Pitch Perfect-Branding Film Phrases

Being in the entertainment industry you hear that film scripts are sold by the pitch, hook  or the sinker, well today I’m going to give you some personal pointers on how to make your “Pitch,” pitch perfect!

A pitch is what interest a potential buyer, seller, marketer or financier to your story! They are not interested in the full treatments they are interested in the hook! If you can sell them on the hook or the sinker of your story then the deal is in the bag. Many deals are done over paper napkins, in elevators, in taxies or anywhere where people are speaking about ideas/stories that work.

The film industry is not the only industry that has grasped the validity and value of a great pitch. These concepts have worked for marketers and major businesses for years. Marketers uses “Catch Phrases” or quick phrases that will catch your attention to buy a product they want to sell you. Ex. Just Do It (Nike), Bet You Can’t Eat Just One (Lays), Just For The Taste Of It (Diet Coke). These phrases has become so familiar that when we hear the catch phrase we automatically think of the brand of product that it derives from. Coming up with a pitch is similar to this same method. It’s the, “Film Phrase” or pitch banks at the boxoffice. Coming up with a perfect pitch takes practice. Follow theses steps and get your script noticed.

When you consider a story line you may start with a simple idea such as; A man in a tunnel. That’s a great start, now you must put a story around that line. Here’s an example.

1. A man in a tunnel. 2. The tunnel begins to leak water. 3. The man’s son appears in the tunnel 4. Precious jewels are found in the tunnel. 5. The man must decided between the life of his son or the rock that could prosper is life.

Now, looking at this example you have a lot of information. Now you must consider what is important and vital to the hook of this story. By breaking down these key points you will develop the “Film Phrase,” of your story.

“An errupting tunnel shakes a  man who must choose between his trapped son and a jewel that could change his life.” 

Now, with this condensed version of your story, people will get a clear message of the story, the plot, and are anticipating the outcome of the deciding choice.

These are the steps you must make to create your perfect pitch.

1. Create your main character

2. Place them in a dilemma

3. Create the challenge

4. Make an unpredictable outcome 

5. Write down key points of the story.

6. Develop a one line “Film Phrase” that will sale your story.

Please remember pitches are short versions of you story. The less the better and be creative and as innovative as you can regarding your story. People will take interest in your “Film Phrase” if you take the time to “Make It Great!”

By: Talia Moore/DT Productions

Silence Of The Blog Posting

When I write, I have to write for inspiration and from experience, or otherwise, I’m writing in vain.

When I think about passing on knowledge I first have to become the student. I must sit in the chair intently soaking in my mentors/teachers advice, study the content of my education and eventually pass the test. Well my firiends after doing much soul searching and examing myself I realize that what I added to this blog was not just information but an interpetation of lessons I wanted to learn, and wanted lessons I wanted to teach others so they would’nt have the struggle I did while trying to become a filmmaker.

Now I want to end my, “Silence Of The Blog Posting,” and give you my heart so that it will bring purpose in to your life.

Just a few short months ago I applied for the rights to create, “Return Of The Wiz,” as a feature film from Universal Studios. After many letters and faxes were exchanged they denied my rights to produce a sequel for this film. I had felt like a failure and just sank into depression. I stopped writing and didn’t answer calls from anyone and literally wanted to give it all up. I felt worthless, and that I had put so much time into my work that for me to come to this point and fail, was just tragic.

Just this last week I was examined my creative talents  and I prayed and cried, and shut down and listened, then I stopped and paused and said that I was just going to quit all together giving my heart to the craft of entertainment/film/stage. I screamed that I would just work my job and only work on one project at a time and that’s only when I had given it time.

Then I started reading the, “Purpose Driven Life,” (That’s A Great Book…Go Get It Now!) and it was speaking about burying my talents. That I was purpose to have talent in my life that could only be expressed by me in the time that is meant for me to express it. Only if I decide to give up will my talent will die and I will pass them on to someone else to carry out the purpose that I should have completed.

Just when I decided not to give up my talent, ideas, people and life started to move through my life again. I decided to rewrite, “Return Of The Wiz,” and make it my story of triumph and purpose. Also I will once again attempt to put on the production for, “Mamma Don’t Cry,” as well as possibly working with another screewriter to create a script writing business.

So, my fellow writers, directors, producers, agents, and entertainment workers. If you have come across hard times in this economy, or you have had rejection after rejection, or you have been deep in depression about your projects not working the way, “You” want then to work, Reject, Reflect, and Reset!

Reject-You have been rejected or neglected, or denied, accept this portion of your problem, this is the fuel you will need to turn things around. Accept Rejection it’s your weapon for success!

