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#Scriptchat Transcript with Bob Schultz @PitchfestBob & Signe Olynyk @Screenwriter12 of Great American Pitchfest
Bob Schultz and Signe Olynyk give advice on pitching your screenplay at a pitchfest!
- IT’S #SCRIPTCHAT O’CLOCK: @PitchfestBob & @Screenwriter12 of @ThePitchFest TOPIC: Pitching. Chat site here: http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat …
- Hello Scriptchatters #scriptchat
- @battyink It's okay - I recognized your name when I googled your account name. ;) #scriptchat
- Any one here nervous about pitching? #scriptchat
- This year's #Scriptfest and @ThePitchFest is June 23-25 at the Burbank Marriot. 120+ companies to pitch! #scriptchat
- Oh man, I totally lost track of time and everything! Hey hey, gang! #scriptchat
- Here's my big advice: find a producer you like--find someone who's career you respect, that you could imagine yourself like. #scriptchat
- Okay, properly logged in this town. Ready! #scriptchat
- @blueneumann ::waves:: Hey Chris! #scriptchat
- If you are nervous, don't be! Chances r u have pitched 1000's of times. Every time you want to see a movie, go to restaurant #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill That's great advice! Then what? #scriptchat
- Let's talk pitching and all things pitchfest with @PitchfestBob and @Screenwriter12! Shoot your Qs out! #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 Nervous? Don’t know the meaning of the woid... #scriptchat
- Hello all you happy people. #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill Great advice - but also try to make relationships BEFORE you need them - with up & coming producers. #scriptchat
- Lots of debate about whether pitchfests or of value or not. I've gone to at least 7 of GAPF/Scriptfest @ThePitchFest. Love them. #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 haha well it will likely take that long to get a relationship going so you better start now #scriptchat
- Best site to do #scriptchat from is here: http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat … It auto adds the hashtag!
- Read this post after chat w/ full-on debate of if pitchfests or ripoff or opportunity http://www.scriptmag.com/features/balls-of-steel-screenwriting-pitchfest-ripoff-or-opportunity … #scriptchat
- Pitching is more about being someone a producer wants to work with. Quality of the person is 1st, quality of writing is 2nd. #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 I believe I have... #scriptchat
- pitchfests weren't for me. #scriptchat
- We are happy to take questions from Pitchfest-skeptics, too. #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 @PitchfestBob what advice do you have for someone who has never pitched? #scriptchat
- I have a web series that just went online Thursday, http://BuckleUpshow.com Will there be producers looking for web series. #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 So, leave my scary sunglasses in the car... #scriptchat
- First off, Bob and I are both writers. We started this event to help others. #scriptchat
- Eliminate the middle men and go straight to the source #producers #scriptchat
- @battyink smooth plug :) And good question! #scriptchat
- @battyink Yes sir. We have folks looking for features, TV, web series, even video games and VR. #scriptchat
- All of our decisions are guided by the fact that we are writers too. We wanted to create an event that we would want to go to. #scriptchat
- @battyink this pimp is proud. #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill If you have those connections, absolutely! Sometimes the middle men are the leading men too, or on their way. #scriptchat
- (and women!) #scriptchat
- Who can hook an exec by speaking about their movie for less than a minute? #scriptchat
- @PitchfestBob @Screenwriter12 So as writers what's the best way to approach producers/execs/people? #scriptchat
- We also produce. When we hear a pitch, we look for the title, a clear protagonist, goal, obstacles to overcome & lesson learned. #scriptchat
- @battyink have to miss GAPF this year. My niece is getting married! #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg I suspect many writers would prefer not to approach people at all. :-) #scriptchat
- .@ThePitchFest is a great pitching opp, meetup w/ other writers + insightful seminars whether you're pitching or not. #GAPF #scriptchat
