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Lesson 9
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10 Replies
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Rebecca’s Phone Pitch
What I learned from this assignment is to that I needed to investigate acters and come up with an answer to how it would fit a movie company that makes action or thriller movies with a historic setting. The popularity of Yellowstone and its prequels might provide the right timing.
Lead with Credibility:
Hi, I’m Rebecca Sukle, the first writer to investigate the 1927 Pennsylvania Coal Strike, the violent events censored from history until exposed by my novel Bucket of Blood the Ragman’s War. May I tell you about it in 30 seconds?
If Answer is Yes:
RAGMAN’S WAR is a thriller based on a true family story comparable to the Grapes of Wrath, but in the 1927 captive mine patches owned by the giant steel companies.
Ragman, a reluctant war hero, is forced to kill again to save the lives of his townfolk, but how do you fight the bad guys when they wear the badges and carry all the guns.
Budget Range: I would guess the budget to be between low and mid range. You’re the expert and would know better than me after you read the script.
Main Roles: I see Ragman played by man with Eastern European looks, someone like Scott Eastwood and Bucholz by a German actor like Jonas Nay.
There are 120 pages in the script.
No one else has seen the script yet.
This fits your company because it deals with contemporary issues despite happening in 1927.
The movie ends with the crowd pushing Ragman too far away to use a knife to kill Bucholz. Instead, he throws a rock, hits the Commander’s back and startles him to shoot and miss his target but almost hitting the machine gunner. The horse startles, dumps Bucholtz and batters him with his hooves. Fate saves Ragman from murder but keeps Bucholz from his wish to have Ragman kill him.
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Jeffrey Alan Chase’s Phone Pitch
What I learned from doing this assignment is: It is very important to be succinct, pleasant, knowledgeable and offer them HOOKS that will make them want to request my script.
Hi, my name is Jeffrey Alan Chase and I’m wondering if I could run a quick high concept by you.
It is a Mystery Thriller, and the title is Shards.
My High Concept: A young pottery restoration expert with no memory of her childhood pieces together a dark past to discover her father’s murder and her hypnotist’s ties to a Conquistador treasure.
The script begs the question: If you had no memory of your childhood, would you risk your life to remember it?
What’s the budget range? I feel that the budget will be low to mid-range, maybe $5M to $20M.
Who do you see in the main roles? The person I see as the female protagonist can show a wide range of emotional abilities. Think Emma Watson, Kathryn Newton or Odeya Rush. Shards is an antagonist-driven story. I’ve always felt that Stanley Tucci would be perfect as the villain.
How many pages is the script? 117
Who else has seen this? You are the first person I’ve contacted.
Why do you think this fits our company? You have produced X and XX and XXX.
How does the movie end? The movie ends when Sarah and March must fight to the death on a high, dangerous cliff in a remote canyon on the Navajo Indian Reservation.
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Lori Lance’s Phone Pitch
What I learned from this lesson is how to prepare a simple phone pitch. Calling producers seems a little intimidating to me, but I plan on trying it soon once my script is ready to send out. I think I can empower myself to at least try it.
1. Tell us which of the four strategies you are going to use to open your pitch:
High Concept
2. Phone Pitch:
Hi, I ‘m Lori Lance. I specialize in family-friendly scripts, and I have a project I’d like to run by you. (pause) I have a family comedy titled A.I. Mom. It has been a fear of mankind for decades that technology would become so advanced that it would pose a threat to humans. That day is here, her name is Alex, and the Logan family will never be the same.
3. Give us a one or two sentence answer to the questions a producer may ask:
What’s the budget range?
15-30
Who do you see in the main roles?
Jennifer Garner as the mom, Claire
Sarah Shahi as Alex
How many pages is the script?
94
Who else has seen this?
I have just started marketing. You would be the first.
Why do you think this fits our
company?I saw that you have made a couple of family comedies in a similar style, and I think that A.I. Mom would be a good fit for your company.
How does the movie end?
The Logan family joins forces to take down Alex with her one fear, water. Alex isn’t taken down easily, however, she sparks and twists her body back into shape and hunts down her creator, who ultimately is the one who must destroy her.
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Jane’s Phone Pitch
MY VISION: I will make my living as a screenwriter by selling my own narrative scripts and successfully fulfilling writing assignments.
By doing this assignment I learned some similarities and difference between talking in person and talking on the phone. The phone questions are much more about the manager/producer’s situation (Why us? Who has seen it?), than the actual story. This is definitely a business call and that is actually a helpful way to think of it. Much less intimidating.
I will lead my phone pitch with credibility in the industry
“Hi, my name is Jane Turville and I am an award winning screenwriter and film producer. I have a comedy/mystery feature script titled NOT A CLUE! Would you like to hear the concept? (pause and hope for a yes). What if two of Agatha Christie’s most beloved detectives competed to see which one is the world’s greatest sleuth?
Budget: $5M – $10M, as a limited location story, it’s more toward the lower end of the range.
Actors: Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie, but depending on budget, could be any of the wonderful British character actors.
Length: 124 pages
Who has seen it? I’ve just launched marketing this script OR I’ve just launched marketing this script and have X managers/producers reviewing it.
