I'm really learning a lot from you guys channel. I literally take notes as if I'm in a class. But unlike class I can rewind until I've processed and understood what's being said. Thank you so much for this.
This was a great video that gives specific tips about pitching that I feel like is so misunderstood or not known in the industry! Really clarified a lot for me.
I think from a writer's POV there is a lot on conflicting advice out there. Here we're advised to understand what the audience wants and yet I recently saw a webinar hosted by a Netflix exec who said "...write what YOU want because we don't know what our audience really wants."
Comment I wrote for Bonnie G. Thought it would be good discussion for the round table: There are many independent film organization you can actually take your ideas to: New York The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) champions the future of storytelling by connecting artists with essential resources at all stages of development and distribution. In Toronto, Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (lift). And LA, Film independent and many more. The whole idea is to connect you to your peers and start networking, that is the key. A typical writing workshop, is setup that way. You are sitting in around circle with ten other people, talking about your script, ideas and getting feedback.
1:20, what David said is exactly what it should be about. I know it must be exhausting, but so much of the pitching process is the company wanting EVERYTHING on the kitchen floor, with no organic process about how this could work, if we are in agreement that it CAN work.
What about when you go to a production company with your pitch, and they want to cut you out of the project you brought them. Everybody talks about the pitch but nobody talks about the deal you may get after the pitch.
idunno.... serendipity? following the circumstances that give the biggest gut signs from within/the universe? letting go of the question is probably the answer.....
@Stefano Pavone it means you must have either a direct personal connection/relationship with someone there, or professional representation - a bonafide agent, lawyer or manager. If you can't figure out how to bring about either one of those, your hope of being a tv producer/creator is essentially zero anyway.
To be honest, you have to prostitute or sell drugs for extra money to be able to go to events like this (General admission $1125 or $625 for students), zero in on potential stakeholders, and take the plunge. And pack a diaper, so you don't completely shit the bed (basically come prepared to the best you can). Pitch fests only work if you know how to tell a good story about your character with a real conflict and an arc, so watch others shit the bed by watching the pitch competitions on YT, so you can avoid the pitfalls. They simply will not work with you on the possibilities of what your story could be.
@Stefano Pavone why wait on someone to create for you? Do it yourself and it'll get some attention. Upload it to RUclips or Vimeo or social media. I think they need to see more "doing" before they want to get involved.
@Stefano Pavone 15 year of trying to sell your writing? Only 3 people have given you feedback? You can't be serious! Stop. Wasting. Time! After looking around your youtube channel I can see your problem. If you don't know how to sell yourself, how can you sell your writing...? Improve your thumbnails, charge your intro etc. Your thumbnails look like something I do NOT want to click and your intro was like a vlog intro by a high school student who is trying to start a podcast. You can pay $60 enter 2 competitions a year, they offer feedback. In 15 years that is 30 people giving feedback. Your 2nd problem is you have no strategy. You are just waiting and hoping to be discovered. If the mountain won't come to Mohamed, he must go to the mountain.
I’m hoping to be able to pitch this mystery drama series I’ve worked on for 3 years now. I’ve posted the pilot on my channel and also been trying to build it’s own channel as well. #DeathRowSeries :-) Thanks for the upload!! Great advice.
There are many independent film organization you can actually take your ideas to: New York The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) champions the future of storytelling by connecting artists with essential resources at all stages of development and distribution. In Toronto, Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (lift). And LA, Film independent and many more. The whole idea is to connect you to your peers and start networking, that is the key.
A typical writing workshop, is setup that way. You are sitting in around circle with ten other people, talking about your script, ideas and getting feedback.
There's ONE "network head" (per network), and there's 20,000 people hooking for a meeting. Unless you're a WELL established show runner, you're wasting your time (and fooling yourself) trying for a meeting like that. Trust me, you're not that good. The issue is being able to pitch to SOMEONE in the chain of command who can pass you up the ladder, one step at a time.
The EASIEST way I have found to pitch a TV show or a film is to GET AN ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY. They can be expensive ($100 - $500 per hour), so try negotiate a they earn a percentage of what they sell the show for. You can also duck,duck,go or google producers or TV networks that accept UNSOLICITED MATERIAL - GOOD LUCK!
One woman on your panel! Seriously! I think in today's world you can only assume so much power as a producer. Or a network. Everyone is doing it now and there are ways to show your work without a few men telling you it is worthy. RUclips is a great example. Get the people behind you in masses and then everyone will come to you. Sorry for this rant but it gets exhausting hearing and seeing the same men talk about what works and doesn't... Maybe, let's change the power structure and who controls all of these networks and then have a talk.
As a creator, I’m not interested in “you audience.” I’m interested in growing an audience; attracting new viewers, so that means I need to find new ideas and shows designed not so much to retain, but to increase. I need to reach new viewers and get them to sign on. I’m amazed that these network wonks still don’t grasp this concept. It’s probably why none of them are really seeing greater numbers, and are instead doing presentations like this. Seriously, is audience retention your goal? Maybe you shouldn’t be a network exec if it is.
I'm really learning a lot from you guys channel. I literally take notes as if I'm in a class. But unlike class I can rewind until I've processed and understood what's being said. Thank you so much for this.
This was a great video that gives specific tips about pitching that I feel like is so misunderstood or not known in the industry! Really clarified a lot for me.
I think from a writer's POV there is a lot on conflicting advice out there. Here we're advised to understand what the audience wants and yet I recently saw a webinar hosted by a Netflix exec who said "...write what YOU want because we don't know what our audience really wants."