Reflect-Reflect on what steps you have taken and congratulate yourself. Think back on your beginnings and where you have come from, to where your perseverance and success has brought you now, now use that fuel to go forth into your true purpose. Purpose is not always success, but lessons learned.

Reset-Hit the reset button on your goals, remake yourself, renew your vows to your craft and start working. A restart is the fuel you need to become refocused and make clear minded sound decisions for your future. A restart is not a setback, but a set up for your destiny.

I thank you all for checking out my blog, and pray that you keep writing, or filming, or producing or what ever it is you do to bring a story to other who might not have otherwise heard the story. We need you to survive.

Talia Moore

DT Productions

Here’s My Restart

Who The Heck Is Talia Moore

Who The Heck Is This?

Well, most of you are familiar with DT Productions by now, and realize the information that is provided to you by our website. But who is the person behind this project we call, “DT Productions.” Well, to answer that questions, it’s Talia Moore. Talia is the founder of DT Productions and the master mind behind a wide variety of screen and stage plays that are listed on the new website, www.taliamoore.weebly.com.

In the future I would love to bring you a reference guide on how to go from script to screen. Most starting writers have no idea how to get started, what agents to call and who’s looking for their material. They are sending out thousand of query letters regarding their scripts with no return, and are frustrated that they are not getting called back.

Others want to take the leap to produce their own works and also don’t have a clue about press kits, executive statements, and production contracts. Please let me know the information you are looking for to start your career in the entertaiment industry. This process really should not be so complex, so if you have questions that need answers on your way to the TOP, please e-mail dtproductions.biz@gmail.com and let me know your fears, experience and stories about making your film, stage and TV production dreams come true.

Joe The Filmmaker Guide: Creating A Webisode

JOE THE FILMMAKERS GUIDE TO

HOW TO CREATE A WEBISODE

By: DT Productions Staff

A webisode is essentially a streaming television show that is broadcast over the internet. Like any, “Days of Our Lives,” or “As The World Turns,” people are interested in the on going saga in the lives of everyday people. With the use of YouTube or other streaming video sites you are able to construct a webisode that could be broadcast to millions on a daily basis.

Please follow these steps in order to create a successful webisode.

1. Create a reality pilot for your webisode.

Your pilot must be original, high conceptual content and current for today’s culture. The name of your webisode must also reflect the pitch and goal of your program.

2. Set the framework for your webisode.

You must answer the important questions when considering the construction of your show; Who are my guest? Who are my potential audience members? What is the overall theme of my webisode? What is the ultimate purpose of my webisode and how do I want my webisode to end? Plan out your first 10 webisodes from A-B with site details, character models, scene settings, and webisode events. Do your research on the topic/subject matter of your show and be sure to add an twist to your show to interest your audience.

3. Scout your cast and crew.

After your framework and research are completed scout for actors, or live participates who are willing to speak on camera about their experience relating to your webisode. The only crew you will need if any are; a sound assistant, a production assistant and yourself. Anything more then this is a feature film crew.

4. Create a website dedicated to your webisode.

Even though you have the networking sites like youtube and myspace, video is a product and it’s all about, “BRANDING,” with your webisode brand, people will be able to pick you out of a crowd instead of being a needle in a haystack. Working with a blog site that is attached to a domain name will give you better visibility. With the combination of key words, people will be able to find your webisode over those who are buried under the pile of other webisodes.

5.Proper Webisode Equipment.

The proper webisode equipment needed is; a professional video camera, proper lighting, body microphones for your guest, and/or hand held sound equipment. If your budget doesn’t fit professional film equipment in it, then using HD Digital camera equipment, sound equipment and proper lighting is appropriate. Using a webcam is not appropriate and can diminish your video quality.

6. Schedule your webisode.

Proper time scheduling will allow you to organize your webisode and give you the advantage of preparing need materials ahead of time so no video feed is wasted. Be sure to stay consistent with your viewing times, your viewing audience will love and appreciate you for this. Exp. Jack and Jills Webisode New Episode every Monday at 8:00pm.

7. Broadcast your webisode.

It may seem silly, but send out a press release when your webisode is ready to launch. Websites like PRweb allows you to upload free press releases and will give your new viewing audience a heads up to look forward to your coming show. There are other free press release sites that you can look up, make sure you take advange of them, you could get more viewers then you realize with this assistance. Produce a coming soon teaser trailer so that online viewers will also look forward to your up and coming webisode. Networking and marketing on; craiglist, myspace, twitter, facebook and other social networking sites won’t hurt either.

Once completely edited, upload your 15 minute webisode to your myspace or youtube channel and watch your viewers grow! Give them what they want to see and listen to their objections to any part of your webisode and be willing to change accordingly.

