Darkest Secrets of Making a Pitch for Film and Television: How You Can Get a Studio Executive, Producer, Name Actor or Private Investor to Say “Yes” to Your Project

by Tom Marcoux

Do you have a movie you want to make? Or a screenplay that you want produced? Are you going to pitch a project to a studio executive, producer, name actor or private investor? Pitching means asking producers, name actors, and studio executives for help. No one pretends this is easy. "I’ve seen other filmmakers give presentations," says film producer/director/screenwriter Tom Marcoux, "Presentations that crashed and burned. But remember, people do this all the time, successfully. You can as well!" After gaining funds for a number of projects (one film went to the Cannes film market), Marcoux has compiled what worked and what didn't into this book. Much of it builds on his observations of dire mistakes, his own and others’. He alerts you to the Darkest Secrets of this process. More, you’ll find countermeasures. Problems that pop up and how to solve them. Traps and how they can be avoided. Dangers identified then nullified, the same way we change bad habits or wrong assumptions. When it comes to the vital skill of pitching your ideas, enrolling others into your vision, this book shows you the way.Praise for Tom Marcoux’s Previous Books in the Film/Television “Darkest Secrets of Film Directing is a great course on the art and craft of film directing. It’s especially helpful that Tom Marcoux reveals some important pitfalls you need to avoid.” – Danek S. Kaus, Produced Screenwriter* “Darkest Secrets of the Film and Television Industry Every Actor Should Know gives you the toolkit from acting skills to self promotion! Even learn to produce a video for YouTube or webisodes. As an actress, I really value this information and use the book often. You, too, can become one of the savvy working actors. Read the book and use the information!” – Carole Wilkinson, actressAbout Tom Marcoux as a Film “When casting, film director Tom Marcoux’s acting and improvisation skills shine as he works with actors.” – Daniel Buhlman, film director and actor“Tom treats cast and crew with great respect. He listens to ideas, allows a lot of give and take. Many directors remain defensive, even touchy about their own ideas. Tom always seems more interested in seeing what others can bring to a project. His support helped me express the truth in my scenes. ” – David MacDowell Blue, actor, screenwriter and author of The Annotated CarmillaTom Marcoux won a special award at the Emmys. Marcoux wrote, directed, produced and acted in a feature film that went to Cannes film market, where it gained international distribution. He is engaged in the book/film projects Crystal Pegasus (children's) and TimePulse (science fiction). This book is the third book in the film/television series that Darkest Secrets of Film Directing* Darkest Secrets about the Film and Television Industry Every Actor Should KnowMarcoux also helps people like you fulfill big dreams. Known as America's Communication Coach, Marcoux has authored 11 books and 21 audio programs with sales in 15 countries. His series of 6 "Darkest Secrets" books includes one that rose to #1 on Amazon Hot New Releases List for Business Communication (and Business Life). Marcoux guides clients and audiences (IBM, Sun Microsystems, etc.) to success in job interviewing, public speaking, media relations, and branding. A member of the National Speakers Association, he is a professional coach and guest expert on TV, radio, and print, and was dubbed "the Personal Branding Instructor" by the San Francisco Examiner. Tom addressed National Association of Broadcasters' Conference 6 years running.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2012

About the author

Tom Marcoux helps people like you fulfill big dreams. Known as America's Communication Coach and TFG Thought Leader, Tom has authored 25 books and 21 audio programs with sales in 15 countries. One of his books rose to #1 on Amazon.com Hot New Releases in Business Life (and in Business Communication). He guides clients and audiences (IBM, Sun Microsystems, etc.) to success in job interviewing, public speaking, media relations, and branding. As a member of the National Speakers Association, he is a professional coach and guest expert on TV, radio, and print, and was dubbed "the Personal Branding Instructor" by the San Francisco Examiner. Tom addressed National Association of Broadcasters' Conference six years running. With a degree in psychology, Tom has guest lectured at Stanford University, DeAnza College, and California State University, and teaches public speaking, business communication and comparative religion at Academy of Art University. Using Tom's public speaking methods, one of his graduate students won the Charles Schwab Scholarship. Tom's innovative coaching includes Dynamic Rehearsal/Role-playing and Power Rehearsal for Crisis. He also guides clients with "The Charisma Advantage that Saves You Time." Winner of a special award at the Emmys, Tom wrote, directed, and produced a feature film that went to Cannes film market, where it gained international distribution. He is engaged in the graphic novels/feature film projects Jack AngelSword (fantasy-thriller); Crystal Pegasus (children's fantasy); and TimePulse (science fiction).