IMDB Pro - Pitching w/o agent - what staff to choose for pitch/sell?

[GoldStarWriter]

Hey all, I have IMDB Pro and I want to try and pitch my script w/o an agent. What sort of people (staff) do I look for for in production companies?

Such as New Line Cinema, do I contact the Managers, Executives, Producers or casting for the company? When I call the company do I ask for that specific person? Who do I pitch/ sell my script to? I'm very confused, thanks!

[NYNEX]

I would try to find people whose direct contact information is listed. Some people have their direct telephone, fax, or e-mail. That's more of an indication that they want to be contacted.

That's how I get read. But then again, you never know, if you call them up and get an assistant, he or she may want to read your script (they can pass it on if you like it).

I don't think there's any right way to do it, just try it yourself and you'll find out what works for you.

[GoldStarWriter]

I found this article:
http://www.wordplayer.com/forums/scriptsarc10/index.cgi?read=151401

But thanks for your help!

[GoldStarWriter]

But wait - can I call the Ceo or Co-Principal of the company?

[Butch Jarvinen]

I always do things backwards. I would try to take the receptionist to lunch or coffee.:cool:

[LIMAMA]

And make sure they're not on the WGA strike list.

[SBScript]

But wait - can I call the Ceo or Co-Principal of the company?

You'd probably want to start with a polite email, cold calling is so pushy. Try this:

bob.shaye@newline.com

;)

[Robot17]

I usually go with producers with deals rather than straight to studios - majors or minis.

Just for drill you can find a few with credits in the genre you're writing in and call them direct, talk to an assistant and see what happens.

I don't think you need to be worried about the strike or anything - if you're not WGA they can't censure you unless you ink a deal which won't be real soon anyway.

You may want to throw your pitch up on the logline board (if you haven't already) and let people pound on it. We've got enough as&holes around here to help you make it bullet proof :)

Good luck.
Bot

[GoldStarWriter]

I usually go with producers with deals rather than straight to studios - majors or minis.

Just for drill you can find a few with credits in the genre you're writing in and call them direct, talk to an assistant and see what happens.

I don't think you need to be worried about the strike or anything - if you're not WGA they can't censure you unless you ink a deal which won't be real soon anyway.

You may want to throw your pitch up on the logline board (if you haven't already) and let people pound on it. We've got enough as&holes around here to help you make it bullet proof :)

Good luck.
Bot

Thanks all for your feedback!!

My logline is: What happens when a pig becomes the first state champion for the derby race but finds out that he is genetically cloned from a human being. Now he must find his human form! :rolling:

[CottonFitzsimmons]

Sounds like a winner!

[GoldStarWriter]

Sounds like a winner!

lol,thanks!

[yeehi]

I love the human pig concept! That sounds like a great start to me.

Have you considered making your first real pitch to your 4th choice people? You will surely learn and get better at it the more you try. By the time you get to your first choice people, you will have a refined presentation.

[Butch Jarvinen]

I wrote the summaries for two of my script ideas last night, and when I read them, Matthew Perry sprang out as the star that could do the lead male in both. Both are heroine wins in the end. Matt makes out really neat.

I looked up his bio and see that he gets $5mil per film.

Even with an expensive Female star, both films could be shot in the low budget category.

Let's see how he makes out at Sundance:)

[GoldStarWriter]

I wrote the summaries for two of my script ideas last night, and when I read them, Matthew Perry sprang out as the star that could do the lead male in both. Both are heroine wins in the end. Matt makes out really neat.

I looked up his bio and see that he gets $5mil per film.

Even with an expensive Female star, both films could be shot in the low budget category.

Let's see how he makes out at Sundance:)

I think a woman lead would be terrific. My main character (human form of pig) is a female. I'm thinking Kerry Washington as the lead. THis movie is racking in a budget of at least $75 million - I can assure that, I feel so confident!! :D

[Plot Point One]

You'd probably want to start with a polite email, cold calling is so pushy. Try this:

bob.shaye@newline.com


Is this their email format? I would like to send an email to their creative exec but his name seems pretty long for an email address.

[SBScript]

Is this their email format? I would like to send an email to their creative exec but his name seems pretty long for an email address.

Yes, that's it, at least it's what my contacts there use, so I assume it's companywide.

[Robot17]

Sorry I'm just getting back.

This needs work. I'm not sure the genre' and exactly what's up here.
Suggest you post the logline and let some people have at it.

Bot