8. Unsuccessful Webisodes.

If your webisode is unsuccessful then go back to the drawing board, and do more research about the topics and information that others are seeking to view. Or, revise your current webisode that reflects a freshen updated version of the original.

9. Successful Webisodes.

Congratulations! You did it, now keep going, you are the next online, “As The Web Turns.”

For an live example of a live webisode please visit http://www.defineyourself.ca/webisodes.php

LOOK FOR MORE ADVICE FROM “JOE THE FILMMAKER.”

Next Column: How To Make A Successful Reality TV Pilot Sale Quickly

Joe The Filmmaker’s Guide: Feature Script In 10 Day

JOE THE FILMMAKER’S GUILD TO WRITING

A FEATURE FILM SCRIPT IN 10 DAYS

Written By: DT Productions Staff

The expression on your face tells it all, and your wondering? I’ve spent almost a year on my script! How in the world do you propose that I can complete a full script in 10 days? Well, the answer is simple, by using voice activated software or digital tape recorder. Of course you didn’t think you could fully write a full feature script in 10 days did you? You probably could but, you would need lots of coffee and clothes pins to keep your eyes open.

One of the widely used speech recognition software is Nuance, Naturally Speaking software. (www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking) With this software you can audiably speak and the software will write the script as you speak. This process is no walk in the park, it requires pre-planning and script organization. Please review the ten-day schedule to insure accuracy in completing the writing of your feature screenplay.

JOE THE FILMMAKER’S 10 DAY SCRIPT OUTLINE

(Use Index Cards For Note Organization)

Day 1

Brainstorm script idea.

Write synopsis/logline

Day 2

Create individual characters w/descriptions

Day 3

Write full film treatment

Day 4

Write 2 paragraph description of each Act (2 Beginning/2 Middle/2 End)

Day 5

Write scene headings by Act

Write 1 paragraph description per scene

Write action lines by scene

Day 6

Organize the order of your script notes from Day 4 & 5

Day 7

Improv Voice Record Act 1-2

Day 8

Improv Voice Record Act 3-4

Day 9

Improv Voice Record Act 5-6

Day 10

Complete full recording/record additions/script corrections

End of Day 10 Full 1st Draft of sound recorded script!

This is a fun creative way of writing your script. This process is very improvisational and allows your creative juices to flow as you speak forth your script. Don’t get us wrong, you will edit this form of script a few times before it’s complete, but completing your first draft will be a cinch! If you can’t afford voice recognition software then you can use a digital tape recorder and replay back and type your script as heard.

For more information about speech recognition software please search key words: dragon naturally speaking, naturally speaking, voice recognition software, speech automated software. These key words will help you find the software you need to get started.

FOR MORE ABOUT JOE THE FILMMAKER PLEASE STAY TUNED……

Joe The Filmmaker: Film Distribution The Cheap Way

SO WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF

WINNING A FILM DISTRIBUTION DEAL?

Written By: DT Production Staff

The truth is winning a Cannes or Sundance Film Festival are slim to none! We believe the only way we can make it into the big time film industry is if our film wins or places at film festivals. Film festivals are political and only consider a narrow range of film genres. Yes, this is a sure way to get a production deal but is it the ONLY way? No, there are hundreds of distribution outlets that independent film makers can take advantage of.

Websites like youtube, and myspace allow you to grow a network of viewers around your films to gain interest. This platform is free and is viewed my millions of video watchers per day all around the world. Websites like, Ning.com allows you to build a social network site so the viewers of your films can socially network and have full community discussions about your films.

Also, a low cost way to start your own online film distribution company is to use websites like; LuLu. com and creatspace.com, which allows you to have an inventory free publishing platform. Createspace especially is linked with Amazon.com and so you have immediate film distribution. Or you can do it the old fashion way, produce copies out of your damp basement with DVD burning equipment you bought off ebay and start churning and burning.

If you are going to take the path of independent film distributor then, please make sure your DVD prints are professional. Link with graphic artist to design your DVD cover print, contact your local printer office and contract a paper production deal to make X amount of copies of print for really cheap so that you can keep your cost low. Great printer companies have printing pressing machines where they can kick out thousands per minute, if they have choose that option, stay away from ink jet printing. If you don’t have much money you can slowly build up your inventory, and just like a hustler on the street sell your movie! You are your best asset! Music Moguls such as Jay Z and P. Miller started distributing their, “product,” out the trunk of their cars. If your film product is great, then your copies will fly out the trunk of your car.

Also, Network! Establish an account with LinkedIn and join groups that will help you grow as a professional. Give as much information as you can about yourself, because selling yourself is the same as selling your product.

