Answers

Why should I sign up for VirtualPitchFest.com?
VirtualPitchFest.com is an affordable and convenient way to pitch your scripts to Hollywood Producers, Managers, and Agents. It offers you a chance to pitch your projects via query letters to Producers, Managers, and Agents who are actively seeking projects! VirtualPitchFest.com is easy for both you and the Industry Pro as you can pitch and they can respond via the Internet. VirtualPitchFest expands your ability to make connections with Hollywood VIP's and reduces the need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on travel, lodging, and screenwriting conference fees.

How does VirtualPitchFest.com work?
VirtualPitchFest.com works in the same way as a live Pitch Fest, except that everything is done on-line. All you need is the Internet. Once you subscribe, you can submit your pitches to the Industry Pros of your choice. You can literally pitch to Hollywood VIP's from the comfort of your home or office. To check out our cool Demo, please click here.

How do I subscribe?
You can sign up for either the Standard Package or the VIP Package. With the Standard Package you get to submit 5 query letters for $50.00. With the VIP Package you get to submit 10 query letters for $90.00, plus ScriptCoach will edit one of your letters for free. For more information on ScriptCoach, please visit www.ScriptCoach.com. Payment for VirtualPitchFest.com can be made on our site through PayPal. We accept all major credit cards. You do not have to be a PayPal member and you do not have to sign up for a PayPal account.

How do I pay for VirtualPitchFest.com?
Payment is easy. Once you subscribe, you will directed to PayPal which will accept your payments. We accept all major credit cards. You do not have to be a PayPal member and you do not have to sign up for a PayPal account.

How many query letters can I send for the Standard Package?
With the Standard Package, you get 5 submissions for $50.00. You can send the same letter to 5 different Industry Pros, or you can send up to 5 letters to multiple Pros. It's your choice and it all depends upon your needs.

How many query letters can I send for the VIP Package?
With the VIP Package, you get 10 submissions for $90.00. You can send the same letter to 10 different Industry Pros, or you can send up to 10 letters to multiple Pros. It's your choice and it all depends upon your needs. With the VIP Package you are also entitled to have one of your letters edited by ScriptCoach. For more information on this, please log on to www.ScriptCoach.com.

Can I continue to buy more pitches after I have exhausted the ones already paid for?
Yes. Once you have registered for either the Standard or the VIP Package you can elect to purchase another package or you can purchase our "2 pitches for $20.00 deal." This package is available only after you have signed up for either the Standard or the VIP Package.

Who manages VirtualPitchFest.com?
David Kohner Zuckerman and his Staff at ScriptCoach manage VirtualPitchFest.com. To find out more about David and ScriptCoach, log on to www.ScriptCoach.com.

What is ScriptCoach?
ScriptCoach is a screenwriting consulting firm headed by Writer, Producer, and Development Expert David Kohner Zuckerman. ScriptCoach assists and supports writers. For more information on ScriptCoach, please log on to www.ScriptCoach.com.

Who can I talk to if I have any questions, comments or problems with VirtualPitchFest?
For questions, comments or problems, please email us at info@virtualpitchfest.com. You can also call us at (310) 459-5196.

What is a “Query Letter”?
A query letter is a written pitch - a "one-page sell letter." The purpose of the query letter is to get an Industry Pro interested in your project so that he or she wants to read it. For an example of a good query letter, click here.

Is a query letter the same as a “pitch”?
Yes. There are two basic ways to pitch your projects to Hollywood. One is with a verbal pitch, and the other is with a written query letter. Both the verbal pitch and the written query letter have the same purpose — to get someone important to read the script you are pitching.

Can I get help in writing my query letters?
Yes. With the VIP Package, ScriptCoach will edit one of your query letters for free. For more information about ScriptCoach, please visit www.ScriptCoach.com. It is a often a good idea have someone such as an Industry Professional or colleague read your letter before you submit it so you can get some honest feedback on it before you send it off.

What constitutes a good query letter?
For an example of a good query letter, click here. A really great pitch should be both brief and exciting. It should clearly explain the general story concept as well as the project's genre (Action, Comedy, Action-Comedy, Romantic-Comedy, Thriller, Horror, etc.)

Should I include my resume and bio with my query letters?
Yes and No. Your VirtualPitchFest.com query letters can be no more than one page in length, so you don't have much time to write about yourself. However, if you have won screenwriting awards, or if the script you are pitching has received good marks at a screenwriting contest, these would probably be worth mentioning. For an example of a good query letter, please click here.

Can I send the same query letter to every Industry Pro?
Yes - if you so choose you can send one letter to all of your Pros. However, VirtualPitchFest.com allows you to send either 5 or 10 query letters, so you could in theory submit 5 or 10 different letters to 5 or 10 different Pros depending upon which package you choose.

