Hey is anyone going to the Hollywood Pitchfest in August? Or has anyone been to this in the past? Would love to hear about your experience for this... I'm planning on attending.
Screenwriting : Hollywood Pitchfest by Byron Q.
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Pitchfest and most screenwriter workshops & seminars are scams. like chasing unicorns or speed dating.
I think if you have the $ and the time, they can be fun and a great networking opportunity. I've been to one and had a blast, and did get a couple read requests out of it. But I went with zero expectations, was just a fun event to attend. My boyfriend and I are contemplating going but depends on finances and other pending projects.
Dan, I wouldn't go that far, I'm sure some are quite scammy, but there's some that could greatly benefit the right writer. Of course at the end of the day, the pitch fest only gets you as far as sending a script, from that point on, its your work that speaks for itself. Jody, which event did yo go to? The hollywood pitchfest? Or different?
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@Byron the festivals are cattle calls. sure, there is 1 or 2 success stories. what u doing in Germany? move to Los Angeles. You are director. go to Hollywood. contact Director Justin Lin and his people. If u got talent and prove that u can make money, u will find an Agent, projects, producers. Gotta make $$$$
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FadeIn's Pitchfest is a great event. I optioned my first script there, and made some good connections and relationships as well. Major kudos to all that Audrey Kelly has done for writers. She loves writing, and is a major friend to all who attempt screenwriting.
@byron I think it was the Great Amercian pitchfest if I'm remembering correctly. Was a lot of fun! I probably would have done better there but I am just not great in a room. I am by nature a reserved person until I get to know people. I'm good at public speaking but not good at small talk or improv type stuff. But after the first morning, I loosened up a bit and did okay. If my BF and I go this year, it will be even more fun, plus he is GREAT in a room, super charming and can talk to anyone. So I fully intend to ride his coattails. Lol
@Dan I lived in LA for 3yrs before moving to Germany. I'll move back eventually, but i'm more focused here to do a lot of writing. Trying to get a couple of solid writing samples completed, almost there. What about you? What's your approach to making that $$$? @Bill Great to hear, I've already registered for the event! Any advice for a first-timer? @jody practice makes perfect, hope yall make it this yr!
Byron - send me a private message, and I'll give you four important pieces of information that you'll find extremely helpful.
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@byron just looked at your bio. u have directed 3 movies? cut a sizzle reel and send to Chinese film companies. More opportunities for young directors in China. send to wong kar wai's company or hauyi bros. Hollywood will find u if u can make hit movies overseas. good luck
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Bill - I am also curious about the Pitchfest and having been thinking about attending. I went to AFM years ago and completely bombed. I had two or three meetings set up in advance and then had no idea what else to do. Can you publicly disclose this secret information you plan to impart on Bryon or can I be privy to it also?
@Robert - from my own research, I think the hollywood pitchfest is the most reputable, and best one. I'm going into it to find out for myself how good it is, and hope to find a manager willing to read my pilot scripts. I think it's extremely rare for a writer to get a big deal out of this, but if I can get a manager out of it, it'll be money well spent. And the experience of pitching is alwys helpful.