Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my Pro doesn’t respond on time?
VPF participating Pros have 5 business days to answer each pitch, and if you don’t receive an answer within that time frame, we’ll grant you a free replacement pitch.
If my screenplay does get optioned/sold via VPF, am I under any obligation to VPF?
No, you’d have absolutely no commitment to either VPF or ScriptCoach. We are here to help you further your career and make your goals a reality!
Do you always have the same Pros participating?
New Pros are added weekly and the vast majority of Pros participate for years!
My Pro responded very quickly, are responses automated?
If Pros happen to be online when they receive an automatic email notification that they’ve been pitched, they simply go to their account, read the pitch, and respond. In actuality, sometimes the whole process takes just a few minutes. Rest assured, there’s absolutely no way that Pros can automate their responses. When receiving a pitch, a Pro must 1) go to her account and click on the query letter’s title to open and read it, 2) click either “Yes” or “No thanks,” and 3) go to a new page, where if passing, they must give a reason, as in the example here. Also, please know our Pros are genuinely looking for that next great script or writer and are sincerely looking for material.
I’m having trouble signing up.
- Make sure your “Username” is one word with no spaces, and at least 6 characters long. Also, your Username must be created with letters and numbers as the system will not accept special characters, e.g., dollar or percent signs
- Make sure your “Password” is just one word with no spaces, and at least 6 characters long. Also, your Password must be created with letters and numbers, as the system will not accept special characters, e.g., dollar or percent signs
-Try refreshing the page, and if that doesn’t work, open up a new browser and/or restart your computer
Why can’t I find a certain Pro on the “Our Pros” page?
If a Pro isn’t listed on this page, he or she is on temporary hiatus, has moved companies, or can no longer participate for some other reason.
Can I pitch a treatment?
Yes, you can pitch a treatment. That being said, we think it’s always best to pitch a completed script as that’s what Pros are usually in the market for. In other words, Pros generally want to see a great idea PLUS its excellent execution.
Why did my Pro pass even though he’s looking for my script’s genre?
We’re sorry it seems like your Pro’s “Currently Seeking” listing is inaccurate or misleading because they’ve responded with something like “Not interested in the subject matter.” We understand how this can be misinterpreted, and will try to clarify. Firstly, Pros respond to pitches by clicking on either “Yes,” or “No, thanks.” Then, if passing, Pros must also check off an answer that best describes their reasoning, as shown here. Also, when a Pro’s uninterested in your script’s subject matter, it’s not the same as not liking your script’s particular genre. For example, someone might prefer the story in “The Hangover” to that of the one in “Guilt Trip,” even though they’re both comedies.
How frequently do you update your Pro listings?
All of our listings should be current, but if you have a question about one, please free to contact us.
Can you recommend a Pro for me to pitch?
As we have so many Pros, it’s very hard to individually recommend one over another. That being said, we’ve tried to make it easier for writers to research each company by listing their recent credits and current needs. To view this information, please check out the “Our Pros” page.
How long should I wait before contacting a Pro about a script request?
This is a great question, and one that confounds even seasoned writers. Generally speaking, we recommend sending a follow-up email around 3 weeks after submitting your requested material and then waiting for a reply back. If you haven’t received a response back to your email, it’s usually because of one of the following reasons:
- The Pro doesn’t want to move forward with the script
- The Pro hasn’t read the script yet
We think there are some excellent articles about this topic on our “Blog” page.
Why should I sign up for VPF?
VPF 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 Pros who are actively seeking projects. Also, VPF is easy for both you and the Pros as the process is all done online. Additionally, VPF expands your ability to make connections with Hollywood VIPs and reduces the need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on travel, lodging, and screenwriting conference fees.
How does VPF work?
VPF works in the same way as a live Pitch Fest, except that everything is done online, like a dating site. All you need is the Internet. For more information, please see the “Sample Query Letters” and “Sample Pro Responses” pages.
How do I subscribe?
You can sign up for either the Standard or VIP Package. With the Standard Package you can submit 5 query letters for $50.00, and with the VIP Package, you can send 10 query letters for $90.00, PLUS ScriptCoach will edit one of your letters for free.
How do I pay for VPF?
Once you subscribe, you can pay via PayPal which accepts bank account debits and credit cards, even if you’re not a PayPal member.
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 Pros, or you can send up to 5 letters to multiple Pros.
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 Pros, or you can send up to 10 letters to multiple Pros. The VIP Package also entitles you to a free query letter edit.
Can I continue to buy more pitches after I’ve exhausted the ones already paid for?
Yes, once you’ve purchased a Standard or VIP Package you can then elect to purchase more packages.
Who manages VPF?
ScriptCoach’s David Kohner Zuckerman and his staff manage VPF.
What is ScriptCoach?
ScriptCoach is a screenwriting consulting firm headed by Writer, Producer, and Development Expert David Kohner Zuckerman. Please logon to ScriptCoach for more information.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
For any questions or comments, please email info@virtualpitchfest.com or call 310-459-5196.
What is a “Query Letter”?
