A writer, who is trying to sell a script, or a movie director, or even a producer have to learn to pitch their projects.
Most studios require an agent in order to read a screenplay. That’s their way to protect themselves. They have libraries of unread scripts, so they don’t want to waste their time on new ones. Unless there’s a name attached.
It’s almost impossible to find an agent, if nothing you have written has been produced or published yet. Publishing is another way to get through. A bestseller novel has more chanced to be sold for movie adaptation.
To break into the film industry, you need to know those important, decision-making studio executives IN PERSON. How can you meet them? Let’s imagine you know somebody, who knows somebody, who works at studios. An assistant, a receptionist… doesn’t matter. Important thing is that he/she knows the person you need to talk to, and he/she is passionate about your project, and going to help you to arrange a meeting.
The opportunity to talk to a decision-maker will be given to you only ONCE. So you have to be prepared and pitch your project right. Here are some DO’s and DON’Ts for pitching.
• DON’T trap the audience by non-stop talking. You will be given half an hour maximum. That doesn’t mean you have to talk for 30 minutes! Tell the story in 10 min and leave some time for questions. Make them ask the questions. Create a dialogue.
• DO use a Three-act structure. By the way you tell the story, the audience will judge about your writing abilities.
• DO give a sense that the project is real and going forward. Be enthusiastic about your project. Think about the aspects like production and distribution.
• DON’T read.
• DON’T say your script is “very original” or even “the best”. Let the audience formulate their own opinion.
• DON’T be aggressive or angry.
• DO sell yourself as a writer. Studios are looking not only for projects, but also for talented writers. They have their own scripts to develop. Maybe YOU are the right person?
• DO leave your business card and ask for their business cards.
• DO follow up. Those people are reading many scripts. Give them some time, maybe a couple weeks, and then follow up by email or phone.
• DO send a Thank you note regardless of their decision.
Русский
English
You say it’s almost
You say it’s almost impossible to find an agent if nothing you have written has been produced or published. And you say publishing is another way to get through.
If it’s almost impossible to find an agent if nothing you have written published, can you elaborate on how publishing is another way to get through? Is it easier to get published than it is to sell a script?
A very sharp question!
I don't think it's easier to get published than to sell a script. The studios prefer pre-branded material. Once your work got published and IF it's successful, it's easier to make a movie out of it. Vicious circle.
In this article, I make a point that you have more chances to find a producer who can be interested in your script, or somebody who knows that producer, than to find an agent.
Make a research: Who already produced movies like yours? What's the budget of your film? Because low-budget producers are easier to get in touch with. They ARE looking for new scripts and new talents.