Screenwriting : Confusing by Jason Kay

Hi Jason Kay - I think people already in the industry (i.e., folks who have produced/released credits) probably don't need to pay to pitch because they have agents, managers, and network contacts who are on the lookout for a new project from a proven creator.

For people like me, where most of my professional writing "credits" are either ghostwriting (and to be clear, none in this industry), or novels/short stories/articles, there's no incentive for an exec to spend any time with me listening to my pitch. Execs do seem to be behind a locked door. Either paying for a pitch slot, winning a contest or placing in a festival, etc.. Basically some way to "prove" that I am worth there time, even if it is just to collect their % of the pitch fee. That said, the more success and momentum you have, the less the door is locked until eventually you can just step through it at will.

For what it is worth, I've paid for four (written) pitches here so far, 1 for each of my screenplays plus an additional one for my strongest project, and have gotten 2 passes and 2 script requests (which both led to passes as well), but all four contained thoughtful and valuable feedback that allowed me to improve my pitches and scripts.

Hi, Jason Kay. I've used Stage 32's Script Services, and they helped me get better at pitching, but the success I've had on Stage 32 (sold four short scripts to a producer, signed a shopping agreement, paid jobs, and more) is from networking and posting my projects on my profile.

Here’s some blogs on networking: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41

And the next Community Open House is August 27th. It’ll also help you connect with creatives and industry pros you can network with. There's going to be a live Q&A. You can sign up for free here: www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-august-community-open-house Even if you can't make it live, sign up and you’ll get the recording in your Education Library when it’s available.

I dont know. They say that you get a pass or a request. im assuming if you get a request depending on who it is will represent you or buy your script

Hey Jason - I've been in and around the film/entertainment industry for nearly half a century. You make connections and contacts as your career grows. You don't buy your way in.

Pay to play… There’s better odds with this, than buying a lotto ticket.

Jason, I hear you. It can feel discouraging when opportunities come with a price tag. The truth is, paying for a pitch session doesn’t guarantee results, but it can be one way to get your script in front of people faster. At the same time, I agree with Doug: the foundation of this industry is relationships and persistence. A pitch session might open a door, but consistent networking, building trust, and showing your work over time is what really carries you through.

Hi Jason, I have seen the same advice but having never pitched I was happy to pay for some pitch sessions on here in order to get feedback on pitching, which is really what I viewed the pitch sessions as, a feedback mechanism. No one says you shouldn’t pay for feedback after all. I saw the cost of the pitch sessions as more of an admin or processing fee with it being so low. I’ve found it to be great and it has way surpassed my expectations of just being a feedback service.