How to Master Query Letters & Cold Calls to Get Past the Gatekeepers (With Examples)
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Webinar hosted by: Wendy Kram
Executive & Producer (Sony, Disney, HBO, Showtime, Universal)
Wendy Kram brings over 20 years of experience as an entertainment industry executive, consultant, and producer, developing and producing projects for Disney, Universal and Sony Studios, HBO, Showtime, Lifetime, NBC, ABC, CBS and USA Networks. Credits include "Mad Money" with Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, and Katie Holmes, the award-winning miniseries "Sally Hemings: An American Scandal" for CBS with Sam Neil, and current projects she's producing with Anonymous Content (the company responsible for "True Detective", "Mr. Robot", "The Revenant", and "Spotlight"). As the founder of L.A. FOR HIRE, an international consulting firm, clients come to Wendy for her expertise in script development and the ability to connect projects with Hollywood A-list talent and decision-makers. With longstanding industry relationships, Wendy understands buyer and creative talent needs, and has direct access to principals at the major studios, networks, streaming providers and agencies. Creative Screenwriting Magazine ranks Wendy and L.A. FOR HIRE as one of the industry’s premiere script consulting firms. Wendy has conducted workshops and seminars at Harvard University, NYU Tisch School of Film & Television, UCLA, USC School of Cinematic Arts, among others. Additionally, Wendy has secured representation and high-six figure deals for her clients. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
Learn From Wendy Kram, A Producer and Executive Who Has Worked With Disney, Universal and Sony Studios, HBO, Showtime, Lifetime, NBC, ABC, CBS
YOU WILL SEE EMAIL EXAMPLES AND HEAR MOCK COLD-CALLS SO YOU KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU SHOULD APPROACH YOUR QUERIES!
Talk to any executive and they'll tell you that they receive dozens if not hundreds of query letters a day. Because most of them don't have an attention grabbing subject line or little to no personalization, almost all end up in the trash. But, any executive will also tell you that if a subject line grabs them, or if the query letter shows the recipient that this was a personal, non-mass, attempt to get their attention, you have a very real shot of doing just that. The same holds true for cold calls. Having a solid, wise approach and knowing exactly what to say will give you the best chance of breaking the ice and securing the conversation you were hoping for. It's all about creating intrigue, interest, and value while approaching your subject from a place of selflessness and thoughtfulness.
So, where do you even start and how do you even know if what you send will grab their attention?
Wendy Kram has over 20 years of experience as an entertainment industry executive, consultant, and producer, developing and producing projects for Disney, Universal and Sony Studios, HBO, Showtime, Lifetime, NBC, ABC, CBS and USA Networks. Her credits include Mad Money with Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, and Katie Holmes, the award-winning miniseries Sally Hemings: An American Scandal for CBS with Sam Neil, and current projects she's producing with Anonymous Content (the company responsible for True Detective, Mr. Robot, The Revenant, and Spotlight). With longstanding industry relationships, Wendy understands buyer and creative talent needs, and has direct access to principals at the major studios, networks, streaming providers and agencies.
Throughout her storied career Wendy has knocked down many doors and she will teach you exactly how you can do the same!
Wendy will show you how query letters and cold calling can become powerful tools in your arsenal + she will go through actual examples of letters and do mock cold-calls for you. You will walk away feeling confident the next time you query or call for your project!
PRAISE FOR WENDY'S TEACHINGS:
Wendy was really excited to be involved which was great!
- Brent B.
Very interesting and engaging. I loved it.
- Jason A.
Wendy was terrific, on point, and insightful. The Q&A was incredible. Thanks again.
- Maria L.
One of the most generous presenters imaginable; outstanding!
- Virginia Y.
What You'll Learn
- How to build a personal elevator pitch that’s brief yet impactful when making cold-calls or sending queries
- Tips and trade secrets to build a cold-call script that puts your best foot forward, makes you worth listening to, and increases your chances of piquing interest from the person you are contacting
- Constructing loglines that cut to the chase, avoid rambling, and come across as professional and natural
- How to create a series of statements that are easy to deliver, engaging, and effective at getting the desired response
- Apply your compelling logline and personal pitch in multiple scenarios: networking events, pitch meetings, treatments, bibles and queries
- Where, how, and who to contact through cold-calls, including where to get the numbers to call
- How to get past the gatekeepers who have been hired specifically to protect the people you are trying to call
- Avoid novice mistakes that will kill opportunities
- Best ways to approach managers, agents and production companies
- Real-time examples workshopped with the class where Wendy goes through ways to improve your technique
- Q&A with Wendy
About Your Instructor
Wendy Kram
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Testimonials
Wendy was really excited to be involved which was great!
- Brent B.
Very interesting and engaging. I loved it.
- Jason A.
Wendy was terrific, on point, and insightful. The Q&A was incredible. Thanks again.
- Maria L.
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