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Lesson 3
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17 Replies
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Peter Saltzman Producer/Manager
Producers meeting: The Bubble delves into serious issues (climate change and AI) but with a light and humorous touch that is not preachy and off-putting. It’s also done with a contained script in one location. And yes, it has musical elements that give it even more entertainment value, and it will appeal to the many actors who don’t often have the opportunity to show off their musical chops. There are magical and Sci-fi elements, but most can be done without CGI. The project is marketable, but with guidance, it can become even more so.
Manager’s Meeting: I believe I offer some unique talents as a writer, particularly in the way I can seamlessly integrate stories with music. My stories have deep and timely themes, but they are handled with a light touch that makes them entertaining and accessible. What I’m looking for is guidance in the final step of making them attractive to producers, actors, and directors. This is important because the features that make my projects unique may make them difficult to sell. But with guidance, I think I can give you innovative stories that sell!
What I learned: The idea of trying to get inside the producer/manager’s head is illuminating. I’m thinking that, henceforth, I’ll be incorporating that mindset into my creative decisions.
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Jon C. Scheide Producer/Manager
1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?
I would pitch Off the Grid as an updated take on the classic detective drama.
It has all the key elements of the genre…
A. Detective with a rough sarcastic exterior and a murky past, but with a solid morale core. Someone who has been shoved out onto his own, but really wants to belong, to be part of something (a team, a family, a couple).
B. A Femme Fatale, that is both beautiful and smart, who doesn’t trust anyone, but learns she’s need to trust in order to survive.
C. A selection of Sexy Bad Guys and Obstacles that our team not only must overcome, but brings them closer together, establishing a potential love story and a “will they/won’t they” elements
It also has characters are modern, sophisticated, smart.
Especially the heroine and the female supporting cast. The Femme Fatale even states to the Detective… “I’m not asking you to save me, I’m asking you to teach me how to save myself.”
Plus there are great supporting roles and cameos.
The Detective’s “Uncle Kevin” would be a great for a Sam Elliot or Pierce Brosnan
The Abusive Football Playing Husband who’s connected to illegal gambling would perfect for Channing Tatum (or whoever the next Channing Tatum is)
I believe actors will want to play these characters.
Additionally, I would pitch that Off The Grid has a tight thriller plot, with contained action and a great final chase scene and romantic payoff.
It weaves the topics of domestic violence, celebrity crimes and internet privacy into the story of someone who just want to be free to move on with their life without fear or intimidation.
2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?
After writing and working on countless indie projects I wanted to write something that was main stream, classic Hollywood. Something targeted at a mini-major or actor driven production company. Off The Grid was developed from my love of gritty, grind-house detective fiction and my extensive production experience, especially with stunts and action.
Because the script has a strong through line, complex characters, plus smart and witty dialogue the film could, if casting warranted it, step up a budget notch, from mid to large. Or, if the producers needed to downsize the action it could become more menacing and intimate.
Additionally, the final chase is set in around Chicago, which I know well, but that may have to and could easily change.
Lastly, I would add, to a manager; think of Off The Grid as a writing sample.
3. “What I learned today is”… the benefit of taking the time to write out each pitch and clearly define each of the project’s strong points, depending on who will be “buying.”
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Tom’s Producer/Manager
What I learned from doing this is I have the background to interface with each of these.
Answer two questions:
1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?
My script fits a desirable place in the market – a Holiday Drama for New Years when everyone is tired of Christmas Movies and looking at themselves and a whole new year.
2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?
My specialty is character driven dramas. I understand what STOPS someone from looking at their significant other and tapping out on a movie 10 minutes in.
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1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?
I’d focus on the marketability of the project. Show some numbers on reference shows. Talk about actors and directors (and investors) who might be interested in this unique/first/complex character/ project. Given I’m a baby-writer I doubt the producer will consider collaborating with me moving forward – but I’m always open to join the journey is some junior role.
2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?
