First of all, congratulations! Welcome to the PitchFest!
Now, please read this document thoroughly so you are fully prepared for the day and able to get the most from it. Some of you will have done it before, some of you will be new but you are all essentially in the same boat. I recommend you visit our online community, LSF Connect, and join the Pitchfest Forum. You can all share any issues or throw any questions out to our crack PitchFest team.
Also, be sure to read this blog written by the fantastic Bob Schultz from ScriptFest. It is full of tips.
The UK Pitchfest Sessions
- Where will the PitchFest be held?
In the Acland Building at Regents University.
- If you have booked a Session on the Thursday:
When you arrive at Regents Main Reception, tell them you are here for the Festival. Ask them to direct you to the Acland Building where the Pitchfest will be held. You can pick up your pass here.
- If you have booked a Session on Friday / Saturday / Sunday:
You must enter through the car park near the Acland Building at the rear of the University. You will see our two main marquees. Please go to Registration in the Final Draft Marquee and pick up your pass and LSF Booklet.
- How strict is the timing?
Be early if you can. At the very least, be on time. If you are late, we do not under any circumstances wait for you. It will start without you.
- How will each session be structured?
You will all queue outside the door; the first one to arrive is the first one in. Use this time in the queue to say hello to your other pitchers and make some friends. When we allow you to enter the room you will find the Execs sitting in their seats. You should have already done your research in terms of who you would like to speak with.You are allowed to talk with as many people as you wish in the allocated session time. A tip – if the Exec you would like to speak with looks particularly busy, try pitching someone else. Building a relationship with industry executives is valuable, even if they are not looking for your specific type of project. Eventually, the queue for your preferred exec is likely to be shorter, and you can pitch them then.When you sit down, your pitch begins. You have five minutes. After four, you will receive a one-minute warning. Start wrapping up your pitch. After five minutes, at the sound of the bell, your pitch is over. Please head to your next queue and allow the next pitcher his turn.Please remember that staying beyond your allotted time makes the exec uncomfortable, and inconveniences your fellow writers. The executives are looking to build a team to produce projects. Demonstrating you are not a good team-player is not an effective way to secure a deal.LSF staff is there to help you, so if you have any questions or problems, please feel free to ask.
- What should I bring?
Your work – There’s no need to bring a hard copy of your work. Upload your script, one-sheet, and any other materials you may need on to your phone, and submit to the executives – from the next queue, if you like.
Business cards – Even if an executive passes on your work, you can still use the opportunity to get to know him and make a valuable industry contact. Leaving a business card can be a way to maintain a professional relationship without being presumptuous.- Comfortable shoes – You’re on your feet the whole time. Don’t cause yourself pain.
- Mints/chewy sweets – You are in very close quarters with executives and fellow writers. In a professional environment, it is important to have a firm handshake, a positive attitude, and breath that won’t stun a moose at 50 meters. Pay attention to the image you convey, and come fresh in body and soul.
- What should I expect from the day?
Expect to meet a variety of people that could offer you a chance to get your dream project off the ground or launch a career in screenwriting. It has happened in the past and will continue to happen every year. But remember, this is just one opportunity to make a connection; don’t overestimate the importance of your pitch. Everybody you meet could help you in ways you can’t predict. And not just in the pitch room. Be yourself. Be friendly. Be considerate. Listen to what people say, and have fun.
- What happens afterwards?
If an Exec would like to take things further they will contact you. We do not give out their details, so if you intend to follow up, ask for their business cards or email address.
- Is there anything I need to be aware of?
Please do not bother the Execs during the break times, they have given us their time and it can be quite exhausting being in the same room all day listening to people pitching to you. They need their breaks in the day in order to be ‘on form’, so please respect that.
The Hollywood Pitchfest Session
- Where will the Pitchfest be held?
It will be held in the main building, room D201. Please ask the main reception should you not be sure of where to go.We will have all the Execs logged on before you enter the room. The pitching procedure will be the same as above but instead of seeing them in person, you will be wearing headsets in order to speak with them. Bear in mind this is our first attempt at utilising this technology so there may be unintended problems. History will judge you based on how you react to adversity!But in all seriousness, we will do everything we can to assure that the session runs as smoothly as possible.Thank you for attending and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask myself or Bob.Lisa Shelley
lisa@londonswf.comBob Schultz
bob@londonswf.com
