I thought my script was ready to send out. So I started pitching. I did some some requests to read the script, but ultimately the notes i got after people read my script indicated to me that i had problems. Like the title says, I REALLY wish I had had these consultation calls before i started pitching. I think I was just too close to my script to see the problems that HOLLY HUBSHER and RILEY FULLERTON pointed out. And they did so with kindness. Their notes didn't freak me out. Their notes made me say "Of course! Why didn't I see that myself?!" I recommend both these experts. I'm sure that Stage 32 has many people you can speak with, I can only speak for these two wonderkids that helped me out. And I get it. Money is tight. You say you can't afford it. Well, I've done ten pitches at $35 a pop. And I honestly feel that I could have done a better job and my script would have been more polished and clean and ready if I had gotten a consult BEFORE. I feel so much more confident now that I am going forward with my best script.
Screenwriting : Get a consult before you pitch by D A Stenard
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Thanks for the shoutout D A Stenard! Both HOLLY and RILEY are fantastic and give such great notes. And like you said, they are both so kind and supportive as well. Really excited to hear how your project evolves after these sessions.
For those who don't know, Holly Hubsher is the Director of Development & Production at the film/TV financier Anton. You can find her here: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=29&genre=feature&...
And Riley Fullerton is a Story Analyst in the Original Features Division of Amazon Studios : https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=29&genre=film&exe...
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The feedback is essential. Pros are going to look at your work in an entirely different way from either you or friends and acquaintances. That's why I am such a strong supporter of S32. You get something useful out of every encounter with the pros. I'm happy to invest as long as I know the investment will help me progress.
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Before you pay for anything...
Read your 5 favorite screenplays and then read yours - if one of these things is not like the others? Rewrite until it is.
Swap scripts with other writers and give each other notes.
You shouldn't have to pay for anything.
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Thanks for the consultation recommendations, D A Stenard. A different set of eyes can catch things we (writers) don't. Reading scripts and swapping scripts with writers before buying consulting and coverage are useful (like William Martell said).
Yes, but can we admit that the entire premise of paying to pitch someone an idea that they can potentially make money on is kind of insane in its own right? The entire industry is a racket from top to bottom.
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YES, YES, YES! Get a consultation or coverage BEFORE you send out your script. Not only does it open your eyes to problems obvious to others, but it also makes you feel so much more confident in your work (and your chances) when you do finally send it out. I make it a religion to get coverage before I show potential producers my work. At least, I know that I've put my best foot forward, pass or not!
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I highly recommend getting consultation or coverage on your script before pitching. That way you can make a great first impression on the exec who requests your script. Does that mean the exec will make a deal with you. Not necessarily, but you will be confident knowing you have something that was vetted.