A query letter is a written pitch. The purpose of a query letter is to get the reader to request your script. Please click here for examples of good query letters.
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’re pitching.
Can I get help with writing my query letters?
Yes, if you purchase a VIP Package, ScriptCoach will edit one of your query letters for free.
How do I know which Pros to query?
We recommend researching what Pros are looking for before pitching them.
How long will it take for a Pro to respond to my query letter?
Pros respond back to all query letters within 5 business days. If not, you get a free, replacement pitch.
Can I contact a Pro directly?
If a Pro wants to read your script they’ll let you know how to contact them and/or how to send them your script.
What does a Pro response look like?
Click here for a sample Pro response form.
How long does my membership last?
Your membership only expires once you’ve 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’s a Producer?
A Producer is someone who shepherds a project from its initial stages of development to its release. Generally speaking, after Production Companies find material they try to sell it to a Major Studio.
What’s 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 and many Writers have both a Manager and an Agent.
What’s 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. Also, unlike Managers, Agents are prohibited by law from being Producers.
How can I register my idea?
You can’t legally protect an idea, nor can you pitch just an idea or concept via VPF. You can protect screenplays by copyright with the US Copyright Office and by registering them with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). We highly recommend you do this, not because we’ve had instances of copyright infringement, but because it makes you look professional.
How can I copyright my idea?
You can’t legally protect an idea, nor can you pitch just an idea or concept via VPF. You can protect screenplays via copyright with the US Copyright Office and by registering them with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). We highly recommend you do this, not because we’ve had instances of copyright infringement, but because it makes you look professional.
How can I register my script?
You can protect your screenplays by copyright with the US Copyright Office and by registering them with the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
How can I copyright my script?
You can protect screenplays by copyright with the US Copyright Office.
What’s 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 usually allows the Producer exclusive rights to a project, has a time limit, and specifies issues of credit and fees.
Agree to Terms and Conditions
CONSUMER DATA PRIVACY POLICY: When you subscribe to participate in VirtualPitchFest.com (VPF) our form requires your personally identifiable contact information such as your name, telephone number, and e-mail address. By filling in this form, you are consenting to our collecting the personally identifying information so as to properly fulfill our very limited and specific purpose of ensuring that you are subscribed to participate in VPF. VPF acknowledges your trust and is committed to protecting the information you provide us. To prevent unauthorized access, maintain accuracy, and ensure proper use of your personal information, we have employed physical, electronic, and managerial processes to safeguard and secure the information we collect online. We do not sell, rent, or share any of this information for any other purpose, other than noted below.
DISCLAIMERS OF LIAIBLITY: VPF is not responsible or liable to you as a Registrant, for: a. any harassing, defamatory, illegal or improper conduct or remarks by our Industry Pros (IP) or for any infringement of intellectual property rights by the IP; b. any infringement of your intellectual property rights by the IP, agents, employees, representatives of VPF, or any other participants of VPF; or; c. any interaction or dealings between you as a Participant and the IP, or any other Participant of VPF during your time as a member of VPF or at any other time. VPF is designed to assist writers in connecting with Industry Pros. If an Industry Pro requests one of your projects, he or she will have their own submission policies, for which VPF has no control over.
GOVERNING LAW: This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of California (USA), without regard to conflicts of law principles. You agree to initiate and maintain legal action is such designated locale and irrevocably consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue therein. You are responsible for complying with your own local laws, which may vary with respect to certain activities or people, e.g. minors. You agree that Courts in California can hear cases involving copyright or trademark issues. Since we make no warranties and have limited our liabilities, you should have little reason to have a grievance with us. Should you nevertheless bring legal action against us, you irrevocably agree it will be brought and maintained within one (1) year after the claim arises or be barred. As disincentive for unwarranted litigation, you agree that if you sue us and do not win on the merits, you will pay our defense costs, including reasonable legal fees for in-house and outside counsel. If we are required to enforce this Agreement or our rights, you agree it is reasonable to send you legal notices and papers by electronic mail at your stated address (we would also attempt to send you a backup copy by regular mail).
DISCLAIMER: No obligation of any kind is assumed or may be implied against VPF's participating Pros and/or companies, either as a result of this Agreement, and/or registrant's submission of pitches and/or any other material. It is understood that VPF and its participating Pros and companies have access to and/or may create or have created literary materials and ideas which may be similar to your pitches and/or the projects they represent in theme, idea, plot, format or other respects. Registrant will not be entitled to any compensation or consideration because of the use of any such similar material that may have been independently created by a participating Industry Pro and/or company or that may have come to a participating Industry Pro and/or company from any independent source. The Industry Pro participating in VPF as indicated on our website, have indicated their willingness to participate as participating Industry Pro for VPF. In the event that such Industry Pro are delayed, cancel their participation with or without notice, or are unable to participate for any reason, VPF, though not accountable for such actions, will make every attempt to contact said Industry Pro, and endeavors to substitute the Industry Pro with a suitable and comparable replacement. If a suitable Industry Pro cannot be found and agreed to by you, VPF will refund the value or comp the value of that particular pitch fee.