Screenwriting : Can I include AFF coverage comments in my pitch (I got a "Recommend") by Timothy Buck

Congrats, Timothy. That's heady praise.

Definitely put it in the query: "As a reader in the recent Austin Film Festival recently noted...."

It's worked for me a few times where I'll put the coverage person's name and the highlights of the coverage. The person I'm sending it to would then email me back saying he knows the coverage person so, sure, send over the script. That said, I've also had managers say "I don't care". And since Joey works with execs on a daily basis, I'll defer to him. Anyway, good to know.

Thanks Joey! I am grateful that you are here giving us this type of guidance. Should I add in my brief bio that the script received a "Recommend" from AFF without adding any more info? Thanks again.

I would also agree with Joey NOT to put any coverage comments from anyone in a query bc the execs don't really care. Especially if it anonymous coverage from an unnamed reader. but if you were to put it in, I'd just put the One line about if being a page turner and one of the best scripts they've read in the coverage program. cut the rest. But I'd really suggest not including it at all.

Thanks, Timothy, for sharing. Best of luck to , congrats JOEY , thank you as well for ALL that you do for our community of writers.

100% agree with Danny in terms of using only that one line. Obviously, Joey knows best for S32 pitches. However, if you're doing a written pitch letter on Virtual Pitch Fest, for example, using that one line can give you some level of credibility. We're looking chiefly for concept and execution (and whether your story fits our brand). If someone from a credible, trustworthy source is stating that your execution is strong, that means something to us. (That's the reason that contest wins also build your credibility.) I don't mind when VPFers cite a good bit of coverage, because I want to know their writing is actually good. However, how much do I trust a random script analyst who is writing coverage for $75? Not that much. If I'm inclined to pass because the concept is not a great fit for me and the buyers I'm working with, good coverage may not move the needle. If I'm on the fence and inclined to ask for more info, then good coverage might push me over the line.

I would only include something like this if it really helped sell the story rather than writing, and even then it would have to be a soundbite.

The place for something like this is on your website (if you don't have one, just get a free one from wordpress) and on your profile here on S32. This way you can promote the accolades via social media and networking. This is something a lot of writers overlook and it's crucial to have that linkable and searchable presence. Joey knows what he is talking about. Even if your script were to win (or place) at Austin it is a supplemental note to your pitch. Put it in the closing line in case they are on the fence about asking for a read, you close with your comps (if you have them) and say it has recently been recognized as... You should be proud your work has resonated with a reader who has experience, the coverage program at Austin is top-notch and the readers get paid well for their work. I work for Austin and don't want to discount their services, but I also work for a lot of reputable sources and pitch my own work -- let your excitement for the praise come through in your presentation without focusing on the details of the praise.

Thanks for all the input everyone! I love that Stage32 is so full of substantive advice (and substantive people!).

OK, I just attended my first in-person pitch fest this morning, where pitchers were given only 5 minutes to pitch. Previously, I've taken online pitches, but never in-person at pitch fests. Based on this experience, I have new insight, and I see Joey's and Danny's points in a new light. For any pitch (or script), the 2 chief categories we're evaluating are: 1) Concept/Story 2) Execution A pitch (whether Pro or Amateur) conveys concept much more so than execution. That's because the execution is in the writing itself - the script pages. While an "Amateur" pitch might be limited to 5-8 minutes, a "Pro" pitch in which we're pitching to a studio/network is around 15-30 minutes. Then, if you're lucky, there can be extensive Q&A. We "Pros" allow an hour for our pitch meetings. Side note: Pitching encompasses different things. When Pros pitch, they are typically pitching an idea they want to write, but haven't yet written. They are pitching to buyers, asking, "Please pay me to write the script for the story that I'm pitching you." If a buyer buys their pitch, the pro is paid to write the pitch he sold. The Pro has a body of work that proves he's capable of executing the idea, and that he should be paid to write the story. When "Amateurs" pitch, they are typically pitching an idea they have already written. They are pitching to agents, managers, and producers, asking, "I've written this script. Would you please read it?" Based on my experience at the Fade In Pitch Fest this morning, in only 5 minutes, I think you come in with a warm smile; a little "where ya from?" or "what's your day job?" type of chit chat; you figure out which of your projects you're pitching (e.g. I have a TV comedy, a Feature Dramedy, and Feature Action/Comedy); and then you pitch that STORY. If the exec likes the pitch, she can then kick the tires, ask about your credits, contest wins, projects you've previously developed, other stuff on your slate, etc. In this kind of setting, the exec is hearing 12 pitches per hour, and figuring out which ones she's open to discussing further. She's going to make that decision based on concept/story, and whether or not she has a development/packaging/financing strategy for that concept/story. It really won't matter if you received good coverage. (Obviously, if you won a Nicholl Fellowship or a major award like that, you should say so.) However, if you're pitching on Virtual Pitch Fest or in a written format, in which you're limited to X pages/words rather than Y minutes, then I think it can be helpful to assure us that you have strong execution in addition to trying to win us over with a focused, marketable concept. How can you show that you have strong execution? The only ways are contest wins, reputable coverage, lab/fellowship success (e.g. "This pilot has been accepted into the second round of the Sundance Episodic Story Lab."), or a quote from a well-respected pro (e.g. "I took Sean Hood's writing class at USC, and he said my horror script was the most daring student horror script he'd ever read. He invited me to submit it to his agents.") I also give writers points for having done their homework (creative and strategic) before they got to me. If you say, "My pilot was a Semifinalist in the 2014 Austin Teleplay Competition," then I'm hoping you're not a total newbie. Happy pitching!

Wow. This is very enlightening. I appreciate the time you took to give all this valuable insight.

No worries. But please, take Joey's word for all S32 pitching. He knows!

Tnx Regina, to take time and jot down the tips.