I guess that I’m (or rather will become) a brand as a writer – somebody who always does sellable stuff in a particular genre. Who’s got a reputation in that genre. However, as I’m new I do not have that. I’d use the script (given the high budget) as a spec script for writing assignments. This also means I should preferably have something equally good in the same genre as well. I do have something similar. I’ve got some placements in tournaments for my scripts. I’ve done some trainings. I could also discuss skill-sets that I’ve used in my “day-jobs” such as flexibility, keeping dead-lines, open to constructive notes that makes the script more sellable, cost awareness, planning- and, collaboration skills and working with demanding bosses. The project will also be important – to demonstrate the above.
3. Answer the question “What I learned today is…?”
Different approach to same material/facts. Actually – shape the pitch on an individual level. Reading some of my fellow classmate’s input I realise this is probably my weakest spot. When I talk about my project I get all excited — but not when I talk about myself as a writer.
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Ian Patrick’s Producer/Manager
What I learned today is to be specific in my approaches to either producers or managers.
1. After ascertaining that the producer is interested in action scripts, I will emphasize the attractiveness of the lead roles, the number of ‘trailer moments’ featuring action sequences and confrontations combined with a three act structure that ends with a life and death showdown between detective protagonist and sniper antagonist.
2. I
will emphasize marketability of the project, comparing it to other successful
films in the action genre. I also will
provide the loglines and synopses of any of my other screenplays that he/she deem also to be marketable. I’m open to taking notes and collaborations that make their job easier in selling the scripts. -
David’s Producer/Manager
1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer? I would present myself as a produced writer who has been hired for a few assignments- i.e., easy to work with and know the game. I would also present my project as highly marketable; even if just hockey fans saw the movie, it would be a success.
2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager? I would present myself as a produced writer with a handful of high-concept, highly marketable projects- and with many more on the way. Also that I welcome colloboration and am easy to work with.
3. What I learned from this assignment is the importance of knowing how to pitch yourself and the project to both managers and producers.
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George Schwimmer Producer/Manager
What I learned today is that producers and managers have a bigger stake in my own work than I do and that I must honor that need, if I want to get my film made and to have a career.
1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?
Would impress on the producer that the project has a potentially large audience, possibly four quadrants. Second, explain that elements present in my screenplay mirror those found in successful Magical Realism movies. Third, I would mention that the lead and the supporting character are great roles for actors, and that the film would have the potential of being a tentpole production and possibly a franchise. Fourth, I’d say that based on these elements, it should be attractive to buyers.
I would present myself to the producer as a team player who understands what it takes to get a movie made, from a business point of view.
2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?
I would impress on the manager that I understand the need to develop as an effective writer of screenplays and also as a team player who understands the needs of the manager and producers—that the bottom line is to give as much help as possible to achieve the producer’s vision and to get the movie made, so that everyone is able to make money. That, of course, you are available for writing assignments.
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Jalynn’s Producer/Manager
What I learned today is it’s easy to pitch to a producer or manager when you know exactly what they’re looking for.
Presenting to Producer:
I will pitch one project to each producer, and find producers who work in the genres I’m pitching with hooks that compel them to read or ask for more. I’ll emphasize I work to elevate characters into great roles for bankable actors, and I write emotionally charged stories that audiences will want to invest in. For those who request scripts, I’ll query them monthly about other scripts that fit their genre interests.
Presenting to Manager:
I will pitch one project initially, but reference I’ve written several features and am an award-winning writer and former broadcast and cable television writer/producer who understands how to take notes and create a produceable project. I’ve also completed multiple screenwriting assignments.
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<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Lindy Baker’s
Producer/ManagerWhat I learned today is that the Producer has the goal of finding a movie he can sell and also someone that is easy to work with. The Manager is looking for a client for the long run that will take direction and has, not only the ability to write, but also has other script and ideas so that he can build a career for and make money from long term.
How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?
Before I speak with the producer, I want to do some background research, finding out what budgets their other movies had, googling for their reviews to see if they are hard to work with, checking them out on IMDBpro and making sure my genre fits with what they have produced in the past.I think I would start with thanking them for their time. Then, that I am the person to write this story as it is based on my own true story and my supporting background. I would mention that I have 10K followers across social media. I’d give them an estimated budget, my genre, and the HOOK.
How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?
