This question is directed esp. to those getting paid work in the Industry. Do you or the professionals you work with really use the "X Meets Y" phrase when pitching, as demonstrated in The Player? "It's Out of Africa meets Pretty Woman," or, "It's like Ghost meets The Manchurian Candidate, with a heart."
I haven't used it yet, though I could. Part of me thinks it's a dated gimmick, which perhaps serves as a red flag ("delusional wannabe") rather than a secret handshake. So, in your experience, which is it? Thanks!
Indeed, Dan. I reckon the trick is being "the right kind" of crazy. Thanks.
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I'm not in the industry but these people surely are and look how often they use X meets Y: https://tblaunchpad.com/script/contests/6
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Personally, I don't use it but I've had others occasionally use it in reference to some of my work. I strive for originality.
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every day. knowing your comps is hugely important.
That's what they ask for. :)
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Well, well. Food for thought. I see how "X meets Y" can be useful esp. in a Hollywood context, just like having a pithy logline that sticks in the mind like a jingle. After pitching to a couple of A-list companies, I realize now the execs were trying to find comparisons, as I wasn't doing it for them. If I have that bit worked out in advance, and they "get it" as a result -- this can only help. So, "indie sensibility" or not, I'll have to consider it. Thanks, all.
About thirty percent of the time.
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This reminds me a bit of name-dropping: in the right situation, X meets Y can help, if done correctly. As with loglines & concept choices, I can easily imagine the ways it could be done badly!
Would this be a good way or not? and Why!? "It's a twisted mix of Kevin Smith's 'Red State' and Tarantino's 'Django: Unchained'." Let's get down to the science...
"Good way" is when your comparison stories are similar in tone/style to your script. So if your story is a smart Devil Story/Action Picture, it's best to compare it to a smart Devil Story and a smart Action Picture, and not to a low-brow Devil Story and a low-brow Action Picture. At least that's my opinion.
It would also help if both X & Y films did very well at the box office. Comparing your project to a smart indie film that cost $4M but made only $1M might not be the best idea. Critics' love doesn't pay the rent.
Makes sense. I guess we always gotta remember what investors/producers want out of your script.
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I haven't unless asked to compare in a "So what other films is it like".
I keep hearing that tonal comparison is better than plot-based comparison. True? Not true?
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It's still used a lot in my circles, but can be overused or poorly used and work against you. I've heard "comparisons" that made no sense or an X-Feature combined with a Y-TV Show which is a definite no-no. A good combination which sums your pitch up fast is appreciated and can give a clear picture. I found the best combos are those that involve an X-Movie title and a Y-descriptor (not a movie title). For instance, I have a Buddy/Coming of age/Adventure feature about a boy and his greyhound. Instead of listing it on my 1-sheet with two movie titles, like "Stand By Me" meets "Marley and Me", I went with the XY combination -- "Black Stallion" on a greyhound track. It got me a read.
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I just pitched a pilot as "it's The Professional meets Sabrina The Teen Age Witch" and the laughter alone got me conversations that may pan out. As for the power of such a statement, I think it depends on who you are talking to (as Dan pointed out).
Listen to the Writers Panel podcast. Heaps of professional writers say they do it. But I think it is more that it suit their personal way of communicating.