Why us? I was excited to share it with you because I loved (movie name) OR Based on (specific names of projects they have done) I thought this script might interest you.
How does it end? June and Percival catch the killer together. The end of the story is a mad car chase as June and Percival find the fortune, which has been hiding in plain sight the entire time.
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Linda Anderson’s Phone Pitch
What I learned from this lesson is that doing these pitches is feeling more real and possible.
Strategy: Lead with a strong business hook.
Script for phone call pitch:
Hi, I’m Linda Anderson and I have the rights to and adapted a New York Times bestselling memoir. I’m wondering if I could give you a quick pitch for the screenplay.
A: Not yes, but hell, yes!
This is a drama-biopic called Ticket to Life. It’s about an ex-cop who’s plagued with PTSD and now has a brain aneurysm that can burst instantly. He’s rescued an abandoned dog with PTSD, and the only way these two damaged guys can survive is to heal each other.
–STOP–
3. Answers to producer questions:
Budget range? Probably $15 to $30 million depending on
the actorsMain roles?
Matthew McConaughey—his story of rescuing animals is in the award-winning book I wrote about the largest animal rescue in history after Hurricane Katrina. In Matthew’s memoir, he frequently mentions Ms. Hud, the dog who was his companion for many years of livin’ and travelin’. Alright. Alright. Alright.
Sarah Michelle Geller—when she’s not slaying vampires, she has four rescue dogs and is spokesperson for a pet food company. I think she’d like this role if she gets to kiss Matthew McConaughey.
Birds & Animals Unlimited—I interviewed A-list animal trainers from this company for a book I wrote with American Humane Association about training animals for film and television. I have a great trainer to recommend who is currently reading the screenplay.
How many pages is the script? 100
Who else has seen this? Contests, my husband, and the
dog next door who read it on one of her out-of-body experiencesWhy do you think this fits our company?
Your company produced an award-winning movie about a man in law enforcement and the healing relationship between him and a troubled dog.
How does the movie end?
Allen, a very private person with trust issues has past trauma from eight years of constant high-danger police work and disturbing memories of his abusive father. The abandoned dog Allen rescued, Leaf, has abandonment issues that result in “fear-aggression.” In the last scene, Allen, Leaf, and his wife, Linda, are at the book launch for Allen’s inspiring memoir about the dual journey of Leaf and him, two damaged souls who came together at exactly the right time to heal each other. While Allen and Linda greet attendees, Leaf, now a well-adjusted, healthy, and confident dog, gives “pawtographs” and poses for photos.
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Eclipse Neilson Phone Pitch
Hi, I’m Eclipse Neilson I am an optioned screenwriter and an award-wining author who specializes in dramas with strong female roles, and discrimination and environmental issues in all areas.
I have a Drama/sci-fi titled The Nun and The Witch
I have forty years of experience teaching both Goddess and Christian traditions in spiritual retreats and conferences.
What’s the budget range? 5-15 million
Who do you see in the main roles? Upcoming aspiring actors and one A lister someone like Anthony HopkinsHow many pages is the script? 110 pages
Who else has seen this? No one yet
Why do you think this fits our company? You are doing work that is helping the world come together and address current issues.
How does the movie end? Tragic ending that creates hope for the future and humanity. A Romeo Juliet ending.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by Eclipse Neilson.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by
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Farrin Rosenthal’s Phone Pitch
Farrin’s Vision: To do what it takes to become a highly paid A-List Hollywood writer whose produced movies will entertain audiences around the world.
Title: TRAPPED
Genre: Thriller
Concept: Claustrophobic and trapped in an underwater grave for stealing $3.6 billion in Bitcoin from the Russian mob, a Los Angeles retail store manager has just 60 minutes to prove his innocence and save his family.
What I learned doing this assignment is you only have a few seconds to grab the attention of a producer with a phone pitch. First, you have to select the right company to call, one that produces movies in your genre and budget range. Then, you have to decide how to lead with your best, be it credibility, great title, strong business hook, or high concept. A good approach might be to ask permission first before launching into your pitch.
For my phone pitch, I would probably combine some strategies, such as credibility, title, and business hook.
Here is my phone pitch: Hi, my name is Farrin Rosenthal and I’m a professional screenwriter wondering if I can run a quick pitch by you for my contained thriller called TRAPPED?
If they say yes, then, I say, “Here is my concept: Claustrophobic and trapped in an underwater grave for stealing $3.6 billion in Bitcoin from the Russian mob, a Los Angeles retail store manager has just 60 minutes to prove his innocence and save his family.”
What is the budget range? Low budget from $1 to 5 million.
What actors do you like for the lead roles? Jonah Hill for the lead and Jason Segel would be really interesting to pay against type as the Russian mob boss.
How many pages is the script? 88 pages
Who else has seen this? You’re the first or just a few.
Why do you think this fits our company? You make awesome thrillers in this budget range.
How does it end? (setup / payoff). Even though he claims innocence, Tom confesses to stealing the Bitcoin from the mob boss only to discover Tom’s wife and her lover are the ones who really setup Tom to take the fall. Tom shoots the Russian, puts his wife in the box as retribution, and drives away a billionaire having saved his kids. But he doesn’t realize the bad guy is still alive and a threat to his future.