I would research background on the Manager. I’d check on IMDB for other clients they represent, in what genres and budget areas and how long they have been a manager. I want someone that knows their way around the industry. I’m more comfortable with a manager that has a relaxed manner, but knows what they are doing. I don’t respond well to those with authoritarian styles. I’d check out their social media postings to see what their style of communication is.When I approach a manager, if I only have the one script finished, I want to be sure to let them know that I have other loglines, other outlines ready, that I am very earnest about succeeding. I want to show him/her that I have a plethora of future ideas and concepts.
I think classes that I have taken are important to mention so that it shows that I am always moving forward, elevating my skill level. I’d also mention that I have won contests, such as the 1<sup>st</sup> comedian to win Mary’s Got Talent, and other writing experience to show my writing diversification, which is different than talking about mastering a genre.
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Kathy’s Producer/Manager
What I learned doing this lesson is that managers and producers have different goals and knowing what each one needs and want helps me getting my projects out there.
I would present myself and my project to a producer by saying the logline and then be quiet. I would answer any questions they have. I would be open to any suggestions they might have. I know that working with a producer is a team effort and building a professional relationship with them will help the project move forward. I would thank them for the time and ask if I could contact them again in the future with other projects. I would leave the meeting open, not burn any bridges.
I would present myself and my project to a manager, the same way as the producers. I would answer any questions they would have. I would be open to any suggestions they would have. I would try to mention that I have other projects in the making. I would sit back and take their direction. Again, it is a team effort, and I would let the managers know that I’m a team player. I will thank the manager for taking the time to meet with me and send them a personal hand- written thank you note. I would leave the meeting open, not burn any bridges.
“It takes a village to make a movie.”
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Rita’s Producer/Manager
What I learned today:
- My other business experience informs this process in valuable ways.
- I’m somewhat like a manager to the people I hire — if they understand that when they take care of the business, success comes back to them. If they’re open to improving and learning, we both profit.
- I actually have a lot of experience with staying flexible and doing whatever is necessary to a keep multi-stage, collaborative project moving.
How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?
Based on my prior research, I would tailor my pitch as thoroughly as possible to:
Align my script with previous successful films similar to movies they have worked on.
Ask them what they’re looking for and present ideas for that.
Within the conversation, emphasize that I am also a business person who understands the objective of creating a marketable product.
Expand on any ideas to make the story more sellable, beginning the collaboration process as soon as possible.<div>2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?
Be cooperative, curious and teachable.
Understand what makes their job easier and do it.
The objective is to become their favorite client. I am offering a service, my business is to deliver what they need as the recipient of that service. If I elevate their business, that success comes back to me. Offer additional business ideas regarding the selling of the script. -
I learned this is getting harder. But these exercises help me see what needs work in my current script.
Present to producers: I would start with the title and its widespread appeal. I’d ask rhetorical questions such as the following: Who isn’t curious about everyone else’s phobia? Who doesn’t hope to see their own phobia acted out in a comedic way? How many phobias can one person have? Who doesn’t want to see two people get past their phobias through romance?
I would not ask these all at once. I’d ask two of these questions and then pause for responses. They may be the only two questions that I ask.
Present to managers: I would focus on me. I’d start by saying I have written 3 full-length screenplays. I’d focus on my latest and give the logline or concept and its appeal. If asked, I would then give a sentence or two of my history on my unrelated published or produced projects and awards.
Presenting to managers appears more difficult than presenting to producers.
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1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?
I would present myself as an Award-Winning Produced Screenwriter and Experimental Film Producer. I would suggest looking at my IMDb profile.
I would present my project as an Award Winning script listed on my IMDb profile.
I would emphasize that although my script is Horror/Fantasy for all ages it is socially relevant, winning a live table read from both ‘Socially Relevant IFF” and “Great Message IFF. The underlying theme is about water pollution and an opportunity to turn things around.
2. How will you present yourself and your project to the manager?
I am not sure if I would present myself to a Manager. Being older, I have experienced prejudice within the industry. I am not boo-hooing. I understand this, a manager wants to have someone they can build a career and an income with, I don’t want to waste my time or anybody else’s. I just want to find another ‘Door’ to get noticed and sell my script.
