So? You've pitched your heart out in a two-page 'elevator pitch' and your idea was rejected.
Dust yourself off. If your skin isn't thick enough to be rejected, you're in the wrong business.
The worse critique I've gotten was a review that said; "I could have eaten a bowl of alphabet soup and s**t a better novel than this!"
But I digress...
What's the difference between a bad review and constructive criticism?
Case in point; I sent Sissy Denkova my two-page elevator pitch that had been rejected several times. She rejected it too.
So, where's the difference?
When I finally got my 'Report Card' from her, it stated the same good things about my pitch and a few 'red flags' that hadn't been mentioned in my other pitch reviews. Ms. Denkova, didn't just tell me where I missed the mark, she specifically addressed the issues that I needed to fix and polish for future pitch sessions. She gave me ideas that would make my pitch more appealing to networks and producers. She gave me a no-holds-barred critique and the way I should resolve those issues for a bigger and better pitch.
So if you're a writer, I say to you; 'Nana Karobi Ya Oki' (If you get knocked down seven times, get up eight times)
And to Ms. Denkova; I say; If I could give you a report card, you would get 5 stars down the line.
I will return! Stay tuned!
1 person likes this
Agreed. The more you step out and ask for feedback/critiques, the more chance for people to just give opinions. It's great when someone actually adds an example from your screenplay that needs fixing and he or she gives you suggestions that work for networks and producers. It does take courage to accept that your screenplay isn't perfect, but it's better than individuals sugar coating it to spare your feelings.
1 person likes this
"I could have eaten a bowl of alphabet soup and s**t a better novel than this!"
Can I use that (in a comedy)?
1 person likes this
criticism is like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. Did you learn from it? No? Than it had no value to you.
1 person likes this
Hey Hector Valle! That is such an awesome attitude. Sissy is fantastic and so helpful and supportive of screenwriters. Keep getting it out there! Every pitch is an opportunity for growth!
Hey Jack Sprat as Nick mentions, check out the pitch sessions here: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/pitch-sessions
1 person likes this
@Hector Sorry about “the alphabet pasta” remark, I think there’s a difference between something said as jest and something spat out sarcastically. Sarcasm shows lack of intellect (unless dealing with a ruthless enemy), a lot of people pass dire judgment who have never had a successful screenplay themselves. Others give honest, bold , constructive spoken words from the heart that aid writer and yep they deserve 5 stars. With “Elevator” pitches they can be done in vastly different circumstances and I done some in actual lifts with mixed results. Never set yourself up for a fall and study who you are going to pitch to, so at least if report not good you know they meant well. Crass one liners at the expense of another’s writing is a cheap shot and not worth afterthought. I MISS elevator pitches and no live festivals due to covid. Had some fun in them, one listener said “Are you going to make me feel flat line on heroine?” I said I’m too old to do drugs now then went into whacky character mode and acted out a different pitch to one I planned. This was a pitch where you DON’T know who’s in lift so no time to study beforehand who are the “Ears.” I had to suss them out on the spot. Enjoy pitching!
1 person likes this
Great example of the differences between criticism and a bad review. Thanks for this.
Ask yourself just who are you pitching to in these 'Pitch-Fests'. Are they the decision makers? Almost certainly not. The humongous Intergalactic Film Studio uses these 'Pitch-Fests' as a way of training new employees and interterns. They charge you money to train their folk - not a bad racket for them, eh? A few of 'em get a handle on it; most don't. Some times, when lightning strikes at 4:20 on Friday the 13th afternoon in a month having no 'r' in it during an odd numbered year, one of these pitched scripts will drift upward. If your intention is to become a credible professional screenwriter - these 'pitch-fests' seem like a long shot.