I've been writing for the screen since 1999. I moved from Seattle to Hollywood in November of 2004. Three of my five screenplays are making the rounds.
My latest comedy, FALSE SECURITY, took 2nd place in the WriteSafe.com contest for the third quarter of 2005.
I wrote, produced, and directed a short film titled, Memoir.
I gained representation as a screenwriter in 2006.

davidcdanielATgmail.coµ

Link: The Great American Pitch Fest 4

I didn't plan on going. I got email Wednesday night asking for volunteers starting Friday to help over the weekend. I'm still not sure why I agreed to volunteer. I'm not one who jumps at chances to volunteer and especially not to assist a for-profit convention in Universal City.

Curiosity was a big factor. I felt like I had to get off my numb ass and at least see what those Canadian organizers were up to. I was also curious to meet some of my fellow screenwriters and the Biz folken who would hear their stories. I wanted a reality check. I thought maybe I might pitch a screenplay or two.

- The Pitchers -

In three days I interacted with more writers than I have in my whole life. There were over 400 attending the fest. They came from all over the U.S. and Canada. I met a few from Australia. The age-range was significant. One was a 10-year-old girl there to pitch a comedy. Another was a man in his eighties. Most were friendly, considerate, and energetic. A few were complete assholes.

The average IQ of the writer attendees was well above the median. I expected that so maybe I'm biased. Same goes for the average level of neurosis: definitely off the the proverbial shoulder of the metaphoric curve. Bear in mind however that this group contains mostly people who aren't gregarious by nature. For many attendees it was the social equivalent of drinking from a fire hydrant.

I didn't expect as many women to attend. My rough guess from working the pitch floor on Sunday: about 50%.

The average age was significantly higher than expected. My rough guess: 30-35.

Most were non-smokers.

- The Batters -

There were many late additions to the roster bringing the total to nearly 100 prodcos and agencies/managers on the floor by 10:00 a.m. Sunday.

Most prodcos sent actual working execs. Maybe 30% were proxies from the lower ranks.

Most were friendly, considerate, and energetic. A few were complete assholes.

Most were non-smokers.

I spoke with an exec from IFC/MFilm Sunday afternoon. I asked him if he was hearing good pitches. He said he'd heard many. I remarked that writers aren't always "good in the room," and bless his heart he said he never holds that against a writer--he doesn't expect one to be comfortable in that kind of meeting. I don't know if his attitude is common among execs.

Several first-timers told me they were very impressed with the event. I can only imagine what they expected--something akin to an epic fuster cluck I bet--hey, it's Hollywood after all: a town where too many clichés are all too true.

- Me -

Yes, I pitched some scripts. I concentrated on prodcos looking for comedies--I have two gathering dust and would love to know if either one or both are anything more than brass-bradded doorstops.

I'm happy to report that I got actual laughs several times while relating the antics of Kitty and Dr. Will, and Luther Wyatt's crazy crew's plan to steal gold. I also pitched FEAR OF THUNDER a couple times and got some genuine-seeming interest.

No one's called me to make a preemptive purchase so far, but those execs were pretty burned out by Sunday afternoon. I probably won't hear anything until later in the week--they need some time to recover.

I was mostly friendly, considerate, and energetic. A few times I was a complete asshole.

I smoked more than usual.

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