Earlier in my screenwriting career, when I pitched my scripts to producers, I felt nervous and insecure. I was focused on whether or not they would like me and my project.
I acted as if they were doing me a favor by reading my script. And some of them acted as if they were doing me a favor by reading my script.
Then I sold a script that got produced. I went to the set one day and looked at all the people running around doing their jobs. And it hit me, I created jobs for all these people.
I created jobs for the craft services people
I created jobs for the sound people
I created jobs for the lighting people
I created jobs for the set design people
I created jobs for the costume design people
I created the script for the first feature directed by the fabulous Anne Renton
I created the first leading role Kathleen Turner had in 18 years
And so on.
Film and television are collaborative art forms. But it all begins with the writers. We are the foundation.
Now when I begin a project, I think about all the people this project will help. The producers, director, actors and crew. I am creating possible jobs and career advancement for a whole team of people.
And when I pitch the project, I remember that, too. No one is doing me a favor by reading my scripts. They are looking for their next job/project and hoping that my script fits the bill.
I’ve found that to be a much stronger place to come from when pitching my projects.
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Wow! That's actually a really cool way of looking at things. Thank you for that and I'll try and keep it in my mind. :)
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Great post, Claire. I've never looked at it that way.
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Wow! That's a wonderful way of looking at what creativity, and the arts, means. Thankyou!
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This is a great way of looking at things. The film and TV businesses are basically the 'story' business. It starts with a writer telling a story in whatever medium they choose. Your post offers a great perspective.
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Actually I was vacationing when my first script got into filming...director got me on phone said oh we did this, we did that...so on...still I was pleased we had aid from some fine people of the industry...guy doing a music for the film had credit in "Lord of the Rings" and Juliane Moore's "Carrie"...he was a directors buddy so we got him waaay outta his usual rate...
As for my last pitching in front of the industry members, I decided to skip one-on-one meets, cause I had to catch an early bus, be on my kid's birthday next day...
I guess not quite ready for some 'career' sacrifices...at least not yet...
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I love this! What a wonderful, and important, perspective!
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A very pertinent and inspiring post. Thanks, Claire!
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Thanks for sharing that, I think it will make my pitches stronger with that in mind
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That’s awesome! Thank you for sharing! Very encouraging for an up and coming writer like myself!
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I' so glad you all appreciated my post. I've found my shift in persepctive very useful while pitching. I hope you all do, too.
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That's a great point of view Claire V. Riley . I have been thinking and feeling nervous like you when thinking about pitching a project but you are right. I had never thought about how would my script impact others' lives and not just the audience's. But like you said, this is a collaborative process that involves a lot of people and that is so exciting when you think about it!
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I try and think of it like a conversation. Just one person telling another person what their script is about.
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Great advice!!
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Thanks for giving me a bit of courage for doing pitches.