Pitching. It can strike terror into the heart of even the most seasoned professional writer. Plus we have a The Great British Pitchfest at LondonSWF every year, so it stands to reason a LOT of the queries we get in Team LSF’s office are about the “best” ways to pitch.
Yes, yes September might seem AGES away, but no time like the present in sharpening and honing those loglines and pitches! Here’s some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pitching that you may want to consider BEFORE this year’s event, to get the most out of the experience …
1) Pitchfests don’t really work, do they?
Yes, ours does. Here’s an account from one screenwriter who sold his project to Hollywood one LondonSWF; here’s another from a screenwriter who found an agent.
2) Yeah, but those are the exceptions, right?
Not at all. The LondonSWF Pitchfest offers a great opportunity for writers to network and meet industry professionals. These people waiting and willing to hear about you AND your work. The savvy screenwriter then knows it’s about the actual meeting … Make that person remember YOU, but not because you’re odd or demanding. Use that pitch slot to begin to forge a relationship with him or her. It’s the way forward.
3) Wait, hold up … So I can pitch my unfinished projects?
Yes, you absolutely can. Pitching ideas at pitchfests can be a GREAT way of gauging interest in a project and/or forging those all important relationships. But make sure you don’t tell whomever you’re pitching to your screenplay is finished! If you get a read request, going home and writing like the clappers just won’t cut it.
4) So what’s the best way to conduct a meeting at the LondonSWF pitchfest?
Have a conversation. Try and click with people, rather than bark loglines randomly at them. Try and be remembered for the RIGHT reasons! MORE: 7 Things Agents, Producers & Filmmakers Can Tell From Your Pitch.
5) What’s the number ONE thing you advise NOT to do at the pitchfest?
Confuse a tagline with a logline.
6) Duh, as if. Any other logline mistakes I can avoid?
Absolutely. Loads of writers use clichés like characters having to “learn to live and love again” in their loglines. Don’t do this. It tells us NOTHING about the real story. Here’s 8 Pitch Killers To Avoid At LondonSWF.
7) Can I take screenplays, USB sticks, gifts etc to give to the industry pros at the pitchfest?
No, don’t. If you get a read request, email it to the person AFTER the festival. Industry Pros won’t want to carry a stack of screenplays about with them and it’s unlikely they’ll accept stuff like USB sticks because of worries about viruses. As for gifts, it can get a bit weird. Better to avoid altogether!
8 ) Should I take One Page Pitches to the Pitchfest?
Yes you can, though some people you pitch to will prefer you to email them, instead. If you’re not sure what goes into a One Page Pitch (or even what it is!) then check out 6 Tips On Writing A One Page Pitch For Your Script and make sure you have some ready for LondonSWF, ‘cos they’re invaluable.
9) If I get a read request, can I make changes before I send my screenplay?
Of course. But don’t keep the Industry Pro waiting *too* long. Some writers make them wait MONTHS and then wonder why the agent or producer has lost interest. 2-3 weeks tops at the latest is optimum.
10) When should I follow up on my submissions after LondonSWF?
Depends. If you’re merely sending emails, tweets and messages about how nice it was to meet a particular person, then it’s a good idea to wait a couple of days until AFTER the festival.
If you’re querying, or have had read requests, wait a minimum of 6-8 weeks. Yes, you read that right! Here’s more on Following Up & Submitting After LondonSWF.
Good luck getting those pitches ready!
Posted by a member of the London Screenwriters’ Festival team.
