Screenwriting Myths & Facts: Part 11

True or False

1. The reaction you want when you’re pitching is “Why didn’t I think of that idea?”

   True.

2. The title of your material is not important

   False. The title is the link to your story and what they remember you by.

3. During a pitch session, if you’re asked if you have a treatment on your story, you should say yes even if you don’t have one

   That’s true. Say yes, go home, write one and get it back to them immediately.

4. Good dialogue should say exactly what’s on a character’s mind

   That’s false. It should be communicated in subtext and not be “on the nose”.

5. The order of your pitch should be: Title, Genre, Logline

   That's true.

6. Granting a free option on your material is a good deal for a new writer

   False. Never give a free option. You should receive a few thousand dollars as a show of good faith.

7. “Hip pocket representation” means that an agent or manager isn’t taking you on as a full time client but on a project by project basis

   True.

8. Most writers have representation and are happy with their agent

   False. Just the opposite is true on both counts.

9. It’s a waste of time to keep rejection slips

   False. They start the paper trail in case of theft of material.

10. You need a contrast of writing styles with your writing partner

    False. Your styles better be similar or you’re both in trouble.

About Steve Kaire

Steve Kaire is a screenwriter and "Pitchman" who has sold 8 projects to the major studios without representation. The last project he sold, he’s Co-Producing for Walden Media. A screenwriter for over 30 years, he holds a Masters in Dramatic Writing and has taught writing classes at the American Film Institute. Steve was featured on the Tonight Show’s, "Pitching to America" and was voted a Star Speaker at Screenwriters Expo three years in a row. His unique CD & Ebook, "High Concept - How to Create, Pitch & Sell to Hollywood" is a best seller. His website is: HighConceptScreenwriting.com.