ShaDon Manigault's Lounge Discussions

Fine. Thanks. But I still need a way to meet them, even if I have no problem meeting them in person. That's why I need help, somebody who could extend me that bridge while the perfect moment to produce my work is still there. And this is the kind of ideas that visit you once in a lifetime. If you know of somebody who could be a good match for sociopolitical stories and is not afraid of original ways to approach issues, please pass them my info. I will be glad to talk to them in person.

Dwight and Alexander: A lot of people have made connections online with "the right people", though. Check the Success Stories pages on this website, and see how many people have found "the right people" right here....during pitch sessions. And as contest winners, too - which all started online.

Don't accept bad advice that isn't fact-based. You can meet "the right people" online, if you're "the right person" and have "the right stuff" that they need - and that's the real truth.

The way I contact "the right people", is research screenwriters, producers, managers or even assistants that have been involved in the same genre as my script; That way, for example, if your script is a Sci-Fy, you're not wasting your time sending it to some who does soap operas or sitcoms. Then, when I find possible people; Which you can easily do by searching a similar genre tv show or movie and it should have the full crews name somewhere, you research on how to contact them; Do they have a twitter? if so, is their message option available? If not, simply tweet a simple tweet asking how to get in contact with them. Do they have Facebook?, a good website to take a look at is IMDBpro. It has practically everything you need to know about them, their work history, bio, past and current projects. 97% of the time, they have their contact details or their companies contact details (mostly phone numbers, but sometimes email). RESEARCH is a great tool!

I 've found success from simplyscripts.com and recently found scriptrevolution.com. I hope you find what you are looking for :)

Just get feedback from anyone you can. yes your mom counts, but she's not enough...friends, script swaps with other writers (here on St32 or on zoetrope). Read scripts. Read all the scripts you can. Put your stories away for a month or two, or more, and then re-read them yourself with fresh eyes. When you think your scripts are truly polished to the level of the best scripts you've read (and by now you've read lots and lots), then it's time to start pitching through stage32. Don't waste your time and ego and money on contests or other pitch sites. All the while, make connections connections connections with people in the biz in your home town. Good luck! Keeep writing!

Dan MaxXx, someone else other than you has to read it. I shuddered when a pro whose work was serialized on HBO quoted $175 to read the first 25 pages. I got lucky in a Facebook writer's group and got a free read; it sent me back to the drawing board. There are writers groups that offer table read, it might help to find one near you.

Dan G. I only let a few read my scripts and sometimes, no one at all. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. Why don't you let anyone read yours? I wonder if we have the same reasons as to why? : )

Dan M. Do you ever email production companies or just literary agents/managers? I have selected a few producers that I'd like to email but just wondering if it's a good idea or not. I guess we can always take a chance though. Worst case scenario, they say no. Right?

Definitely worth the money, ShaDon. No other website or organization gives you access to real producers, managers and agents. It's stressful, and expensive, but if your material is truly polished to the point that you're confident it's ready, then save up and try it. Even if you don't get a request, it's excellent experience for you. Save up, and try both, a written and a verbal, pitch session. Me, I'm sort of done with verbal pitches because skype goes glitchy for me (live in northern Canada) and, according to one St32 guest exec, the written pitch is better because it proves you can write. So, save up and do it - but only if you're SURE your material is ready if you do get requested. And research the exec as much as you can before you choose to pitch to them - above and beyond the quick info the St32 outline gives you. If it can be a 'good fit' then you've got a better chance they'll request your script. Good luck! Keep writing!

ShaDon:

I've paid for several pitches at S32 this year, as well as Virtual Pitch and Inktip. Additionally, I've sent out lots of unpaid queries with varying degrees of success. This includes scoring three option agreements this year and a right-to-shop agreement with an entertainment company.

I've had no success with Virtual Pitch. And though their price tag of ten dollars a pitch seems attractive, they have a lot of producers with cold credits and burnouts who take a look at your pitch and provide you with a stock answer saying it's not what your their looking for. So you get what you pay for. Just my umble opinion Mister Copperfield.

With Stage 32, you receive a fairly detailed pitch responses (see below) for your money and an idea what you may being doing right and wrong. I've received a number of read read requests and connected with an S32 Producer late last year, who has recently worked on the show History Channel show Genius. We had a couple of meetings in February but have not yet proceeded on a project.

I've attached some feedback from S32 I received last month for a script that's won three film festivals. Like with any pitch response, you have to take it grain. But hopefully this will give you an idea (See PDF file attachment from S32 Producer/executive. http://freepdfhosting.com/36bba1ea09.pdf

The bottom line for me is getting results, which has put my work in front of many lower level producers, but has also put my work in front of people like Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, Tyler Perry and William Morris Endeavor. Therefore, I'm not adverse to occasionally spending money on a pitch if I think there's a slight chance it may further my career.

My counsel is to do your research on who you pitch to and what credits they have to help advance your work to the next level. Here are some other links where I talk about pitching at S32 and other companies.

https://www.stage32.com/blog/Submitting-Your-Written-Pitch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kznzbG3HXaM

I am interested in working with those with an interest in feature length films since that is what I have the most experience in.

I am also opened to writing shorts or features for directors if they are looking for a writer.

Welcome!

Thanks for the add, you are inspirational

Thank you so much and thank you for the request. I hope your dreams are coming true

Welcome! Sent you an invite!