Pitching

[JammyDodgers]

I am attending a pitchfest in LA in mid November and even though there are some seminars and talks on 'how to pitch' before the event, I wondered if anyone would pass on some advice or tricks. If you would, please do...
Thanks

Chris

[filmcarver]

Go to www.twoadverbs.com and register.

Read "The Art of Pitching" by Christopher Lockhart.

At a five-minute pitchfest, you don't have time for big stories, only high concept, generate excitement, and one or two quick questions. It goes by like three seconds, so don't waste time.

Your goal is to get the request for the script, not tell the whole story, so stick to what makes it stand out as unique to other treatments of that particular genre/story concept.

Second, research who you are pitching to and make sure they are in the market for what you have to show. That way you don't waste anyone's time and your money. Even if you are not really talking with a true exec (assistants attend these) they usually have specific instructions as for what to listen for and request for that production company. Pitch to as many management and bonafide agencies as possible, since this is what you really need; representation.

There are people who will talk about what a ripoff and useless pitchfests are, well, I could agree or disagree on different points. Learning to pitch is very important, and it is a great way to get into doing it "for real". Second, there are people who arrive with bonafide work, pitch well, and now have representation and building careers as a direct result.

Be Bold, not Cold.

Good Luck!

[BeefMissile]

Get the new issue of Writers Digest/screenwriting. It's very useful.

:hat

[phoenixwriting]

in addition to what filmcarver said :

ce summarizes his article here (http://pub130.ezboard.com/fdonedealcontests.showMessage?topicID=825.topic).. . about 8 posts down.