Pitching your Story Idea or Script to Hollywood
Pitching your Story Idea or Script to Hollywood
If you have a script idea or a completed script that you would
like to discuss with a certain producer or studio, the best
method is by calling the producers production office. Chances
are you will probably speak with a member of the producers
staff. Normally a secretary or production assistant.
The producers staff is very important. Think producers
assistants are not important and/or a waste of your time? Think
again. They are very important. The Producers staff are always
looking for a reason to barge into their bosses office with -
"Boy, have I found a good story for you!" Producers' assistants
are always looking for ways to impress the boss, why not give
them one.
When you have a member of the producers staff on the phone,
remember not to sound over anxious. You don't want to sound like
you will just die if you can not land an interview or that your
next meal depends on the sale of your story. You want to sound
as professional as possible.
Keep your call brief and to the point. Do sound excited, but not
overly. Also, if a member of the producers staff asks you to
give a brief summary of what your script is about, you should
tell them without hesitation. If you display one ounce of doubt
in revealing your story idea, or if you show the slightest
concern that you are afraid to disclose your story idea out of
fear that your creation will be stolen - then you are dead in
the water.
The stealing of scripts in Hollywood by agents and/or producers
is almost non existent. In Hollywood today - where million
dollar deals are common place - nobody in their right mind needs
to go around stealing scripts. It's just not going to happen.
And, anyone who shows concern about their script being stolen,
is usually looked down upon by industry professionals.
In-Other-Words, if you go around displaying fear that your
script may be stolen - then a little red warning flag is raised.
Hollywood insiders begin to think to themselves, "why is this
guy so afraid? What does he think were going to do, steal his
script? Sheeesh, he hasn't even made his first sale yet, a real
No-Namer, and he's anticipating were going to rip off his
script!"
The last thing YOU want to do is make Hollywood insiders feel
uncomfortable. Especially about working with you. When you start
displaying fear about whether your story idea or script will be
safe under their care, in a way, that's very insulting, and
clearly displays how much trust you have. You then have "I AM an
OUTSIDER" written all over your face. And, Hollywood is very
reluctant to do business with OutSiders.
Remember - Hollywood is a close knit family and they are many
times fearful of doing business outside of their secure
enviroment. They often make deals over the phone and many times
at lunch. If you want to fit in, you must make them feel at
ease. Your chances of survival in Hollywood will be much greater
if you come off looking like an INSIDER rather than an OUTSIDER.
Hollywood is a puzzle, a very unique, fun and mysterious place.
Nothing is as it seems in Hollywood World. And, that seems to be
the way they like it.
If you come from the old school, where you think talent alone
should be sufficient enough, then you are very sadly mistaken.
Talent is a major factor, yes - sometimes, but not always.
But, being a good game player can many times eclipse the fact
that you lack talent. Personally, I feel making contacts in
Hollywood is VITAL. Take a trip there and make a scene.
Hollywood loves 'em. And Take an agent to lunch, they love that.
Call a production office and take a producers assistant to lunch
too. And, don't forget to make make them feel important.
Call anyone and everyone you can in Hollywood. Be energetic and
fun. Hollywood likes energy. Announce your arrival. Make it an
event. Hollywood loves events. In-other-words, play their game!
Dare to be outlandish. SELL! If you want it - want it so bad you
can taste it - you can make it happen!
Paris Anderson
http://www.allsitecafe.com/hollywood.html All the Best Movie
Sites on the Web! paris@allsitecafe.com