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Joe McGloin’s Phone Pitch
What I learned from this lesson is what used to feel daunting now feels relatively easy and do-able. It’s mostly putting together puzzle pieces that are the various elements.
1. Tell us which of the four strategies you are going to use to open your pitch:
Lead with credibility.
2. Give us your script for phone call pitches, like I did above.
Hi, I’m Joe McGloin, an optioned screenwriter, and I wonder if I could run a short pitch by you. I have a RomCom titled “The Guardian Angel Affair.” A future vice president has a guardian angel whose assignment is terminated when he falls in love with her, jeopardizing her life mission.
3. Give us a one or two sentence answer to the questions a producer may ask:
What’s the budget range? Low Budget 3-5M
Who do you see in the main roles? Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg
How many pages is the script? 94
Who else has seen this? No one
Why do you think this fits our company? You do Romcoms in the budget range
How does the movie end?
Max has died so Jane can forget him and fulfill her mission. But he is allowed to return to his body to pilot a new Guardian Angel program from earth, and they are re-united.
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Valeriya’s Phone Pitch
My Vision: I am a masterful ahead-of-the-game and outside-the-box movie magic genius full of ideas and creative energy. My writing is fresh, thrilling, exciting, impactful, iconic, beautiful, and groundbreaking. My projects deliver outstanding box-office and artistic success. I love to create, entertain, and inspire –– I’m really good at it!
I’m natural at pitching on the phone too!
What I learned from this lesson is…
– It’s a lot easier than I thought because now I know what to expect.
– Answers should be short and clear, I like the phone pitching style pitches.
– I’m actually looking forward to pitching on the phone.
– It’s clearer how High Concept pitch should look like and why.
For GOTCHA
1. Tell us which of the four strategies you are going to use to open your pitch:
Lead with credibility.
Lead with a great title.
2. Give us your script for phone call pitches, like I did above.
Hi, I’m Valeriya Ordinartseva. I’m an optioned screenwriter and I have a horror thriller called GOTCHA.
3. Give us a one or two sentence answer to the questions a producer may ask:
What’s the budget range?
$3-5MM
Who do you see in the main roles?
Someone like Dakota Fanning.
How many pages is the script?
Ninety pages
Who else has seen this?
You’re my first choice for this pitch.
Why do you think this fits our company?
I’m an optioned screenwriter and I came to your company because I loved the movie (title of movie they did).
How does the movie end?
To save her little niece from the monster, the heroine faces it and offers her own life. It turns out the monster is not only the sum of her fears but the sum of her dreams she was afraid to make true — all the monster wanted is for her to live her life fully.
For SPARES
1. Tell us which of the four strategies you are going to use to open your pitch:
Lead with credibility.
Lead with a High Concept.
2. Give us your script for phone call pitches, like I did above.
Hi, I’m Valeriya Ordinartseva. I’m an optioned screenwriter and I have a sci-fi thriller about a girl who failed to prove she is not a robot.
Hi, I’m Valeriya Ordinartseva. I’m an optioned screenwriter and I have a Generation Alpha Bladerunner movie.
3. Give us a one or two sentence answer to the questions a producer may ask:
What’s the budget range?
$15-20MM
Who do you see in the main roles?
Someone like Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Lo.
Someone like Emma Corrin as a robot.
How many pages is the script?
100 pages.
Who else has seen this?
You’re my first choice for this pitch.
Why do you think this fits our company?
I’m an optioned screenwriter and I came to your company because I loved the movie (title of movie they did).
How does the movie end?
The girl and her robot manage to survive the elimination game. They find the politician who came up with the dehumanization program and confront her. It turns out that the politician is a robot. In the final battle, it gets restored to default settings while destroying 7RDRD4. The teenage girl befriends the ex-villain, and together they create the next generation of robots that are as human as we can be at our best.
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WIM PHONE PITCH 42223
ROBERT SMITH’s PHONE PITCH
“WHAT I LEARNED FROM DOING THIS LESSON IS…?
I learned all the essentials of a phone pitch.
1. THE STRATEGY I WILL USE.
Permission and then “Lead with a great title.”
2. GIVE US YOUR SCRIPT FOR PHONE CALL PITCHES.
“Hi! This is Robert Smith. Was wondering if you’d like to hear a quick pitch?”
(Sure, go ahead.)
The title is “Angels in Gangland” Genre: Gangster-Comedy.
A slain gangster cannot get into heaven because of his criminal life, unless, he atones by returning to gangland and convinces his killer to quit the mob and join the Witness Protection Program. Picture: “The Sopranos” meets “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
If asked:
The Budget range is $15 to $30 million.
In the lead roles: Michael Imperioli and Al Pacino.
The script is 104 pages.
Tell who else has seen it.
I am presenting this to you because you make good movies in the Gangster Genre.
THE ENDING: Not only does the killer quit the mob and the slain gangster gets to heaven, but other gangsters do the same: A Russian mob kingpin, the Captain who ordered the murder, and the Family Boss as well.
The Protagonist calls it: “A Jackpot of souls.”
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