Screenwriting : Should I Approach An Actor At a Comic Book Convention? by Kevin Dombrowski

Can they open a movie? Can their name insure the sale of tickets? If not, attaching them to your script is a mistake.

Do it. You're not guaranteed a reply, but if you don't do it, then you're definitely not getting a reply.

I say, go for it. So long as you're showing the respect you use in your post and you're quick, what harm is there and it's probably the best opportunity you may have. There may be people who will disagree but I think it's worth a try.

I think it's uncool. I'd never do that. And I don't think any actor would take you seriously by being ambushed.

Two votes for no, two for yes. Interesting. I say, "yes", just because I want to hear how it goes. :) I'd never do it, but I envy a man with the cojones.

I would pitch them the script or ONE character. If you say they are perfect for "either" it will come across as two characters that are not unique enough to pitch to different actors. Or just pitch the script, don't mention the role and let them choose without knowing they are choosing. That being said....don't attack or ask desperate, lead with your thorough knowledge of their work and the themes they are interested in (so they know you are not just another A**hole) and that's why you think they are the perfect person for this script, give a one line pitch and if they bite great if not, do not pitch anymore, you will become a telemarketer. Don't do this in line to get an autograph, that will never work. You have to find a moment that is respectful and doesn't automatically place you in a lower status/ lumped in with a bunch of fanboys.

Good advice Jess, just not sure how I'll be able to get them alone for a few moments. I suppose I could stalk the line for a lull and pounce. Hard to say. There's ideal and then there's what you have to actually work with.

And this is why actors have body guards.

Chances are if they are charging for autographs at a convention, they aren't big enough or contemporary enough to sell a movie. That being said, while I would never do it, I've seen crazier things work. But man you better have your 15 second pitch on the concept and character DOWN. And you should approach it professionally and not as a FAN! Tell him you know its unorthodox but think he's perfect for the role and make it sound as legit a project as you can.

I wouldn't pitch it. I'd use the opportunity to ask them if and how I could pitch something. I'd use the rest of the time to show my passion for writing and my awareness of their work.

CJ, that's actually a really good idea! See, that's why I posted the question. I did try the traditional approach but their manager told me they're not looking at unsolicited material. Which, well, it's his job to swat nobodies like me down, so I wasn't surprised.

I gotta disagree with CJ on this one. If you ask them how you should pitch then they'll just forget about you. But if you go bold with it, there's a chance they could respond positively. First off is this actor a male or female? If it's a female I would say forget it. But if it's a guy, go for it but yeah definitely pick the role that is more complex and say they'd be perfect for that one (not both). Tell them it's a multi-faceted character. Look up their manager on IMDB Pro before you go and if they like the idea, ask if it's okay if you send a link to the script to [e.g. Paula at Untitled?]. That way you're not asking for THEIR info, you've already gotten their manager's info which is public info if it's on IMDB and it's one step away from them so there is much less risk. You could come off self-effacing with a "hey, just trying to break into the industry, man" if they act a little taken aback.

Trust me on this - there is nothing an actor wants more than to say "I took a chance on this kid from Kansas and agreed to do his little movie" - it's an ego boost to help out an unknown

so who is the actor?

Just pitch it. Luck has it's place.

@Halli: Jewel Staite. So that sinks Dave's approval. Though I'm curious why. Is an actress more likely to turn it down?

I would say to be extremely prepared (meaning practice your 30sec pitch with others to see if it works well), keep it very professional, and do it. If you don't you'll regret not trying and the worst that can happen is you get a no thank you (which is where you were to begin with). If it doesn't work out then there are other actors to move your project along and the biggest part of movie making is problem solving. Good luck and stay positive even if it falls through.

