The Best Way to Pitch Your Project to Netflix or Amazon (by Richard Botto)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
- Stage 32 founder and CEO Richard "RB" Botto is a working screenwriter in the industry, and from a free webinar he hosts on the platform called, "Ask Me Anything," Richard shares his professional wisdom with other writers and filmmakers.
Here, he answers the question, "What is the best way to pitch my project to Netflix or Amazon?" It's not so simple, as RB breaks down in this short video.
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Look at all the shows that get cancelled every year. Do you think the gate keepers know what people are going to love? So don't give up on your show idea.
Never give up! Always keep pushing for the dream and that idea you love! Thank you for sharing Franco
That is sum powerful stuff bro
I will not I’ve been writing scripts since I was 15 I’m 33 right now still writing trying my best get myself out there
I'll go one further, at risk of alienating myself from the "Industry" ... No one really "knows" what's going to resonate/work for certain. By going back to the "Creative Well" of known quantities, one can hedge their bets. However, the trend w/many Streamers appear to be playing it safe, Vs. taking risks on newer talent. The Streamers have thrown too much "stuff" up against the wall, hoping it will stick w/viewers. It's called diminishing returns, and the now mature Streamers have hit their threshold.
I will
So basically he is saying you have to prove yourself first.
or know someone, or know someone who knows someone.
But 90% of the netflix shows that this system is deeply flawed.
A novel concept, but this means thinking/acting independently, which is antithetical to the tight cabals which predominate the show biz/entertainment industry.
The last five minutes is the most important. Go to a agency first, get them to make the phone call to Netflix.
Hahaha NO. The first part of the video is what's relevant for you and most people: YOU'RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH. DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB. GIVE UP. You're welcome.
I always appreciate the Truth, RB, and you empower us with it every video!
There are A LOT of people that really need to hear this absolute killjoy of a speech.
Love listening to this guy; no bullshit! No, "Oh, if you've got an amazing script, you're gonna get a meeting" crap. This is the honesty writers need to know, the bad writers but especially the good. I'm not a writer, I'm a cameraman, and I had to go backwards before I went forwards; nothing's easy, not in this industry, regardless of position. So good luck you writer's and listen to this dude (ignore me).
Sensible commonsense advice. Thanks for taking the time to share it.
Excellent content as always RB. Grateful for you and all you do. 👍🏼👍🏼
Great answer. And to add to that, forget going in there, make them come to you, after you write a best seller that can't be ignored. And to do that, work hard, live life, and be patient.
Great insight, RB. Thanks for sharing that straight up, honest look at what is involved with Netflix and Amazon taking on new shows. It definitely makes you think about what is special about your project. And especially how to take away every reason for them to say "No" to you.
When he said "You're taking away reasons" I actually, instead view it as: You're taking away responsibilities for top brass and handling things they'd have to handle anyway. Thus streamlining the process.
Yes! - If you have 3 million subscribers on social media - Someone may open a door or consider you for a project...
WEXUSdotCom you so right. That’s why I’m bout to go crazy with the purchase of ads
It’s so weird because someone like me who has taught every grade for 32 years has been a assistant principal dean family liaison for a huge public school systems and comes up with an amazing kids show will never get it produced. Everything is who you know and being at the right place at the right time. I just gave up and now I just concentrate on my body and exercise.
Great advice as always RB! We are finally finally getting our Pilot Episode done for "The High Five" and this advice is very timely! Cheers!
Keep after it! Wishing you luck on the pilot! Make sure to follow RB at instagram.com/rbwalksintoabar/
Did you get to pitch it?
How did you get on?
I had it all, the perfect life. white picket fence, beautiful wife, good job... Then an accident at work left me with a traumatic brain injury. my behavior changed. i lost it all, the job, the wife, the house, my freedom. i was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to the most corrupt, violent and underfunded mental institution in the country. It took me eight years to crawl out of hell. I'm free, Learning to live again. I don't think i would sell my story but i would like to tell it,
Wow John, that is quite a story. If you would ever like help formulating your full narrative, or putting your story into a screenplay don't hesitate to email our Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch, at j.mirch@stage32.com
Great story, tell it‼️
I hope your story got through
great advice I'm pitching tomorrow morning
How’d it go
The president of company has the virus so project is on hold. Regardless im still conducting interviews on our channel.
@Alivia thanks my friend
Always so insightful
This is really powerful and straight to the point. Thank You
Of course! We are always happy to help! We have tons more great educational/inspirational resources for entertainment industry creatives and professionals at www.stage32.com
This was exciting to watch, I can't wait for more people to hear about what I have that's valuable.
If there's an easiest enough way to connect with anyone online I would do that however I am working on connecting with someone locally too.
