Hi everybody, I'm struggling with something I would like to ask your opinion. I'm beginning my career as a screenwriter and I have a lot of stories I want to tell in different formats and platforms.
How much of the project should I have done before I can pitch it? Since I quit my job, my savings are being invested in this career but it has an end. Time is against me so I feel the need to have more projects in development, rather than have one complete screenplay that may or may not be approved.
Which is better when I go pitch a movie or TV series? More projects with less development or one complete project with some other ideas? Or should I completely develop the project with a complete screenplay and all before I do it?
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Hi Matheus! First you'll want to know your audience. Define your strengths. Are you better at creating for TV or film. Also, know who you're pitching. You don't want to waste time sending a comedy to a horror producer. Do a little research to learn what they've produced and looking for. Hone your pitch. If you are pitching in person (via skype) learn how to manage your time, allowing the exec time for questions. Be sure you've almost mastered the art of writing LOGLINES and SYNPOSIS that leave them wanting more. Pitch completed projects. If asked to read your script you don't want to be scrambling to complete, leaving the exec waiting, you'll appear unprepared and could miss a great opportunity. Lastly, remember that you aren't just selling a script, you're selling "you, Matheus" as well. Personality goes a long way! I'm sure I left something out, but I hope these tips help. Good Luck!!
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Hi, Matheus. Most pitch recipients prefer the feature screenplay or pilot script be completed. Say, if someone is interested in your project after hearing or reading your pitch and requests the script, it's not wise to make them wait. Time is valuable, and interest can quickly change or dissipate. So I would suggest you consider quality over quantity and focus on executing your best ideas. Do take the time and effort to fully flesh-out and develop your ideas into professional-level, market-ready material. Hone your craft. However, that said, you will be asked, "What else you got?" So you do need to have more completed material ready to share, or more ideas in your arsenal that you are "working on" or "currently in progress and would be happy to send when completed." Of course, this all depends on context and specifics — to whom you are pitching and what you are pitching.
Dunno if it's possible, but perhaps return to that day job so you have financial support while you develop your projects. Breaking in is very difficult and may take much time to accomplish. Practically speaking, best not to add further stress or fully deplete your savings while beginning a new career path. :) Best to you, and good luck!
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Put up 3 billboards in Los Angeles with your pitch tag.
Thank you all for the help. Each answer gave something, or a lot, to think and consider. On one hand, time is against me and on the other, it is all I have so I need to use it better. Unfortunately, my day job was way too stressful and demanding. I had no energy to create after I got back home at the end of a 12/16 hour day of work. Advertising in Brazil is cruel. Maybe I can get some work as a freelance designer, which is something I'm very good at. If any of you need help to create a brand or visual style for your film or TV series, you can count on me!
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DO NOT PITCH UNLESS YOUR SCRIPT IS WRITTEN REWRITTEN, REWRITTEN, POLISHED, EVALUATED, REGISTERED, AND READY TO GO!! As a new writer, no one is buying a pitch from you.
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Hope this helps; text for the three billboards:
Pitched Until Dying
Still No Buys
How Come, Hollywood
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Yes, I would say puke out the first draft, rewrite it by giving yourself a goal of 10 pages a day (be freaking ruthless and move forward), rewrite it one last time (be relentless, ruthless) go to a story analyst (get critical notes) during that time you can make love, go to martial arts, go to a museum, work on your next script since your under the crunch of time, get the script back, read it with an open mind, do another rewrite or send it to another story analyst for further feedback (like going to a Dr. for two opinions, as opinions are like corn holes), then do another rewrite. Send it to 10 friends that you know will READ YOUR SCRIPT, Tell them "Your serious as cancer." About getting this script right. Ask the 10 questions that need to be answered in a Google Doc and have them all answer it. The friends that don't you move on to other friends, acquaintances that want to help you. Everyone else are feckless. Rewrite it again or not, objectively look at the notes. Have a "Table Read." Grab a pitch coach and get to work. If anyone is interested I'm looking to get people together for an online Table read. If your serious about the journey of "Mastery." Keep writing forward. Don't marry one script, keep writing and expanding your portfolio. I personally believe in script writing, it's quantity before quality because eventually quantity will become quality as you find your voice. Also, get an editor I know I cannot edit worth a flower.
Matheus Faustino
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I'v heard one wisdom from John Truby that you have to have script ready before pitching it.