Comment I wrote for Bonnie G. Thought it would be good discussion for the round table:
There are many independent film organization you can actually take your ideas to: New York The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) champions the future of storytelling by connecting artists with essential resources at all stages of development and distribution. In Toronto, Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (lift). And LA, Film independent and many more. The whole idea is to connect you to your peers and start networking, that is the key.
A typical writing workshop, is setup that way. You are sitting in around circle with ten other people, talking about your script, ideas and getting feedback.
Fantastic advice from peoples who been there.
I think producing would be so fun. 🔥🔥🔥
6:30 Public TV for the WIN!!!
1:20, what David said is exactly what it should be about. I know it must be exhausting, but so much of the pitching process is the company wanting EVERYTHING on the kitchen floor, with no organic process about how this could work, if we are in agreement that it CAN work.
This is Gold right here!
Great advice!
Smart folks!
Thanks for this!!!
What about when you go to a production company with your pitch, and they want to cut you out of the project you brought them. Everybody talks about the pitch but nobody talks about the deal you may get after the pitch.
How do you get IN the door? How do you meet producers to pitch an idea?
idunno.... serendipity? following the circumstances that give the biggest gut signs from within/the universe? letting go of the question is probably the answer.....
@Stefano Pavone it means you must have either a direct personal connection/relationship with someone there, or professional representation - a bonafide agent, lawyer or manager. If you can't figure out how to bring about either one of those, your hope of being a tv producer/creator is essentially zero anyway.
To be honest, you have to prostitute or sell drugs for extra money to be able to go to events like this (General admission $1125 or $625 for students), zero in on potential stakeholders, and take the plunge. And pack a diaper, so you don't completely shit the bed (basically come prepared to the best you can).
Pitch fests only work if you know how to tell a good story about your character with a real conflict and an arc, so watch others shit the bed by watching the pitch competitions on YT, so you can avoid the pitfalls. They simply will not work with you on the possibilities of what your story could be.
@Stefano Pavone why wait on someone to create for you? Do it yourself and it'll get some attention. Upload it to RUclips or Vimeo or social media. I think they need to see more "doing" before they want to get involved.
@Stefano Pavone 15 year of trying to sell your writing? Only 3 people have given you feedback? You can't be serious! Stop. Wasting. Time!
After looking around your youtube channel I can see your problem. If you don't know how to sell yourself, how can you sell your writing...?
Improve your thumbnails, charge your intro etc. Your thumbnails look like something I do NOT want to click and your intro was like a vlog intro by a high school student who is trying to start a podcast.
You can pay $60 enter 2 competitions a year, they offer feedback. In 15 years that is 30 people giving feedback. Your 2nd problem is you have no strategy. You are just waiting and hoping to be discovered.
If the mountain won't come to Mohamed, he must go to the mountain.
I have the greatest Idea for a Game Show! 💡
I’m hoping to be able to pitch this mystery drama series I’ve worked on for 3 years now. I’ve posted the pilot on my channel and also been trying to build it’s own channel as well. #DeathRowSeries :-)
Thanks for the upload!! Great advice.
I would be leery of posting your entire pilot, but maybe try just the ligline.
Nice one
how to approach producer for Directing a film ..I am an Actor writer and Director from bollywood having stories for Bollywood and Hollywood also
Henry is right, don't assume your project is good, do your research.
I read that you should tell your tale to 10 people and if they like it you have something- B.
There are many independent film organization you can actually take your ideas to: New York The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) champions the future of storytelling by connecting artists with essential resources at all stages of development and distribution. In Toronto, Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (lift). And LA, Film independent and many more. The whole idea is to connect you to your peers and start networking, that is the key.
A typical writing workshop, is setup that way. You are sitting in around circle with ten other people, talking about your script, ideas and getting feedback.
I like Beth! Hope to buy you a drink one day.
I have a crime movie creep....
If it's network tv, this is my preference:
CBS: constantly the best stuff
NBC: 'n between channel
ABC: always behind channel
What about writers? Not producers.
The issue isn’t how to pitch it it’s how to get the meeting with the network head.
There's ONE "network head" (per network), and there's 20,000 people hooking for a meeting. Unless you're a WELL established show runner, you're wasting your time (and fooling yourself) trying for a meeting like that. Trust me, you're not that good. The issue is being able to pitch to SOMEONE in the chain of command who can pass you up the ladder, one step at a time.
The EASIEST way I have found to pitch a TV show or a film is to GET AN ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY. They can be expensive ($100 - $500 per hour), so try negotiate a they earn a percentage of what they sell the show for. You can also duck,duck,go or google producers or TV networks that accept UNSOLICITED MATERIAL - GOOD LUCK!
I know about her by the way. In case anyone was wondering.
One woman on your panel! Seriously! I think in today's world you can only assume so much power as a producer. Or a network. Everyone is doing it now and there are ways to show your work without a few men telling you it is worthy. RUclips is a great example. Get the people behind you in masses and then everyone will come to you. Sorry for this rant but it gets exhausting hearing and seeing the same men talk about what works and doesn't... Maybe, let's change the power structure and who controls all of these networks and then have a talk.
As a creator, I’m not interested in “you audience.” I’m interested in growing an audience; attracting new viewers, so that means I need to find new ideas and shows designed not so much to retain, but to increase. I need to reach new viewers and get them to sign on. I’m amazed that these network wonks still don’t grasp this concept. It’s probably why none of them are really seeing greater numbers, and are instead doing presentations like this. Seriously, is audience retention your goal? Maybe you shouldn’t be a network exec if it is.