If
you fear pitching your stories to agents and producers, you're
not alone. Many writers find pitching difficult. If they wanted
to perform for an audience, they would not have chosen a solitary
profession like writing.
Script
writing may be a solitary pursuit when you face the blank page;
but once you put something magical on that blank page, everybody
wants to get into the act. Working
writers often pitch their stories while they're in the midst of
writing their screenplays. Even after they sell the script, they
have to pitch it to the director and the actors. All successful
screenwriters learn how to pitch effectively, it's part of the
job description. TIPS
FOR DYNAMIC PITCHING =>
PRACTICE YOUR PITCH This
seems rudimentary, but some writers get caught up in the omnipotent
throes of the creative process and believe they can wing it. Spare
yourself and your audience some agony -- DON'T wing it. INSIDER
TIP: Practice pitching to a pal or writing partner. Pitch
a screenplay you've already written or a movie you've seen before
you practice pitching your new story. Leave the audience with
the impression that they've seen your movie or at least a tantalizing
trailer of your movie. =>
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR PITCH The
pitch should be about 10 minutes max. This leaves time for feedback.
The initial pitch must answer these questions: 1)
Who is the movie about? Give
the impression the movie centers on ONE character, the most interesting
character -- the STAR. Movies are star-driven. Even low- budget
independent producers hope the unknown actor they cast in the
lead will become a star or at least look like a star in this movie. 2)
What happens to the star? ~
Include the arena of the story and the basic situation of the
star.
~ Tell where the star is (emotionally, physically, mentally) at
the beginning.
~ Tell where he/she goes (emotionally, physically, mentally) during
the movie.
~ Explain where the star ends up (emotionally, physically, mentally)
by the climax of the movie.
~ Emphasize the conflicts (internal and external) the star faces.
~ Describe how the star's crisis changes him or her in some fundamental
way. 3)
What gets in the way? ~
Highlight major OBSTACLES (inanimate or physical situations).
~
Describe important ADVERSARIES (characters) that try to prevent
the star getting what they want. These blockers should be worthy
opponents, otherwise overcoming them won't be satisfying. 4)
What's at stake? Describe
a few dramatic moments in detail. Choose moments involving the
star where the conflicts escalate or the crisis becomes more complicated.
Make it clear the star resolves the climactic crisis or is actively
involved in resolving it. =>
USE YOUR GENRE TO SELL YOUR PITCH Know
the genre of your movie -- movies are sold to audiences by genre.
Your pitch audience is interested in how they will market the
movie as well as how they will make it. Don't tell them how to
market it, just make it clear that it is MARKETABLE. =>
EMPHASIZE STAR QUALITIES Present
your story to emphasize the qualities that will attract the star.
Here are some general guidelines:
| It is of course not full article. You should login first to show full article. If you have not account, please register. It is FREE!!! |
|