- @PitchfestBob It's funny because it's true. :) #scriptchat
- @jeannevb I will miss my annual dose of Jeanne? Oh, noes! #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg ... but seriously, just be friendly, professional, funny, and confident. #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 You have to make the connections. I had nothing. You make the calls and see what germinates. #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg Be confident in the excellent script you have crafted, pitch it well, and focus on the relationship vs selling. #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg A producer would rather have a script that is at a 7 and a writer who is a 10... #scriptchat
- Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call a producer. Or send an email. #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg ...than a writer who is a 7 and a 10 script. Because scripts can be rewritten and people can't. #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill @Screenwriter12 So true. I didn't know a soul in LA when I started pitchfest. #scriptchat
- omg I am exhausted. Have fun!!!!! #scriptchat
- For those who joined late, guests @PitchfestBob & @Screenwriter12 are sharing pitching tips. Ask away! #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill I'm actually pretty tired too, it's way late here. Not in my usual haunt #scriptchat
- @AndreaLMcNeill I agree, but would just say "Don't be afraid." #scriptchat
- So important to BE A NORMAL PERSON. Be someone they want to know and hang out with. #scriptchat
- Got set up for a meeting with a big industry exec. He said, “I love it. But get some PA work and pay your dues first, then…” #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 I'd even argue being a NORMAL PERSON is probably more important than how well you pitch. #scriptchat
- @CassidyMcM @ThePitchFest We LOVE you, Cassidy! Hope your productions have been going well! #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @Screenwriter12 Welp, I'm a goner. Anybody looking to hire someone with no marketable skills? #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 Writers are "normal people?" Since when? ;p #scriptchat
- Pitch as many companies as you can, even if it seems they're not looking for what you have, you can still make a connection. #scriptchat
- @battyink Excellent advice, Andy. It's all about the relationship. People want to work with people they LIKE. #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg Relatively speaking? #scriptchat
- @dwacon @collinlieberg @jeannevb Well some of us do seem to have nieces and other relatives, so I guess it's all relative. #scriptchat
- Met a great guy with an amazing story at @ThePitchFest one year. Execs LOVED him... but he never followed up. Big mistake. #scriptchat
- Also getting your pitch on is great practice for when you get in the room later on. #scriptchat
- Aww @Screenwriter12 @ThePitchFest Love you all too! Productions going well & look fwd to seeing everyone at #GAPF #Pitchfest! #scriptchat
- @PitchfestBob Yep. Followup fail bc of fear. Can't succeed unless you put your work out there! @ThePitchFest #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 Hear Hear! It's akin to #SpeedDating ... do I like this person and their idea enough to spend valuable time and energy on them! 🌎#scriptchat
- @jeannevb @ThePitchFest Amazing how some don't followup. One writer had script requests, but never sent. Isn't that the point? #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @PitchfestBob @ThePitchFest Exactly - the best way to fail is to never try to succeed. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @ThePitchFest Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. #Yoda #scriptchat
- Just like writing, pitching takes practice. Even if exec passes, use the 5 min to talk about the industry! Pick their brains! #scriptchat
- Q: Do you suggest bringing clips to show if you have them? #scriptchat
- I don't recommend clips. The pitch meeting is about 2 things. Ur script & urself. Anything else = distraction. #scriptchat
- If any of you are going to @ThePitchFest, make sure you have a #scriptchat meetup on night in the hotel bar!
- @battyink Yes, they are a valuable tool for a visual medium. But practice using them & be comfortable incorporating into pitch. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb The #scriptchat meetup = pretty much whenever the bar is open.
