Andrew Lazar teaches how to pitch a movie

[hollywoodsimmons]

found this video while researching and loved reading the comments. this business is pure hell in the beginning so u really have to love what you are getting into. i've wrote my 1st screenplay and i am having a hell of a time trying to get anyone to read it. but i've made a few contacts with producers so well see how it goes. as of right now i'm currently directing my 1st feature film very low budget but we have 7 distributors awaiting. so i say to everyone shoot, write, and pray.

[straker2]

So apart from being able to express yourself, how the Hell do you get your pitch heard by Hollywood? I mean, this industry is the most obtuse thing on the damn planet.

[GiacomoKnox]

@straker2 It takes lots and lots of phone calls. Best way is to have an agent, but I've been able to bypass that by cold calling and asking the right questions. A "no" is always a "maybe" to me, as in, "Would it be alright if I called again in about 3 weeks?" And of course K.I.S.S., keep it simple and direct, tell the truth, and win them over.

[straker2]

@GiacomoKnox I see. Hmm...interesting. It's always intimidated me, I must confess, probably a lack of confidence in my work. So you can get a deal yourself in you're persistent in contacting these distrubuters?

[GiacomoKnox]

@straker2 It can be. Think of the example of Stallone and Rocky. He was rejected time and time again because he was a "nobody" at the time. Eventually he wore them down. Keep making contact, and make sure you TARGET; ie, don't just contact everyone, but people who have done projects similar to yours. You may not get a superstar deal like he did, but a deal that can lead to bigger projects & more power in the future.

[straker2]

@GiacomoKnox Yeah, I remember hearing about Stallone's story. Well, I really appreciate your feedback here, I guess I was coming from a place of despair about the whole industry when I first commented here. But there's some encouraging words here and that means a lot to me. Thank you.

Ade

[GiacomoKnox]

@straker2 Put it this way, I've been at it for 18 years. I'll give up when my heart stops beating. All day long I cold called a bunch of production companies for my new project. 20 phone calls...3 invitations to submit. I'd say I'm batting 1,000. Check under AWWMF on twitter to see why it's so important that I don't give up, and I'm glad to give any advice I can to anyone!

[straker2]

@GiacomoKnox I really appreciate that. Do you mean you called companies to assist in financing or producing your project or were you calling people who you could pre-sell it to?

[GiacomoKnox]

@straker2 For production. I've already shot my pilot, so I have something more to offer than simply an idea or a treatment. Best to have something shot, even if on a Flip Cam, so you can show it off. Call and ask if they are taking pitches, and prepare a pitch like in this video. This is where having a clear idea in mind of what you want from them, and tell them in a pitch meeting not over the phone. Maybe all you want is to sell the idea outright, and that's fine. Just be clear and honest

[straker2]

@GiacomoKnox Cool. Yeah, I believe in honesty and directness. I've made two digital features and two indie pilots as well as a (admittedly pretty inconsistent) web series. But I've really not put them out there in the right way to take my career forward. It's only now that I'm starting to realise what's been holding me back all these years and I think it's been my approach. Thank God for the internet, I'm learning a lot here.

[GiacomoKnox]

@straker2 You and me both, and I hope that anyone who comes along and sees our discussion would also be lifted up and given a new hope for their creative efforts. Without nepotism it's all a learning experience. Indeed, thanks be to G-d for the internet! Not only did I learn, I have a greater opportunity to share what I've learned!

[straker2]

@GiacomoKnox absolutely! :)

[deadbutavailable]

@GiacomoKnox Hi, just reading you guys conversation has put me in a good mood, me and my writing partner just finished writing a TV series (first draft) and are now at the point where we are confident enough in our project to actually start calling around, i will probably have to do the calling as she lives overseas and I am so daunted by the idea, and when I start describing our show I kind of start going off the track lol. but I will keep at it, its taken us 15 months to write so cant give up

[GiacomoKnox]

@deadbutavailable Fantastic! Make sure you protect your idea "9 ways to Sunday"! WGA, US Copyright office, Poorman's copyright (send a copy of it to yourself and don't open it when it arrives - the postmark can be used as a copyright in court), as well as getting an agent or Entertainment Lawyer. YHVH (God) bless your efforts!

[pigletsmom]

awesome program

[thaansa3]

This is a very good program. I wish all the best for Andrew, the program, and most importantly, the students.

[hidonia]

Anything like this that empowers our youth when life wants to squash them gets my vote and prayers. I wholeheartedly support this mans vision. Let the stories be told and let the young ones carry the banner and realize their power.

[leydylope]

andrew is an amazing producer with a great vision.