THIS IS PART 1 OF FILM DISTRIBUTION THE CHEAP WAY..STAY TUNED FOR MORE TIPS AND ADVICE FROM JOE THE FILMMAKER!

Joe The Filmmakers Guide: From Script To Screen

FILM MAKERS PRE-PRODUCTION – PRODUCTION OUTLINE
Updated and Revised By: DT Productions of Upstate NY
Style Credit: Cinema Workshops

1. SCHEDULE PITCH.
A pre-meeting must be scheduled with the film studio, producer or director in interest of your pitch prior to the meeting at which you plan to deliver your pitch.

2. PITCH.
Members pitching a project must bring to the meeting:
a. A one-page synopsis of the story and an overview of the project containing as
many details as the filmmaker can provide about how he or she envisions the
project unfolding. Multiple copies should be provided.
b. A typed screenplay in standard format. One copy should be supplied for each
speaking part plus one for the narrator. More copies may be supplied if the
filmmaker wishes.

3. PROJECT GREEN LIGHT
If the project is greenlit, the filmmaker should hire a producer. The
filmmaker is also expected to meet with the film studio staff to pitch the full filming project.
* If the project is not greenlit, the filmmaker may choose to work on the script and
re-pitch, in which case the script will need to be rewritten, and once completed, reschedule another pre-meeting to pitch your story again.

4. HIRE PRODUCER.
If the filmmaker chooses, he or she may also produce their project. If they would
like help bringing all the elements together on a potentially complex project, he or
she should recruit a producer with notable credits of films he/she has produced.

5. PRE-PRODUCTION PAPERWORK
The producer should obtain a copy of the script from the filmmaker and work with
the director to complete the breakdown sheets, storyboards, budget outline, and
rough shooting schedule. If the producer would like to do any of the paperwork, he or she should meet with a film production consultant to insure all paperwork is filled out correctly.

6. CHOOSE DATES
Upon completion of pre-production preparations, the filmmaker will be expected
to meet with the film studio for approvals and to choose their shooting dates.

7. SCHEDULE EQUIPMENT RENTALS AND CREW.
Filming equipment rental and filming crew needs to be scheduled in advance for, product availability and cost preparation. You must also hire notable film crew members who’s availability coordinate with your production dates and time.

8. SHOOT.
Make sure a all site locations and permits are secured for shooting locations. A site hazard list and potential site complications should be noted and take into consideration reduce complications. A specified shooting time table must be constructed to reduce film cost and site availability restraints.

9. FILM PROJECT DEADLINES
The filmmaker is also expected to meet with the film studio’s deadlines. It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to provide updates on a regular basis. If a filmmaker misses a step the project could easy go from GREEN light to RED light which means your film can be canceled at any time. Organization and time keeping are essential in the process of productive film making.

10. DELIVERABLES
The filmmaker must insure that the film stock has been well maintained during filming and prepared for delivery. The film deliverables must be available for delivery on the specified ending film date for proper editing and final distribution.

Recession looms, Hollywood booms

HOLLYWOOD SEES INCREASE DURING HARD TIMES

LAS VEGAS – Hollywood thrives when the economy dives.

It was true during the Depression, when Americans scraped together nickels and dimes for an escape to the movies. And as the prospect of another recession looms, studio executives say this time is no different.

As evidence mounts that people are tightening up on other expenses, movie attendance this year has been running ahead of 2007 numbers – welcome news at ShoWest, the annual convention of theater owners that opens here today.

Domestic box-office revenue went up in five of the past seven recession years dating to the 1960s, according to research compiled by the National Association of Theatre Owners.

While budget-conscious consumers in today’s economic downturn may hold off buying that 50-inch plasma television, “it seems they can always pull together the money to go to the movies,” film historian and critic Leonard Maltin said. “They’re not making a monthly commitment or a down payment. They’re just shelling out the 10 bucks.”

Economists are still debating whether the U.S. economy is headed for recession – or already in one – but closely watched indicators have been bleak, with employers shedding jobs and consumers reeling from high gas prices and tight credit.

Meanwhile, Hollywood is more than holding its own, with revenue running 4 percent ahead of last year’s, according to box-office tracker Media By Numbers.

Factoring in higher admission prices, attendance was up 7 percent over last year as of a few weeks ago, before the arrival of a few box-office duds, including the Will Ferrell comedy “Semi-Pro.” Attendance has since fallen back to a gain of 0.5 percent.

Though virtually everyone gripes about the cost of snacks at concession stands, the average movie ticket price last year was $6.88 – cheaper than sporting events, concerts or a night out bowling.