Two schools of thought here - 1. If you were a professional, you'd approach through proper channels. 2. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. While everyone has an opinion (and with 21 years in the business and the last 8 as a producer, I'd vote for number 1), I'm also a guy who's in the business because I broke the rules and snuck onto a studio lot in the first place! So. I'd say go with your gut. BUT, like others have suggested: If you're gonna do it, be prepared. Put the script in an envelope with a (brief!) cover letter explaining how you wrote the part with him/her in mind and that you'd appreciate it if he/she would give it a read. Include your business card and, in case the actor loses it, make sure the contact info on your title page is current. Keep it short and sweet. Finally, just for my own info, is it something you intend to direct or produce? If not, you're making a director's choice for him/her and removing a great Casting Dir. from the equation by attempting to get an attachment. Keep that in mind.

@Shaun - I cannot direct or produce it. I'd hope that if she were interested it would help move development along. Right now, given I'm based out of Kansas, my options to drum up interest in the script is limited. Joe Blow no one has heard of is easy to ignore. Joe Blow with someone attached seems to be a better situation. But that could be my complete inexperience talking.

"I cannot direct or produce it" looks to me like you're already producing it!

i think female actors would have more resistance, a guy is not going to ask questions like 'what if this guy is obsessed with me and will stalk me' so i would make sure she knows that while you admire her work, don't gush over her. but you should still go for it i think

also bear in mind that while Shaun says as a producer he'd vote for using proper channels, actors are usually very different personality types from producers. more likely to give a homeless person money in general, so more likely to feel an obligation to at least read your stuff just to be nice

So I'd still say go for it, but I think you should give her a 1-page treatment with your contact info on the same page, with a dropbox link to read the script online. A script is pretty bulky but a single page - she ain't throwing that out.

I think the treatment with a link is an excellent suggestion and second the advice to tread carefully with admiration. You need to demonstrate your respect for her as an artist, show that you know what other work she's been doing, reference what she's been saying in interviews, ask her where she's aiming to be. If Dave says pitch it, pitch it. He's a working actor. I'm not.

Great advice CJ. Due some research find out what she likes. Go on line and dig. Then you'll have a topic when you meet her. AM I CRAZY? No. William Shatner, yes (Captain Kirk) came to Kansas City for a convention. I knew he loves horses so when I got a chance to get close I asked him about his choice of saddles and which he rode. He stopped dead in his tracks and we talked for about ten minutes. I did not pitch him a story because at the time I didn't have one that would fit his character. My point is don't go with a set agenda to talk about your story, work into it.

Tread carefully though. Don't turn up with some of the shredded mail she threw out in the trash last week, just keep that hung up in your basement shrine where it belongs.

Wait. You know about the shrine?

lol CJ! Kevin, do you act as well or have any interest? Because your photo would make an awesome headshot. Very castable, you would get called in a lot for certain roles.

I did a little acting. But it's not my thing really. It's my wife's passion, but I'm not keen on it. Unless there's money coming. Then I'll be keen on anything. Anything.

Does your wife know about the shrine??

I'd say make a move. You have to get used to making lots of moves, and getting shot down most of the time. Make this move and 100 other ones. Keep it up. Keep it up. Keep it up. Don't let them stop you no matter what. Find a way. Try this one. Try that one. Each step is an occasion to polish your approach and get some experience. That's going to add up.

@Dave - My wife IS the shrine. Dun-dun-DUUUUUN!!!

Late to the conversation. But I met Tony Todd at a comic book convention. I didn't get his autograph. But we did talk about sports for like 15 minutes. He was very down to Earth and approachable. I've also met multiple professional sports celebrities throughout the years. Basically it's not an inconvenience to them. You're meeting them in public specifically for the purpose of introducing yourself. Just be natural.

Don't be ashamed. But if you're going to do this, I suggest you have your mini-pitch mastered and ready to go. Be confident, know what you want to say, and say it without mistakes. People hate standing in line; even moreso when it's behind someone who's chewing away time stumbling over a bad pitch. Be prepared to get the brush-off if it comes but remain confident and be grateful. Hope that helps. Good luck.