How To Pitch Your Story To Hollywood

By Author: Paris Anderson
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If you have an 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 cannot 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 producer's 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, 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 commonplace - 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 do - steal his
script!?? Sheeesh, he hasn't even made his first sale yet, a real
No-Name, and he's anticipating were going rip off his script!"

The last thing YOU want do is make Hollywood Insiders feel
uncomfortable. Especially about working with you. When you
start displaying fear about whether your story idea and/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 lunch and then seal it
with a handshake. 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!
My name is Paris Anderson - I am a webmaster and a member of (SAG) ... Screen Actors Guild