Screenwriting : "Written Pitch" advice by Mike Meyerson

Mike Meyerson

"Written Pitch" advice

Hi all, I'm going to be submitting my 1st written pitch here soon. Is it worth mentioning accolades that my script has received? No awards won, but it's been a finalist in Screencraft Horror and Filmmatic Horror competitions, and a semi-finalist in Screencraft's  screenwriting fellowship and Emerging Screenwriters Genre competition. Are any of those worth mentioning in my pitch, maybe at the end? If not, how do you typically wrap up the pitch? Just a simple thank you? THANKS!

Christopher Phillips

Yes. Mention major wins upfront like “places top ten in Nicoll...or Austin.” Don’t list everything. Just the important or most recent items.

Chaun Lee

Definitely mention them! Congratulations on taking the next step to seeing your idea become a reality!

Mike Meyerson

Thanks for the input!

Ewan Dunbar

If you've got accolades its good to mention them at the start as a way of demonstrating that others have seen it and liked it. My main note here is to keep it a brief summary of your most impressive accolades (e.g. "Finalist in 10 screenwriting awards including x, y, z)". Once you have told the reader that others think its good, use this as a springboard to get into the rest of your pitch so the reader can see what makes the project appealing for themselves. If you want to and have room for a more detailed list, you can include this at the end. The written pitches are short, so its good to keep the pace of the pitch going.

Monica Mansy

Hi, Mike Meyerson! Congrats on your upcoming pitch! I would most certainly email Jason Mirch (j.mirch@stage32.com), the Director of Script Services here at Stage 32. Jason is super helpful and knowledgeable!

John Ellis

Sorry, but don't do it. It's unprofessional. If you go to the pitch page, download the Stage32 guideline PDF. Follow it. It's the format that those you pitch to are expecting to see.

Mike Meyerson

John...the guideline pdf I read says not to mention them unless they are "major" competitions, and if you do mention them, don't spend a lot of time on them. How would a quick mention of them be unprofessional?

John Ellis

The "majors" are generally considered (by the industry) to be: Nicholl, Austin and Screencraft. None of the others really matter to pros (although Page and Big Break have gained recognition).

Only wins count, although that is mitigated by the pro you're pitching to. Some think a "finalist" is worthy of a mention--but most don't really care, because they are evaluating what's in front of them.

And remember, as Jason Mirch is always saying, pitching on S32 is about learning how to pitch and network. DO NOT go into it expecting a sale, or even gaining representation.

This is my educated opinion. :)

Nkosi Roma

I would also add, from my personal experience with written pitches, the Stage 32 guidelines are simply that— guidelines. In general they are great starting points, but you will find areas of your pitch to adapt as you receive feedback from executives. It also depends on the reader! Some might want/value more information than others! I’m not a professional, but if you have your pitch done and want another set of eyes on it, I’ll definitely take a look and give my opinion.

CJ Walley

Based on what I've garnered talking to industry members, Academy Nicholl is like the Oscars (for obvious reasons), Austin FF like the Emmys and everything else may as well be the Bumfuck Country Kentucky Little Miss Tumbleweed Teen Pageant Awards.

Mention Screencraft, Bluecat, Page, or even Stage 32 to most producers and they're going to stare back like a dog watching a card trick. Just the same as most screenwriters don't know about MIPCOM, EFF, or Berlinale.

Top 15% in Nicholl or Semi Finalist in Austin should get traction with smaller fish.

John Ellis

What CJ Walley said. Plus, a thread from John Zaozirny which categorically states that execs and prodcos DO NOT CARE ABOUT CONTESTS.

https://twitter.com/johnzaozirny/status/1286035151860899840?s=20

Jason Mirch

Great advice from Ewan Dunbar! And Ewan should know - he is one of our Script Services and Education executives who runs the Development, Sales, and Acquisitions for Disrupting Influence. Really smart guy! Hey Mike Meyerson it sounds like you're getting some good tips. You are also welcome to reach out to my friends and colleagues Nick and Angela at writerhelp@stage32.com - they have a written pitch template that can be helpful to you. And of course, you're always welcome to reach out to me directly at j.mirch@stage32.com

Angela Cristantello

Hey! That's me! Jason's talking about me! Hi, Mike :)

I'm Jason's right hang gal around here, and you can absolutely feel free to shoot me an email at angela@stage32.com and I'll send you that sample straight away &, certainly, answer any other questions that you might have.

(Also: thanks for those wise words, Ewan!)

Mike Meyerson

Thanks all! My 1st pitch is today, so I'll letcha know how it goes.

Mike Meyerson

ok, so an update...got my feedback. He liked the pitch, didn't say anything about the accolades specifically. Passed on requesting the script because he has something sort of similar in development. Next time he comes around, I'll send him one of my other pitches. Oh well...on to the next one.

Other topics in Screenwriting:

register for stage 32 Register / Log In