Hey all!
I'm a screenwriter based in Chennai, and have written a logline and an original pilot script. I want to write a pitch. I know it is an art in itself, so I was hoping for A. Advice B. industry standards and rules for pitching (like, for instance I know you can't mention the protagonist's name in the logline; so are there similar rules for a pitch) C. Any other things I should keep in mind.
Is it true we shouldn't write the ending of the script? i need to know this because the ending is crucial to my story.
I also was wondering, what is the structure of a pitch? Are there any videos, or books anyone can recommend?
if any one is willing to share their pitches written already, please do let me know, and I'll send over my email id. It would be most helpful.
Thanks,
Vishaka
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Hi Vishaka,
As I understand it, a producer isn't really into the ending, it's all about the beginning, say first 10 min, and if you don't hook them they will tune you out as you drone on and on about your story. If you hook them and drone on, you may lose them. So, super simple, i.e. My story's about a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Life's normal until (insert whatever event) and the opposition character (bad guy, top secret agency, whatever) and perhaps hint at the end. Do that in 1-3 min. You want to start a conversation, not just lecture. Because they want to know you, and vice versa so you can make contacts. Emphasis on what makes you special, why you felt compelled to write. (And do you know how to write as in screenplay format, how to write crisp dialog, avoid cliches etc.)
I say this also because after hearing/reading so many screenplays, professionals can guess how you are going to end it and chances are there are 100s of stories just like yours. And trust me, at the beginning of a pitch, you may hear them yawn or groan (oh gawd another pitch...) So my point is to try to open a conversation, ask for their feedback, so they will believe this is a person who can take criticism.
My best experience has been with people who allowed me to send revisions with their comments (see, I took their advice!) and thus maybe they won't buy the script but you may have a contact. And it builds from there. And work on your next script (or if you have other skills work on these) in so doing make a portfolio, make yourself useful. As far as the standards, if you pitch via this (stage32), they have a template you can download and follow.
Anyway, hope that's kind of helpful...
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I wrote a pitch for my last screenplay before going to the Hollywood Pitchfest. It seemed to be well received. If you want a copy, just hit me up.
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You can also go on YouTube and search for PitchFests and you can get hours of video of people pitching at pitch fests and the immediate feedback from industry professionals.
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There's a template here on S32 that is recommended when you're pitching to the pros here. It's a decent one, and a good place to start. Go to Script Services, Pitch Sessions, FAQ, then scroll down to the question, "Do you have a pitch template..." It provides a link to download the template.
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Thank you all for your advice. I’ll have a look at the template and videos. And just fyi, it’s not an incomplete script:)
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Hi Vishaka Sriram You can get the stage 32 Pitch guidelines via my google drive links below. I downloaded two of them a while back. Hope it helps. Best wishes! (^_^)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GCaX4vbxHIrOAS-OQe7io8YlTBG2EuFA
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qcBDdpDCKIH1lAGxicpHbU-l_Lh_K1_E