Can I submit one query letter?
Yes. If you so choose, you can send one letter to all of your Pros. However, in theory, you can also submit 5 or 10 different letters to 5 or 10 different Pros, depending upon which package you choose.

How do I know which Industry Pros to query?
It is a good idea to research your Industry Pros so that you know what type of material they are seeking.

How long will it take for the Industry Pros to respond back to my query letters?
Your Industry Pros will respond back to your queries within 5 days of submission. You can track their responses through your personal VirtualPitchFest.com account.

Can I contact an Industry pro directly?
Yes! If your Industry Pros want to read your project they will let you know how to contact them directly and/or how to send them your script! You can view their responses to your pitches through your personal VirtualPitchFest.com account.

What does the Industry Pro response form look like?
Click here for a sample Industry Pro response form.

Do you always have the same Industry Pros participating?
Yes and No. New Industry Pros are added weekly!

How long does my membership last?
Your membership only expires once you have submitted all of your pitches. You get 5 query letters for the Standard Package ($50.00), and 10 query letters for the VIP Package ($90.00).

What is a Producer?
A Producer is someone who shepherds a project from the initial stages of development to its release. Production companies find material and then try to sell it to the Major Studios.

What is a Manager?
A Manager is someone who represents Writers to Buyers such as Producers and Studios. A Manager can also help you find an Agent. Typically Managers will receive a 15% commission from their clients. Many Writers have both a Manager and an Agent. Managers can also be Producers, if, for example, they help to package projects with a star or a Director.

What is an Agent?
An Agent is someone who represents Writers to Buyers such as Producers and Studios. Agents typically take a 10% commission from their clients. Agents may not be Producers

How can I register my idea?
You may not legally protect an idea, nor can you pitch just an idea or concept via VirtualPitchFest.com. You can protect screenplays by copyright with the US Copyright Office and by registering them with the Writers Guild of America. (WGA) Both of these processes are affordable and can be done online. We highly recommend you do this, not because we have had instances of copyright infringement, but because it makes you look professional.

How can I copyright my idea?
You may not legally protect an idea, nor can you pitch just an idea or concept via VirtualPitchFest.com. You can protect screenplays via copyright with the US Copyright Office and by registering them with the Writers Guild of America. (WGA) Both are affordable and can be done online. We highly recommend you do this, not because we have had instances of copyright infringement, but because it makes you look professional.

How can I register my script?
You can protect screenplays by copyright with the US Copyright Office and by registering with the Writers Guild of America. (WGA) Both are affordable and can be done on-line.

How can I copyright my script?
You can protect screenplays by copyright with the US Copyright Office. This is fairly cheap and can be done online.

What happens after I submit my screenplay to an Industry Pro?
If an Industry Pros wants to see one of your projects, he or she will let you know how to send them through your script. They will let you know this in their response form which you can view on-line on your personal VirtualPitchFest.com account. Each Industry Pro will have different submissions guidelines and procedures. Traditionally it takes one month or so before you can expect a response back once your actual script has been submitted.

What is an option agreement?
An option agreement is a binding legal document between a Producer and a Writer that allows the Producer to try and make the Writer's movie. The agreement allows the Producer exclusive rights to your project. Typically option agreements have a specified amount of time involved such as one or two years. Producers sometimes pay the Writer a fee for options and sometimes they don't. However, there are usually terms in the agreement that specify issues of credit and fees once the project is set-up. If you would like more information on option agreements, we recommend that you contact an Entertainment Attorney. If you need a referral, please email us at info@virtualpitchfest.com. We'd be happy to help.

Do I need an Attorney, Agent, or Manager if an Industry pro wants to option my script?
It is a good idea, but obviously not a requirement to have a professional on your side look over any agreement you are asked to sign. If you need a referral for someone who can help you out, please email us at info@virtualpitchfest.com . We'd be happy to help.

If my screenplay does get optioned through the VirtualPitchFest.com, am I under any obligation to VirtualPitchFest.com or ScriptCoach?
No. If an Industry Pro desires to represent you or wants to option or produce your projects, you have absolutely no obligation to either VirtualPitchFest.com or to ScriptCoach. We are here to help you further your career and make your goals a reality!

How can I increase my chances of having my script read by my Industry Pros?
If you are pitching to a Producer or Production Company, it is a good idea to do some research on what kind of movies your Pros have produced and what kind of projects they are currently seeking. Managers and Agents might also be looking for specific material. Also, a good query letter greatly increases your chances of getting a positive response from your Industry Pros. For an example of a good query letter, click here.