- @jeannevb If a pitch bombs, I go on an information quest. Ask them about themselves and focus on the relationship. #scriptchat
- @PitchfestBob @jeannevb @ThePitchFest What if you pitch and combine the pitch with a trailer or short film or is that going overboard or not even aloud #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 @battyink We just gave you opposing advice - to clarify, be very careful in a tight timeframe. Crouching over... #scriptchat
- ...video is rather intimate. Can feel awkward when first meeting someone. #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 Maybe tap-dance into the room playing Swanee River on harmonica? #scriptchat
- But using visuals such as onesheets, trailer, etc, can also be very effective. If the tools are exceptional. #scriptchat
- @dwacon @jeannevb @ThePitchFest Ha! I know a producer who told another producer friend of ours that 'he produces love'... #scriptchat
- I have so much advice on how to navigate event & make most of it after youre back home. Watch this l8r: http://www.scriptmag.com/freemium-downloads-confirmation-how-to-sell-your-script/ … #scriptchat
- Always, always, always have a one sheet. Execs listen to so many pitches, a leave-behind is key to help them share w/ their boss #scriptchat
- @jeannevb one-sheet is NOT your pitch written around the edges of a $100 bill... #scriptchat
- @jeannevb A onesheet also helps the exec to 're-pitch' it once back at the office. #scriptchat
- At the halfway mark of this scriptchat. One last plug. #scriptchat
- It can get a little noisy in pitching convention room. Makes it hard to hear video/trailer - better to use time to talk. #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 @PitchfestBob let's talk about prepping for pitching. i.e. Best pitches sound like conversation not monologue. #scriptchat
- @CassidyMcM great point! #scriptchat
- I'm back. What did I miss? #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @Screenwriter12 Keep your initial volley as short as possible. My most successful pitch was 10 words long. #scriptchat
- If you're going to a pitching event in L.A., stay a couple extra days to reconnect with your existing network or ppl you met #scriptchat
- @battyink someone just bought your webseries. #scriptchat
- Onesheet-look like you've spent $. Asking for $ so make sure everything (you, your script, pitch) professional & polished. #scriptchat
- It's about having a conversation with the exec, not bombarding them into submission with words. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb It's also important to live a life & don't work all the time. = Boring writer with no life. #scriptchat
- Good to meet and socialize with writers before hand. Get a chance to pitch and help others with their pitches #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 are you trying to tell me something? haha #scriptchat
- When you go to any #screenwriting event, talk to the WRITERS not just the execs. You could be sitting nxt to the nxt QT. #scriptchat
- If you are thinking of going, two things: 1. Bob has a discount code for everyone on ScriptChat. and 2. we also need volunteers. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb Or the next M Night! #scriptchat
- My latest script, the initial pitch is one word. After the one word, the conversation starts. Or it's "Get away from me." #scriptchat
- I always leave GAPF pumped and optimistic about my career. #scriptchat
- Everyone you pitch to has to pitch those scripts to studio/bosses/investors - keep in mind the film business aspect. #scriptchat
- If you go to http://www.scriptfest.com , use Coupon Code SCRIPTCHAT10 to save 10% on our packages - Expires in 48 hours. #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 My middle name is “volunteer” #scriptchat
- Is it still called GAPF or just Pitchfest? #scriptchat
- @CassidyMcM That's what I tell everyone who goes in to ask for a million dollars, and thinks a pirate costume is just the thing. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb Exactly. Everyone in Hwood wears multiple hats. New writer is a PA, directing a short, and then catering music video. #scriptchat
- @battyink We are still the Great American PitchFest (but since we're the best pitchfest around, we are okay with THE PitchFest). #scriptchat
- @battyink We have lots of nicknames. #scriptchat
- @battyink Some of the guests we were trying to get thought we were only about pitching, hence the name/rebranding. #scriptchat
- We are the biggest screenwriting conference of our kind - it's amazing! #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 @battyink Our nicknames: The PitchFest. The Fortress of Pitchitude. Mount Awesome. The Ultimate Superpitch. #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 it's wild so many of these events have died on vine. I think yours hasnt bc it's by writers for writers. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @Screenwriter12 We never knew how challenging (and rewarding) it would be. Now we've been doing it 14 years! #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @Screenwriter12 It's a labor of love. Our team is all writers, from around the world. #scriptchat
