Reader question #3...

Q: John from Canada asked how he could get his R-rated comedy scripts read. He was leery of pitchfests and also felt his particular brand of material wouldn’t fare well in a typical screenwriting contest. So what is a Canadian family man/writer to do?

A: As we all know (or should know), success in this business is contingent upon networking. It’s about making that necessary “face time” with people in The Biz. You need to make them aware of who you are and that you have talent. So if you don’t live in a filmmaking hub such as Los Angeles, then you obviously have to find other avenues to establish connections. Based on your location (Canada) and inability to travel (due to the wife and kids), I think your best bet is going the query route: letters to agents and producers. While it is possible for you to have some success with this, just know that the odds aren't that great.

Let’s begin with agents and managers: Order a copy of the Hollywood Creative Directory (HCD) for Representation. This book is a bit on the pricey side, but it’s brimming with solid contact information. Yes, you can query the big agencies (CAA, ICM, William Morris, etc.), but I strongly suggest you target the smaller, boutique agencies. (For my reasons for this, visit the “Questions & Answers” section on my website.) Send these folks a query/pitch via snail mail or e-mail.

ULTRA-IMPORTANT: Puh-leeze make sure you know how to write an effective query. Make sure you can effectively pitch your script succinctly. If you are unable to do this, don’t send your query/pitch until you can.

Remember, this is a numbers game, so be prepared to send dozens of queries. Your response rate will more than likely be very low, but all it takes is one “yes” to get a career going.

Now, let’s move on to production companies: Order a copy of the HCD for Production Companies. Yes, this book is also on the pricey side, but it’s brimming with solid contact information. Search the HCD and find a company that produces material similar to yours. (In other words, don’t send Jerry Bruckheimer American Pie 6.) Send these folks a succinct query/pitch via snail mail or e-mail. Again, this is a numbers game, so be prepared to send queries to dozens of prodcos. Your response rate will more than likely be very low, but all it takes is one “yes” to get a career going.

ULTRA-IMPORTANT: Puh-leeze make sure you know how to write an effective query. Make sure you can effectively pitch your script succinctly. If you are unable to do this, don’t send your query/pitch until you can.

Also know that most prodcos won’t read your script without some sort of representation (i.e., agent, manager, entertainment attorney), but some will. If a prodco says they’ll accept your script only if it’s submitted via a rep, then you can always contact an entertainment attorney in Los Angeles and ask if they’ll submit for you. Some will even be willing to do this...if you pay them a fee. Hey, if that’s what it takes, then that’s what it takes.

As for the “pitchfests” that seem to pop up every so often...well, you probably already know my opinion on those. Sorry, but I just think there’s something wrong about paying someone to hear a pitch. I guess these things wouldn’t be so bad if writers were better able to pitch their stories. Most deliver a stumbling, fumbling pitch – and the stories they’re trying to pitch are not exactly shining examples of cinematic entertainment. If you go the pitchfest route, make sure it’s one of the better known ones. Don’t go to Earl’s Pitchfest out on Route 9 and expect anything big to happen to your career.

Of course, none of this means much if your script isn't first-rate. So make sure your script is at a professional level before you send it to producers and/or potential representation. One more time: Make sure your script is at a professional level before you send it to producers and/or potential representation. Enough said.

(For my opinions on pitchfests and more on the querying process, visit the “Questions & Answers” section of my website.)

My book, Q and A: The Working Screenwriter -- An In-the-Trenches Perspective of Writing Movies in Today's Film Industry, is available at Amazon.com!!