Phoenix Screenwriters' Association 3-Session Pitch Bootcamp

Online Classes
$0.00

Verbal Pitch Prep Lecture

Date / Time
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Summary

This lecture and Q&A will cover:

  • The general structure of a pitch
  • Honing in on the basic goals of pitching
  • Tips on holding an exec's attention during your pitch
  • And you'll hear an example verbal pitch to get you off on the right foot!
Host:
Chris Deckard - Manager / Co-Founder, Fictional Entity

Prior to co-founding the management/production company Fictional Entity in early 2017, Chris Deckard spent over seven years working with and representing talent at the major agencies ICM Partners and WME. While at WME, Chris worked in the media rights department, selling books for series and film adaptations before moving into the talent department, where he worked closely with high level actors in film, television, and the then-emerging digital space. While at ICM Partners, he again worked with high level actors and worked closely with the packaging and sales department and the digital media group. For over a decade, Chris has worked closely with traditional and new media buyers to find and develop content for domestic and international audiences. In addition to helping cast and package numerous features and series, he has evaluated thousands of scripts for actors and directors. Chris graduated from Cornell University and earned his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School.

Chris helps his clients navigate the evolving entertainment landscape in the United States and abroad. He has negotiated deals for features, series, and podcasts in several international territories. His clients have been named to The Black List, The Hit List, The Young & Hungry List, The Blood List and been lauded by the PAGE Awards, the International Emmys, and The GLAAD Awards. Clients have also earned nominations and placements from The Heath Ledger Scholarship, The Academy Nicholl Screenwriting Awards, the AWG, ADG, SPA, and AACTA. Clients have written, directed, starred, and produced in numerous formats, including features, TV, virtual reality, and podcasts, independently and for companies like Netflix, Lucasfilm, NBCUniversal, Legendary, Marvel, Fremantle, SyFy, the CW, Warner Bros., Amazon, Blumhouse, Hulu, XYZ, The BBC, Comedy Central, the ABC Australia, Foxtel, TruTV, Super Deluxe, Hallmark, Lifetime, CBS, Facebook, E!, and MSNBC.

Several of Chris’ clients had films shoot in 2021, including one for Netflix, and another which sold to XYZ Films, both of which are slated for 2022 release. Within the past year, clients have sold series to Amazon, Netflix, eOne, and Hulu. Chris, along with his business partner, is also an Executive Producer on a scripted series project alongside two writing EPs from New Amsterdam which sold to Universal Television in 2021.

Coach Tiffany's Pitch Checkup

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Summary

Audit a session of at most eight (8) writers in our Step 2: Marketing Intensive as they practice the pitches they've been going out with & workshop their pitches with notes from Director of Competitions, Tiffany Yarde. Here, you'll get tips on pitching, be able to experience more examples pitches in action, and cheer on your fellow writers! Following the pitch workshop, if there is time, we will open up to Q&A.

Host:
Tiffany Yarde - Director of Competitions, Roadmap Writers

Tiffany Yarde graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Having been raised in public housing by Bajan immigrants has led Tiffany to write about culturally diverse characters struggling with self-acceptance. Tiffany was a fellow in the inaugural class of the Creative Corridor Program and recently co-wrote the short film Bon Voyage which premiered in NYC as part of the Women's Weekend Film Challenge. She also wrote the Tubi Original Film, Dress For Success. When not developing content that challenges the monolithic perception of the "Black experience," Tiffany enjoys spending time with her husband and fantasizing about the day when they will be able to kick their 5 children out so they can travel the world.

Review of One-Pager Written Pitches (in BreakOut Rooms) & Group Q&A

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The Name of the Game: Trade Talk

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Summary

We all want to be successful, but the path to success can feel so long and daunting that we don't know where to start. Or we're sitting around waiting for the perfect rep/producer/network to somehow find our screenplay and launch our careers. But the world has changed. These days, it takes more than a great screenplay to be successful in this business—it takes unrelenting business-minded discipline. Daily. Screenwriters must be more than a unique creative voice—you must also be savvy and well-versed on the changes in TV & film and the people behind them. Understanding the business of show business is an essential skill for every screenwriter. Because business... is The Name of the Game. This can be time-consuming, so this eye-opening monthly webinar covers the most important industry updates and what you can and should be doing right now to further your career without sacrificing time for your craft. Execs are encyclopedias when it comes to industry knowledge. Learn how to impress with your ability to talk shop in any meeting!

Host:
James Moorer - Publisher, Writer, Producer, One Moorer Media and Management

James is a best-selling author, working screenwriter, producer, director, and motivational speaker with a dynamic passion for the entertainment industry. James has worked as an actor and voice talent on numerous projects. He is a member of the Organization of Black Screenwriters and was recently accepted into the Independent Writers Caucus. He recently celebrated his first script sale of 2024, and his production company, Hammerjaxx Films, has previously sponsored one of the prizes in Roadmap Writers' Diversity Initiative. Ever creating, James launched Dark Anthem Press, a division of One Moorer last fall for book-to-screen projects. He's passionate about finding the story within the story and helping writers find both their voice and their own given greatness. His other passion is being the San Fernando Valley's expert on Pancakes.

5-Minute Verbal Pitch Roundtables with the Road Crew

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How it Works

Cancellation Policy: You may cancel for a full refund up to 5 days prior to the start of the class. Cancellations requested after this period will be ineligible for refunds.

Please ensure you are familiar with our Code of Conduct.

The Roadmap Promise

Roadmap Writers prides itself on the quality of executives we bring to our programs and we work hard to get you the best feedback possible.

Our vetted executives are chosen by the legitimacy of the companies they work for and their ability to evaluate pitches and pages.

Only the executives you sign up for will be provided with your materials.