Screenwriting coach Michel Hauge, author of Sell Your Screenplay In 60 Seconds, gives some nice advice to screenwriters who want to sell their script.
Once you’ve finished writing your script you are now ready to sell it. So, your goal at this stage is to persuade an agent or producer to read your screenplay.
You’ll have about 60 seconds to pitch your script and during these 60 seconds it’s important to try to stick to some important guidelines. Here is what Mr. Hauge recommends:
1) Keep it simple – try to hit the broad beats of your screenplay. In this case, who is the hero or protagonist in your movie? How does your protagonist start the story? What is their goal? And where is the conflict? (i.e., what or who is stopping the protagonist from reaching their goal?)
2) Don’t start with the title of your script – it’s a good idea in this instance to start with how you found the story and where it comes from, for instance, the origins of the story.
Once you’ve done this, try to relate your screenplay to another similar story that the producer or agent can connect with (e.g., the story is Titanic in space)
3) When closing your pitch, wrap things up by asking the producer or agent if they have any questions about your story or if they would like to see a copy of your screenplay.
Remember, try not to let your pitch fizzle out. Put the questions and decisions back on the producer or agent.
These are just a handful of useful tips to keep in mind when trying to sell your script.
(Note: these tips will also come in handy when trying to find representation with an agent.)
*Liz Fairbanks has worked as a reader, development assistant, and talent agent in Los Angeles over the last seven years. Liz loves traveling, reading and yoga. Liz also works as a freelance consultant for Script Mailer (a company that connects screenwriters with agents and producers in Hollywood).