Hello...
So, I've been getting emails about pitch sessions being hosted by producers, directors, talent agencies, etc... and I was wondering if I need to have a completed screenplay in order to pitch to them. Most of the ideas I have comprise of loglines with summaries that are between 1 - 10 pages.
Has anyone here ever pitched an idea/logline without having the screenplay completed (or at least, not completed yet)?
Laura Scheiner I echo what Laura said. Spec ideas only get pitched/sold NORMALLY by screenwriters already working in Hollywood who have a track record. Even then most screenwriters will develop the idea into a spec or pitch doc, treatment or something. In essence, having completed screenplays that have been optioned, sold or produced indicates to the person you want to work with that your idea is MORE than an idea. That you actually have the skills to pull it off.
Looking at it from the other side, if someone came to me and pitched an idea wanting me to option or buy their idea and fund them in writing it with nothing to show they are capable to actually pull it off, I wouldn't spend the money. Ideas are a dime a dozen. Good ideas tied to well executed screenplays have value that can be invested in.
Otherwise it's sounds like this "I have this great idea for a film/tv show. Here's the idea. Now please give me some money to either go and write that idea or pay me for my idea and then go spend money paying someone else to write my idea."
Spec ideas from unproduced screenwriters is akin to asking someone to pay for a painted portrait without having any proof the person can actually paint.
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Definitely wait until you have the entire screenplay written and polished. Even having a completed 1st or 2nd draft is too soon to pitch.
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You need a ready to go script and having a backup script wouldn't hurt. If you ain't ready to run the bases, why bother with a pitch?
Anyone ever received a "Scorecards;Within 3-4 weeks of your pitch session, you will receive a Pitch Scorecard?"
Or did I misunderstand the info?
Depends on how into martyrdom you are. You might try just pitching your brand, meme, agenda , or high concept without the story part if you have other things going on in your life besides typing dialogue that most likely will never be read.
If you were pitching a screenplay set in Singapore about a woman meeting her fiance's wealthy family for the first time would you really need more than two sentences to cover the plot and maybe a few notes like "lots of food close-ups".
Peter Roach Yes, you receive a Scorecard breaking down your pitch onto several columns and grading them 1-5. Pitch Clarity, World Establishing, etc. There is also a paragraph or so written by the reviewer about what they liked or didn't like. Then they will either Accept or Pass on your offer.