Screenwriting : Virtual Pitch Fest by Donna Hoke

Hi, Donna Hoke. I don't have any experience with Virtual Pitch Fest, but congratulations on the script requests and Yes! I hope you hear back!

It's been four months, so I'm not holding my breath haha

I've heard back from producers and directors months after pitching, Donna Hoke.

Hey Donna Hoke You raise a really important point about the follow-up process, and unfortunately, your experience reflects some common industry realities that can be frustrating for writers.

Why the "Ghosting" Happens:

Even when executives express genuine initial interest, several factors can derail follow-up:

- Volume overload - they may receive dozens of "yes" pitches and get overwhelmed

- Internal changes - company priorities, budgets, or personnel can shift quickly

- Development timeline realities** - what seems urgent to writers may be lower priority internally

- Multiple approval layers - the person who said "yes" may need internal buy-in they didn't anticipate

VPF vs. Other Platforms:

While Virtual Pitch Fest does provide legitimate industry access, you're right that response rates can be inconsistent across platforms. The advantage isn't necessarily better response rates, but rather verified industry professionals who are theoretically committed to reviewing submissions.

Alternative Approaches:

Stage 32's model differs in that our pitch sessions and consultations typically involve more structured follow-up processes and relationship building rather than just "pitch and hope." Our executives often provide feedback even when passing, which helps writers understand decision-making factors.

Managing Expectations:

The industry reality is that even "yes" responses may not lead to immediate action. However, your Christmas concept approval is still valuable - that producer now knows your work and may circle back when timing aligns better. It's also a great signal that your pitch for that project is connecting with folks, so it's always good to push further and wider when given positive signals like those.

The key with pitch is treating each interaction as a chance to start relationship building rather than just immediate sales opportunities.

While not professional on their part, busy producers don't have time to follow up with everyone. And VPF is just one avenue to try. Lot of the pay for pitch options can be a financial drain with no return. But you can't hit the ball unless you swing the bat.

I accept ghosting as part of any artistic industry; for VPF, it feels particularly weird, that's all. Still seeking other experiences from VPF.

Yes, of course. VPF is one avenue, and I was hoping to hear about other people's experience with it.

Donna Hoke I spend a lot of time testing the various "services" offered to writers and VPF is somewhat of a wild goose chase that succeeds in taking a few dollars at a time. In other words, they are inexpensive and look good on the surface. Most of their listings to query are dated and the ones promoted as updated or new are not people who can move the needle.

The other aspect that annoys the crap out of me is the structured template they insist on using for queries. You can bet the replies are also structured and canned. And that is where the ghosting comes in.

A reply of "Yes!" looks great on the surface, but those "requests" are rarely followed up on.

Most services that promote "requests" have this issue.

Thank you, Laurie. It was someone here who said they found it valid. I researched all the companies I sent to make sure they were legit and active, and the good responses were personal beyond the yes. I had pitches left from ages ago when they were a lot less expensive, but I don't think I'll be buying anymore.

I always say look on the site for success stories. Are the success stories far and few between? VPF has relatively few success stories and they aren't dated which means they could have happened years ago (and they did! Check it out). Ditto for inktip. And, I'm so sorry to say, Stage32 does not have the greatest track record of how many of their OWAs have actually made it to screen.

I created a database of 5200 producers and agents and I pitch to them directly. So far, I have had 2 out of 3 features optioned this way, and another I just pitched two weeks ago which has garners dozens of requests.

I do know of one personally that happened fairly recently, but of course, all success stories are few and far between. I don't think OWAs on any site really yield much either. 5200! Wow! I've been working closely with two companies with one feature made so far, but encouragement to keep pitching. I've been trying to branch out.

I have heard that LinkedIn is where a lot of stuff happened. The one feature I did have made was through a LinkedIn connection.

Yeah, I totally think it was beginner's luck, but I'm still working with the company.

The movie's already been made--a Lifetime thriller that dropped last July. But I still work for the company doing polishes and such, and still pitching with the producer hoping to get another over the line.

Thanks to all who've reported their own experiences. I do miss the good-old-days when we had live Pitch Fests and you actually had five minutes to make your pitch face-to-face with a producer or development person. It was a great way to develop relationships over the years, as most of those people attended most of the live Pitch Fests. Best of Luck to you all with all your projects!

I've used VPF a lot with several shopping agreements resulting. But I do thorough research before pitching there. I've also had one option offer via Stage 32's coverage services, and one option offer via posting scripts on Script Revolution.

Hi, Cosmic Chick. Someone at contests@stage32.com might know.