Pitchfests

[DTW]

Anyone had any experience with pitchfests? I'm specifically interested in the "Hollywood Filmmakers Conference & Power PitchFest" sponsored by fadeinonline.com.

[icerose]

I have a friend who attended and she had over 12 requests afterwards. I think it would be a fun experience, but I can't afford to go at the moment. Beyond that I have no idea. MTV films it, so find out the scheduling and watch it, that would give you a window into the event.

[Chesher Cat]

I stopped by the Great American Pitchfest at the Universal Sheraton to see a friend of mine who was with one of the companies "catching." I think that one might have been okay because all the pitchers participating were from out of town and wouldn't otherwise have access to LA companies to get an in-person pitch.

Personally, I would never pay to pitch - same as I would never pay to have an agency read my work. It just doesn't seem right.

[DTW]

ICEROSE / Chelshire, thanks so much for the feedback.

Have to admit I'm torn. As goofy as it may sound, I agree with both of you. On the one hand, it goes against my nature to pay to have someone read my script; on the other, it sure as hell seems like a great way to get before a captive audience. Danger there is "captive", I guess. Know it's PR, but the site notes many transactions taking place.
IR, how did your friend make out on the 12?

Wonder if a better path would be to post to Inktip?

[DTW]

Sorry, Chesher. Hate to get people's names wrong.

[icerose]

You are guaranteed a minimum of 12 meetings, then there is time to get in extras, she managed to get 20 and she had a razor sharp pitch and the script to back it up. Basically she was very prepared going in. Before hand you get a list of what they are looking for, then you reserve 12 and you get 7-12 minutes depending on the pitch fest to talk to the people about your work.

The paying also includes a pitching seminar that covers an entire day. So really the money is for the seminar and not the actual pitching, the pitching is a bonus to the seminar. (Or should I say incentive?) Which is hosted by A-listers and teach you how to pitch and the do's and don'ts as well as giving you an idea of what they are looking for, how to approach them, and what not.

[DTW]

Thanks for the clarification, Rose.

Believe I'm leaning towards attending. Even if I post on Inktip & get some interest, I'm still going to have pitch in some manner or other. The pitchfest looks like a quick way to get the dos and don'ts of the process.

We'll see. Thanks again. Really appreciate the feedback.