look at what AWN has to say about Story Spring Boards. https://www.awn.com/animationworld/pitch-bible-just-essentials...

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Steven Gibson
What is TV Landscape and what is an episode springboard

Hey everyone I am posting this message to ask you guys a question. What is TV Landscape and what is a episode springboard. It's for a contest that I am entering in and I want to know what they are

Steven Gibson
Help with contest

Hey there SO I am asking you guys for some help. I am entering the Nickelodeon Content Accelorator contest, and I'm making a powerpoint for the contest, and there is 1 of the sections, and it's "What are the rules that make up this world?" So what does that mean, could someone give me an example about that, it will be very helpful.

Maurice Vaughan

Steven Gibson, Key Locations are the most important locations in a series.

Roberta M Roy

It seems the reference to 'this world' apparently means 'not this (the real) world' . Or perhaps it could?

Steven Gibson

What does Include 3-5 episode springboards. These are brief sample

stories that can be anywhere from 2 sentences each to a

paragraph each (but no longer!) mean? And please give me an example

Michael David

Springboards sounds like they are asking for more story pitches if a few sentences each. This is standard for a series bible.

Geoff Hall

Michael David yes, they want to see that the initial concept has legs and that the spec script isn’t all you have.

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