Pitching your Story Idea or Script to Hollywood
If you have a script idea or a completed script that you
would like to discuss with a certain producer or studio,
the best method is by calling the producers production
office. Chances are you will probably speak with a member
of the producers staff. Normally a secretary or production
assistant.
The producers staff is very important. Think producers
assistants are not important and/or a waste of your time?
Think again. They are very important. The Producers
staff are always looking for a reason to barge into their
bosses office with - “Boy, have I found a good story for
you!” Producers’ assistants are always looking for ways
to impress the boss, why not give them one.
When you have a member of the producers staff on the
phone, remember not to sound over anxious. You don’t
want to sound like you will just die if you can not land an
interview or that your next meal depends on the sale of
your story. You want to sound as professional as possible.
Keep your call brief and to the point. Do sound excited,
but not overly. Also, if a member of the producers staff
asks you to give a brief summary of what your script is
about, you should tell them without hesitation. If you
display one ounce of doubt in revealing your story idea,
or if you show the slightest concern that you are afraid
to disclose your story idea out of fear that your creation
will be stolen - then you are dead in the water.
The stealing of scripts in Hollywood by agents and/or
producers is almost non existent. In Hollywood today -
where million dollar deals are common place - nobody
in their right mind needs to go around stealing scripts.
It’s just not going to happen. And, anyone who shows
concern about their script being stolen, is usually looked
down upon by industry professionals.
In-Other-Words, if you go around displaying fear that
your script may be stolen - then a little red warning flag
is raised. Hollywood insiders begin to think to themselves,
“why is this guy so afraid? What does he think were going to
do, steal his script? Sheeesh, he hasn’t even made his first
sale yet, a real No-Namer, and he’s anticipating were going
to rip off his script!”
The last thing YOU want to do is make Hollywood insiders
feel uncomfortable. Especially about working with you. When
you start displaying fear about whether your story idea or
script will be safe under their care, in a way, that’s very
insulting, and clearly displays how much trust you have. You
then have “I AM an OUTSIDER” written all over your face.
And, Hollywood is very reluctant to do business with
OutSiders.
Remember - Hollywood is a close knit family and they are
many times fearful of doing business outside of their secure
enviroment. They often make deals over the phone and many
times at lunch. If you want to fit in, you must make them
feel at ease. Your chances of survival in Hollywood will be
much greater if you come off looking like an INSIDER rather
than an OUTSIDER.
Hollywood is a puzzle, a very unique, fun and mysterious
place. Nothing is as it seems in Hollywood World. And, that
seems to be the way they like it.
If you come from the old school, where you think talent alone
should be sufficient enough, then you are very sadly mistaken.
Talent is a major factor, yes - sometimes, but not always.
But, being a good game player can many times eclipse the
fact that you lack talent. Personally, I feel making
contacts in Hollywood is VITAL. Take a trip there and
make a scene. Hollywood loves ‘em. And Take an agent to
lunch, they love that. Call a production office and take a
producers assistant to lunch too. And, don’t forget to make
make them feel important.
Call anyone and everyone you can in Hollywood. Be energetic
and fun. Hollywood likes energy. Announce your arrival. Make
it an event. Hollywood loves events. In-other-words, play their
game! Dare to be outlandish. SELL! If you want it - want it so
bad you can taste it - you can make it happen!
Paris Anderson
http://www.allsitecafe.com/hollywood.html
All the Best Movie Sites on the Web!
paris@allsitecafe.com
©Paris Anderson 1997-2004
Paris Anderson is the operations manager of allsitecafe.com - he is
also a member of the actors union and a former talent manager
http://www.allsitecafe.com
©Paris Anderson 1997-2007
