I'm back again with another (hopefully!) helpful post on cracking Hollywood. For this post I am assuming you have read my earlier post on how to get an agent. If not, read that first, then come back to this one.

For those who are unfamiliar with what a spec screenplay is, let me give you a short overview. There are two ways to sell a screenplay in LA: either someone hires you to write one (say on a novel you wrote!), or you write a screenplay on your own hoping someone will purchase it. This second type of screenplay is known as a spec screenplay because you have written it "speculating" that you will sell it. Once it is ready, then your agent will set up pitch meetings with the development folks at the various companies in LA that buy spec screenplays. This can be anyone from a major studio to a small production company (who hopefully has a development deal with a major studio) to an individual actor, producer, or director.

My personal preference is to not do more that two pitch meetings per day, mainly because LA is so spread out and the traffic is so unpredictable, that you are risking missing a meeting if you do more than one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Of course you're at the mercy of those you are meeting with, so be flexible, and you can always meet with someone over lunch--but not to do a pitch unless they're a good friend. But above all else remember the cardinal rule: when it comes to meetings, if you are not early, you are late.

If your pitch meeting is at a studio, ask your contact (or have your agent do it) if they will give you a "drive on" pass. This will allow you to drive onto the lot and park by their office. Otherwise you will have to park in the studio's parking lot and walk. Most studios have a tram to ferry you around, so if you're not familiar with the studio, ask your contact how to get around. The bottom line here is if you have to park off-lot, allow time to get to your contact's office. Some studios, like Disney, are great as the parking is very close, but others can be challenging.

When you arrive at the office, you most likely will be greeted by an assistant or a secretary. Be friendly and cordial. They will be your gateway to future meetings. When you are invited in to pitch, be aware you have a limited amount of time--as little as five minutes or as much as thirty, but rarely more than that. If you have a choice, pick an uncomfortable chair and do not slouch. Slouching conveys arrogance and/or disinterest. Sit forward and be excited. There will usually be two people in the room--the head of development and their assistant for taking notes. There can occasionally be more, so don't let that psych you out. Be prepared for some small talk--usually less than thirty seconds. If they do not invite you to start your pitch, find a way to segue into it. Remember, time is your enemy. You want plenty of time to get them excited about your story.

When you pitch, make sure you mainly focus your attention on the head of development, but do not forget their assistant. Make eye contact, hold for a few seconds, then move to the other person--unless the assistant has their head down taking notes the whole time, then you can ignore them. In your pitch, just hit the broad strokes. If you can compare your story to a movie that has been successful, do so. If you can open with something funny or exciting, please do. When TWINS was pitched, the writer started off by saying, "Danny DeVito, Arnold Schwartzenegger...TWINS." Tell the beginning, middle, and end, what is at stake, the main characters, then end with something pithy and wait for questions. Be prepared for them to ask for more details. That is a good sign--it means they're interested. If they're not, they may ask you what else you have, so be prepared with two more short pitches just in case.

Rarely does a pitch meeting end with any sort of commitment, so do not push. Thank everyone and leave. You want to leave them with a good taste in their mouth. You can bring a synopsis of your script or even a treatment with you, and offer to leave it.

The next day, send a note of some sort, either text, email, or letter, thanking your contact for their time and expressing your hope that you can work with them in the future. Do not call them.

So there you have it. I've left out a lot of details, so if you have any questions, leave a comment.

Until next time...I'm moving on...