How To Pitch A Movie Common Questions

By Author: Jessy Woodard
Total Articles: 13
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FIND AN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION QUICKLY

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LOG-LINE AND A SYNOPSIS?

A log-line or logline is a brief summary of a television program, film, or motion picture often providing both a synopsis of the program's plot, and an emotional "hook" to stimulate interest. It is short, precise and usually includes a "hook" that would inspire the reader.

A synopsis is a brief summary of the major points of a movie or TV show. It is a short document usually a page long, that summarizes your story, in such a way that readers can rapidly become acquainted with your story without having to read a script.

CAN I SUBMIT A SCREENPLAY INSTEAD OF AN IDEA?

No. The pitch process begins with a log-line summary of the idea, which contains 2-3 captivating lines that briefly describes the concept of the film. Pitching has a top down design that starts from interest in the concept. You will submit your screenplay if you have one but you will also need to have a log-line and synopsis. Even respected writers that are clients or ours need to have a good pitch to attract interested producers to read ...
... their screenplays. Once the concept has been approved, studios are more apt to request a screenplay.

CAN I HAVE AN ACTING ROLE IN MY IDEA?

Though we can secure an audition for you, ultimately the studios retain casting rights.

CAN I REQUEST TO PRODUCE MY IDEA?

Yes, you can request it, but it is very unlikely unless you have a solid and proven record of the production company.

CAN I HAVE CREATIVE CONTROL?

Most probably not. Creative control is maintained by investors and studios as it is crucial for the successful completion of the project. You might get creative involvement, especially if you are an expert on the subject matter of your concept but not creative control.

WHAT IS IDEA REGISTRATION?

Once an idea is submitted, we immediately register the idea into a timestamp database. We then send you an idea registration certificate that serves as your proof of submitting this idea to us with a timestamp. This is the first level of securing your idea, and in the event of any legal dispute, formal request may be made for copy of your archived work to be turned over to any legal representative, court clerk or arbitration board for verification of established date of creation for your creative work.

DO I HAVE TO SELL MY IDEA ONCE I GET AN OFFER?

No, upon interest from a production company, we will negotiate the best possible offer on your behalf in terms of money, screen credit and creative involvement where applicable. Upon securing an offer, we will send it to you along with our experts advice. You will have a grace period of one week to review it, ask any questions and decide if you want to accept it. If you feel that the offer is not right for you, you can reject it and we will continue to promote your project.

DO YOU OWN MY IDEA ONCE I REGISTER IT WITH YOU?

No, clients retain all rights to their concepts. You only sell the rights to your idea if receive and accept an offer. MoviePitcher.com is not an agent and our service is non-exclusive. This means that you do not have any exclusivity agreement with us for any period of time, enabling you to promote your projects though other means. Though you are entitled to submit your idea through other sources or agents simultaneously, we advise you to keep us informed to avoid any overlap in production.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE THE PAYMENT ONCE THE IDEA IS PICKED UP?

We inform you of the good news the same day that we are informed. If you accept the offer instantly, it takes the studios about a week or two to finalize all the legal and accounting procedures with us. We then mail the check to you that might take another week for destinations outside the US. It's safe to estimate 2-3 weeks, but we will keep you informed of the status along the way.

CAN I RESUBMIT THE IDEA IF I HAVE IMPROVED THE PITCH?

Yes, you can send us the changes and we will update your pitch at no extra cost.

DO YOU TAKE A PERCENTAGE OF MY OPTION MONEY?

Yes, we charge 15% of the option money that covers our pitching costs and helps us sustain a low signup fee. In a way, we also invest our time an effort in order to reach our common goal that is no other than to sell your idea.

SHOULD I SUBMIT A SCRIPT IF I HAVE ONE?

Yes. Having a script always increases the chances of selling a project. If a producer finds your synopsis interesting, they will ask if the script is available. It is to their benefit to review a ready made screenplay for an idea they are interested in as it could save them a lot on developing a screenplay from scratch. If they like your screenplay, they will make an additional offer that is above and beyond the option money.

MoviePitcher helps creative people sell their movie and TV show ideas to studios. Find out how to Start Pitching. Original article source http://www.moviepitcher.com/faq/