3. “What I learned today is” Being a screenwriter is a challenge and opportunity to rise to your greatest potential. There is never a moment when there is not something to learn, to practice, to rewrite, to think about. Writing the script is 1/2 of the job at best. You have to practice and go out there and MARKET. I used to sell furniture at a fancy store. Your salary was commission only. You earned a percentage of what you sold. Selling is a skill that you can learn. I took classes from Brian Tracy and Zig Zigler. One of the biggest ‘secrets’ I learned was ‘ask for the sale’. This increased my sales by 50%. Selling a screenplay is the same – LEARN THE SECRETS like HOOKS, and Participating in opportunities which are everywhere.
+1
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Dave Holloway Producer/Manager
What I learned today is to understand and focus on the needs of producers and managers.
Meeting with a Producer
I have a script that is well-written and takes place 50 years in the future. America has been divided into a series of independent states based on the identity of the population, or the primary economic activity there, or the political values of the residents. A young woman who’s a British journalist is sent to report on social conditions in some of the states. In a military state, she reports on her discovery that the government is executing political prisoners. The state finds out and imprisons her. She contacts her husband, a lawyer in London, who tries to save her along with his best friend. As their plane nears the east coast of America, the pilot announces the states along the Atlantic have declared their air-space inviolate to foreign carriers. So the two young men must journey overland across the continent to the military state, located where Southern California had been.
There’s a great deal of adventure in the script, as they have to overcome various challenges to their lives, which are created by the warden of the prison where the young woman is housed. There is also romance, as the young couple love each other, and the husband is willing to encounter any dangers to rescue his wife. The leads of the lawyer, his best friend, and his wife are all good parts, for they play the characters in dangerous posiitons where they must demonstrate courage, denacity and endurance I think it’s a story that has never been told before and would have wide audience appeal.
Meeting with a Manager
I have a script that I believe is well-written and will appeal to a wide audience, as it contains a great deal of adventure, and the love of a young, married couple is what motivates the entire story. I think the three lead characters are appealing roles for actors, as the story places them in many situations of danger and possible heartbreak, requiring them to demonstrate a number of qualities and emotions to survive.
I think the script demonstrates considerable writing ability on my part. I believe I can write other good scripts in the future in more than one genre. I believe I would be able to work well with a manager and a producer on a project, because I’m willing to make changes to the script and I can come up with solutions to various script problems.
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Subject Line: Michael L Harris – Meets Producer/Manager
1. How will you present yourself and your project to the producer?
In presenting to a producer, I’ll focus on the 10 Components of Marketability…. The best information I can give about the salability of the project, I’ll keep it short and concise, emphasizing one element of the concepts of marketability. My job is to get them to read my screenplay. Let them know I am a team player.
2. How will you present yourself and your project to a manager?
With a manager I would focus on the fact that I have multiple projects all of high-quality construction, That I am in it for the log haul and willing to follow their advice and prepared for whatever meetings they might set up along with changes in the pitch and script that will better meet their needs.
3. What I learned today is…?”
I learned that there is or should be a difference in your pitch based upon who you are pitching to, Manager v Producer. That it is important to focus on the elements that are important to that individual and that you come across more professional when you know what they want and provide it to them in the time allowed.
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Jani’s Producers/Managers
What do producers and managers want?
Time is money to producers and managers. They dislike when you take up too much of their time. So, keep it short and leave the book reports for the children and grandchildren. Producers and managers want you to be an asset. Meaning, show them that you work hard, your on the same wavelength as they are and then, they’ll be happy to work with you.
What I learned?
I learned it’s important to be confident, open minded and flexible creatively when dealing with producers and managers. I also learned that when they give you feedback, don’t take it personally. Just take a deep breath, feel empowered that you made it this far, smile and let it roll off your shoulders. Being a team player is vital in this industry.
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Jeri’s Producer/Manager
For a meeting with a producer, I will pitch to the business side. I will illustrate how the characters will attract top notch actors. There is already a built in audience for holiday movies. And the story, because it’s a holiday/family movie, has broad appeal and an audience year after year during the holiday season.
For a meeting with a manager, I’ll show them how easy I am to work with. I listen well, take notes, and “play well with others.” Making a movie is a team project and not one person has all the answers, rather it’s a collaboration. I’ll also make them aware of the fact that I can produce new concepts and ideas quickly, and that I am an expert in my genre. I won’t try to be a master of all genres because they won’t know how to present my talents and skills.
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