Thread for writers: So you placed in a contest, how do you query reps, producers, directors with your project? I was a buyer at Lotus Entertainment (prev Inferno), and this is what I can tell you re: #screenwriting:
1- If you have a great script, there are people who want it!
2- First make a list of producers from your comp shows/films, and go to IMDB to get their contact info. Make a list of your ideal reps that you are a fit for long term (not just this project). Make a list of indie directors you love. (These should be long lists.)
3- Now work on 2 things, your logline and your HOOK. A logline is NOT a mini-synopsis! It's what makes your project- to use manager @johnzaozirny 's million dollar word "undeniable". Your logline should be memorable and stunning, basically ON FIRE with undeniablity (Now the hook)
4- You must query with a strong hook: Why this project, why now, what makes YOU the perfect person to have written it, and this includes your contest placement (or high numbers on The Blcklst). I teach this in my pitch classes for a reason!
5- Writers don't often understand that they are the SELLER. You are the one in the sales seat. (If you hate it, become a development exec and be the buyer.) Reps love writers who are great "in the room" meaning your career will be FULL OF PITCHING FOREVER!
6- So as you query with your contest placement, remember, a placement is enough to query with -you don't have to have won (but it helps)! Reach out to reps and producers. Producers need projects and they have bandwidth. Get IMDB Pro and look them up.
7- More on producers: Target the more unknown producers on shows/films you love. They need you and you need them. They are often open to unrepped writers. Get an entertainment attorney on your wolf pack so you have someone who can advise in a deal.
8- Speaking of attorneys: An attorney can submit to anyone in the industry on your behalf, including buyers who don't accept unsolicited work. They don't like to do this "pass through" but they CAN. And they use their own Rolodex to reach out. A great attorney has a LOT of power.
9- So you have that list of who to write, and you workshop your logline and your hook. Your email subject line should include your contest win/placement. Keep emails short. Grab your reader fast to get that read request.
10- Follow UP. I can't tell you how many writers fail because they skip this step. Reps, producers, directors have a LOT of deal flow. They are BUSY PEOPLE. Keep nudging, the smart ones will appreciate and respect your tenacity.
11- Remember, this script that placed in a contest, or several this year will get buried in the avalanche of next years contest winners. So get out there in front and DO NOT wait for reps to come to you- they don't unless you flat out win something.
12- A big mistake I see is just a failure of nerve, of courage. You have to be so brave to survive the failures and turn arounds of this industry. There are no guarantees. So steel yourself. And keep your sense of humor.
13- Things to position: your alma mater, your undeniable timing, that your project is ripped from today's headlines, that it's based on strong IP, that you can write on a deadline, if you write comedy -be funny in your query, your brand. (Brand ex: Apatow: Geeks get the girl)
14- Read this far? Be sure to join my upcoming INTRO CLASS to Entertainment Business Mastery- it's the most affordable LIVE class I teach, and it starts Oct 18th for 5 weeks, and it's the only live class this year. Use this coupon to get $20 off: TAKE20
entertainmentbusinessleague.com/entertainment-…
15- In the INTRO CLASS I teach networking, pitching, negotiating, deal flow, and entertainment business 101 for above the line creatives. It's a "best of" my flagship- Entertainment Business School- which starts in January. Applications are open for #EBS : entertainmentbusinessleague.com/entertainment-…
16- I see smart creatives with a lot of talent fail only because they don't know the business side of the industry. It's called the "entertainment business" because it's a BUSINESS! And the great news is that means you can learn it :) I hope to see you in class!
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