Screenwriting : A simple question by Tony Ray

Ask the person, “Where do you see yourself in 5-years?”

I asked the same question to 3 fancy industry ppl back in 2015-6 when I wanted to make studio features. All 3 ppl are now out of the business- forced retirement, family divorce, health decline.

Dan M. I like that answer. The average person lasts five years. I don't remember people asking many questions during a pitch, but I haven't pitched in years, so maybe I just don't remember. During meetings, we just talk about the script and any changes they might want.

When you get old, five years is tough. Might not be around. I check the obituaries every morning to see if one of my buddies is in there. I write mostly about the past now and my buddies.

My brother Geoff went to three different high schools his senior year. He's in every one of my scripts.

Most won't read anything over 100 pages- and feature scripts are typically about 100-120 pages, with each page representing a minute of screentime. However, if you have lots of action and worldbuilding, it is likely to be over 120 pages. Also Aaron Sorkin, whose work is dialogue-heavy often has upwards of 160 pages.

Eric. The five years doesn't apply to screenwriters, just wannabe producers and execs.

the executive I talked to wanted to understand in my own words what the story was about and why I wrote it/motivation.

If they don't understand something about the story or any element of the story they will ask about it. So you need to know your story and lead character.

Probably won't hurt to have some recent financially successful comparables.

You might be asked who you see in the lead roles.

Also "what else you got?" can be a common question.

You also want to think about your biography - what you are going to tell them about yourself. In a query it's usually about why you are the expert when it comes to this script, but this is going to be more conversational - so you are the interesting story. What is your story? Why would they want to work with you? Pitch yourself in a way that makes them want to work with you.