“Most people would believe that offers a very good value. It’s certainly much cheaper than a psychiatrist,” said Dan Glickman, who heads the Motion Picture Association of America, Hollywood’s top trade group. “To go into a darkened room where nobody can find you for two hours is great therapy, particularly when times are bad.”

Since the Depression of the 1930s, when a quarter or less could buy a full day’s entertainment at a theater, movies have been a refuge for the cash-strapped – as a place to forget about everyday troubles and a way to stretch tight household budgets.

Amid America’s longest and bleakest economic bust in the 1930s, movie attendance tumbled initially as investment money for films dried up. But in the heart of the Depression from the early to late 1930s, attendance shot up.

While detailed box-office figures were not released back then as they are today, as many as 4.6 billion movie tickets a year were sold in the 1930s – three times more than in 2002, the best year of modern times. And the U.S. population during the Depression was less than half of today’s 300 million.

But for all the technological improvements, the basic lure of movies is the same as it was in the Depression – the chance to get away. And that may be especially powerful in a time when economic woes are heavy on Americans’ minds.

“It’s escape from everything,” Maltin said. “It’s a chance to, like all those song lyrics, ‘forget your troubles, come on get happy.’ ”

Agent and Agency List

Any one seeking an agent should first write or telephone the agency and find out whether or not your a good match. Each agency specializes in representing certain types of material. Some agencies have specialized divisions. You should briefly — very briefly! — detail your background and describe your material. The agency will let you know whether or not it is interested in the material and to whom you should send it.

Most agencies, as a courtesy to writers, will return material sent to them if a self-addressed stamped envelope accompanies the submission. However, if you’re submission is not returned for any reason, you should know that the agency has no obligation to do so.

Which is why we strongly recommend that you register your script before sending it to anyone.

More Movie Mogul Tips

Source: Movie Making Marketing

Success in Hollywood lurks beyond luck and beyond networking in a magical black box. Demo reels show instead of tell — and that’s the secret to success on-screen and off. The digital world has made it possible to make a demo reel happen in a new way — your way. Breaking into Hollywood is daunting, even for experienced pros who have relocated from other intense media cultures.

Self Starters Win the Roles

Gather a group of talented, hand picked people around you to accomplish a specific goal — a shared reel. Making a reel can be an overwhelmingly complex, slow system of getting a reel together, as well as the high cost.

Improv techniques focus on producing art in the moment, and it bounces off the other members of the team. Performance comes out of what the audience sees, not what you plan to do.” Get your team together and interact. Share knowledge and talent to create a piece that fits all your needs.”

Launching a Cooperative Group

Gather people you know, and people they know who want to work on specific scenes. A lot of people are eager to work, so put them together to create an improv situation.

The idea is really simple —– you all need scenes for your reels. Scenes that look like they’’re out of a teleplay or feature film. Scenes that fit criteria for exactly what each person needs to show off their skills in the best possible light.

And low cost.

By gathering together an informal group who also needs to accomplish a very precise objective —– 60 second demos with high production value. Gather together a complete volunteer, mini-team for a mini-project.

This one-day shoot can produce one or more 60-second clips set in the same location.

By including scriptwriters who can write scenes to meet the volunteers needs — and a couple specs for people to sign onto — you can maximize efficiency of time onset.

Independent filmmaking with volunteer crews is notorious for no-shows. Qualify the people who are invited. Focus on results. Keep it informal and friendly. Keep costs down — way down. Keep quality high — feature level. Self-interest is the strongest motivator there is.

The trick is to bring together people who can help one another at the same time they have something valuable to gain

The goal is for every member to add a piece to their demo reel within weeks — if not a couple months. Then all the participants can take the next step in their careers.”

With the cost of technology going down, it’s possible for home-based creatives to shoot, edit and duplicate these scenes with very high production quality.

A truly professional group is more productive than volunteering for student-run projects. For several reasons — student films are longer, and production spans several months. Students aren’t accomplished at production — or business. Things get lost in the cracks — like your footage!

Having the right director for a scene is crucial — so make sure you include professional directors who want footage for their own reel. Directors frequently want to show they can cross over to a new genre, or work with a specific kind of actor or script. They can be as motivated as actors! And often are more organized and results driven. And that motivation and skill is what you need leading a project.

“When everyone is self centered, self motivated — doing it for self — you can depend on people being there for themselves more than for those who are just being nice. You can trust selfish people more than nice people.

Everyone who has been involved in projects with no or low budgets knows you have to ask for twice the crew because half will ditch at the last minute. You might have to turn down 50% of the volunteers for a shoot as you select the team who has something tangible to gain from the project.