Attend a pitch session. There are many screenplay pitch sessions around Hollywood these days. Created by award-winning writer Ken Rotcop, the founder of Pitchmart, pitch sessions are set up between screenwriters and studio and agency executives. Much like a speed-dating session, you will get anywhere from five to 15 minutes in front of each of these executives to pitch your screenplay or idea. If you have successfully pitched your screenplay, the executives will take and read your screenplay. Here are a few pitch sessions around town:
1) The Golden Pitch: Up to 60 A-list Hollywood executives attend this session at the Screenwriting Expo in Los Angeles. (See References.)
2) The Hollywood Pitch Festival: This festival is conducted via live web chat, so that you don't have to leave the comfort of your own home. Writers receive a list of executives attending the session. Register by phone at (323) 653-6065, or (800) 646-3896.
3) Become a member of WritersChannel.net and get connected with top Hollywood buyers, who will listen to your pitch.
Once you've been accepted to a pitch session, you must prepare for how to be successful at pitching your idea. According to Rotcop, passion is a necessary element in your approach, as are honesty and integrity. Don't let the executive interrupt you or take a call. They are there to listen to you, and this is your chance to prove to them that your screenplay is a viable project. Rotcop suggests that you use a gimmick or prop to grab the executive's attention and create a strong impression. But be quick about it, so that the executive is interested, but ready to hear about your story. Rotcop further advises that to be a successful pitchman, you should attend acting classes.
Know what the executives are expecting to hear during your pitch:
• What is the key concept?
• Who is the good guy?
• How does the lead character grow? What does he learn?
• Does each scene move the story along?
• Are we able to care about the people in your story?
• Is this a new and unique idea?
• What other films do you think this screenplay resembles?
• Can these roles be easily casted? Who do you think could play your characters?
• How much do you think this might cost?
Be honest about answering such questions. If you don't know the answers, let the executive know. You are the writer, not the producer. You may not have any idea how much the production would cost, since it would depend on location, actors and other variables.
Be prepared for rejection. This is going to happen. It's all part of the game of Hollywood. Rejections can be quick and painless, long and dirty, or strangely helpful in improving your pitching and writing skills. "No matter what you do, some people aren't going to get it," says Rotcop. "Just thank them and press on to the next opportunity."