- So funny @PitchfestBob + so true. Some writers think it's only about a great script but for a studio it's the $ bottom line. #scriptchat
- I've met some great writers and made great friends at pitchfest. Looking to meet more this year #scriptchat
- @jannagummo @ThePitchFest Hard in 140 characters. Read this: http://www.scriptmag.com/features/balls-of-steel-screenwriting-pitchfest-ripoff-or-opportunity … I was pissed off when I wrote it haha #scriptchat
- If you'd like to check out the schedule of speakers & classes, we have about 30 classes this year. http://scriptfest.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2017-ScriptFest-Schedule.pdf … #scriptchat
- @battyink Beers with Andy on Saturday night, can't wait! :) #scriptchat
- @CassidyMcM @PitchfestBob I got GREAT notes on a script, only with the note that it would cost TOO MUCH for a FEMALE lead script #scriptchat
- @battyink isn't GAPF where I first met you? #scriptchat
- (for us, anyway!) #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 haha it was either #GAPF or a NYC event, but I'm sure drinking was involved @battyink #scriptchat
- Agree with @Screenwriter12. Time to look for another producer, production company. #scriptchat https://twitter.com/dwacon/status/874065131726090240 …
- @jeannevb I think so. but there was alcohol involved. #scriptchat
- @jannagummo @jeannevb As writers ourselves, we like supporting our tribe. Improving specwriting across the board improves opportunities for us all #scriptchat
- When will the final list be available to attendees? #scriptchat
- ScriptFest is sponsoring 50 student filmmakers / writers to attend this year's event. Applications at http://www.scriptfest.com . #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @Screenwriter12 @battyink Really glad I had an Irish-Catholic boss once who taught me how to drink. Important skill. #scriptchat
- @battyink We accept companies who want to hear pitches right up until the day -- but the Exec Dir. will be out the week before. #scriptchat
- You can see our most up to date companies/profiles at http://scriptfest.com/home/the-great-american-pitchfest/ … #scriptchat
- @battyink We post them on website once completed - anyone can see. We publish & release to attendees a few days before. #scriptchat
- Original scriptchat tagline: "Bring your tequila & leave your ego behind." @battyink @collinlieberg @Screenwriter12 #scriptchat
- If you know any students who want a sponsored trip to ScriptFest/GAPF, please point them here: http://scriptfest.com/home/student-filmmakers/ … #scriptchat
- Research companies BEFORE you go. Know who you're pitching to. Mention films they produced that you like, etc. #scriptchat
- Engage with the executive. Nobody wants a relationship w/ someone who sits down and says "Here's what YOU can do for ME." #scriptchat
- This year's event is all about writing material that effects and inspires change. @ThePitchFest #scriptchat
- F5: HITCHCOCK: MASTERING SUSPENSE! Learn suspense from the master! 369pgs - $5.99 https://www.amazon.com/Hitchcock-Mastering-Suspense-Hitch-Writers-ebook/dp/B01EZGTR4O/secretsofactions … #screenwriting #scriptchat
- @jeannevb How about the Great Mexican PitchFest around a swimup bar? #scriptchat
- Hey, there's @wcmartell! Bill will be teaching at ScriptFest this year as well! #scriptchat
- @jeannevb IMDb app is everyone's friend... #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @jannagummo @ThePitchFest @Screenwriter12 We were in Banff a couple of times. It's beautiful. #scriptchat
- @wcmartell @ThePitchFest #scriptchat Bill Martell is teaching his DIALOGUE TO DIE FOR class at ScriptFest on June 24, 2pm!
- @wcmartell since you're pimping please check out my new web series http://buckleupshow.com/episodes . Thanks for the segue. #scriptchat
- @battyink @wcmartell Pimpology time? Kewl! The Birthday Movie: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IEAXZ0E #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @jannagummo @ThePitchFest @Screenwriter12 The first Great Canadian PitchFest was in 2003! #scriptchat
- @battyink @collinlieberg @jeannevb @Screenwriter12 We might need a refresher class on that topic alone, Jeanne. #scriptchat
- As I get ready to go see THE BAD BATCH @AlamoPhoenix, don't forget Coupon Code SCRIPTCHAT10 saves 10% at http://scriptfest.com #scriptchat
- Thanks for having us, Jeanne! And happy writing, scriptchatters! #scriptchat
- No #scriptchat next Sunday. Happy Father’s Day!
- Happy Father's Day, Dads! #scriptchat
- @jeannevb Adios. Au revoir. Auf wiedersehen. #scriptchat
- Thanks for the tips @PitchfestBob & @Screenwriter12! Here's to many successes for writers at @ThePitchFest this year! #scriptchat
- @Screenwriter12 @ThePitchFest Thanks for coming! Thanks, as always, @jeannevb for hosting! #scriptchat
- Contact Bob or myself anytime at info@scriptfest.com. Thanks again, everyone! #scriptchat