Great tips RB! Thanks for the post!
This has to be the best video on TH-cam hands down that is speaking about this context!!! Outstanding job!! All of this is true.
Thank you SO much Essence! We are so happy to educate and inspire! RB is doing that everyday, you can get more great information & inspirations from him on Instagram @rbwalksintoabar
instagram.com/rbwalksintoabar/
thank you for sharing!
No problem 😊
Awesome insights - thank you RB!
Im 14, I'm only 14 years old but I know that this dream is worth chasing and I have so much confidence in this idea. I've already started emailing/dm'ing producers and directors to get behind my show idea. Hopefully it becomes something. Hopefully I'm not just stupidly wasting my time
It's not a waste of time if you're passionate about it. Make sure your pitch is down pact though!
Has any of them reached out yet?
Hey, any update? How did it go?
In the words of Quinton Tarintino: when you drop dynamite In someone's lap, it doesnt matter who it is, they pay attention.
Just make sure it's actually dynamite and not a pile of shit.
Ha! True!
“Having strong champions...”
NICE!
It's the truth! Glad you enjoyed it!
Pitching is also 15 minute meeting you must be clear,precise,direct that's all the te you get a decesion isa made to finance the idea
I have the best idea for a children's show and have written the entire PITCH in detail. I sent it to a friend of the Koch brothers in Washington D.C. and she has never gotten back to me. I was hoping they would fund the show with one of their nonprofits. Now I am scared I took it to the wrong person. I think it would be great on Fox Kids or on Netflix. I have worked as a WORKSHOP PRESENTER Internationally in Education so I can very EASILY pitch my show. I just don't know where to go to pitch it. HELP?
Did you copywrite it?
@@notimeforthebullsh No
Nice! Thanks!
You bet! That's what we're here for!
Thank you!
Fantastic!
Thank you! Cheers!
well i have my dreams on being a baker yet i also have bin developing an concept for a animated series on the side for fun, i have picked it up again after two years since well cant go anywhere outside really, it seams like it might go well but i just don't really have the courage to go through with it when the time comes.
Great info as usual thanks!
You're so welcome!
This both encourages and discourages me at the same time. I’ve been writing a script for a film I’ve been wanting to make for a long time. Never get past the 30 minute mark though because I’ll make this great dialogue and not know where to go next. Like the ideas are there and everyone I’ve let read it so far likes it but I’m unable to push past what I’ve done. Do you have any tips for someone who is stuck, knowing the direction they wanna go, but not knowing how to move forward?
Absolutely. This is what we're here for! Please email the head of our Script Services department, and he can help you get "unstuck"! j.mirch@stage32.com
I know I’m a year late, and with no experience this may sound silly. I think you need to find a bridge. Figure out how to connect the stuck part of the story to how you want it to go. How did they get here? What challenges would they face?
great advice. i'm trying to get produced the only story i've ever written lol. as my degree is in business. but i would love to have that on my resume, 100% sold/produced (as well as profitable) rate because of slam dunking my first story in my life. anything is possible. the main issue is the market IMO -- how many people have the same taste as me for both tears and laughter? i don't know that answer. i'd be self centric if i thought i knew. as there are successful series that i consider garbage. well made and well written garbage to be more accurate. silly on purpose without even being a cartoon, as some people don't want tears. it's a matter of who wants what. one person's trash is... at least my marketing training is an asset in trying to come up with something that will make a profit, while still being what i would want to watch. i'm ok with it if i never write a second story also. there's way more to writing TV stories then meets the eye. and being a pilot is another level of work, which i had assumed. i've given up and come back to the drawing board several times in 2 1/2 years. getting feedback as a major part of the learning process. i'd bet higher on one great story idea (that might need fine tuning by expert writers) over five pretty good story ideas.
Keep at it! And join the Stage 32 community to build your network and surround yourself with other like-minded creatives.
Oh, it's all hard... We get it.
hello i have a question !!!!! if i made a movie at my own expense with my own camera how do i you sent the movie file to this company ? because with a normal e-mail you can only sent up to 100 mb . And how can you know if this is company or person can be trusted because it's not difficult to steal someone's movie
Well I can't help but fell deflated, I have some projects and ideas that are very interested and and intriguing but I don't really have any connection with anyone and I get really excited when I start a new one and have a new idea because this is my passion and I just keep investigating and gathering information and constructing a show that ultimately will lead to nothing.
Thanks for your inspirational words Robert!
Hello Sarah! Thank you for your comment - we have ALL been there! That is why we created Stage 32! To make the massive world of entertainment a little smaller and more accessible.
I would recommend emailing your project ideas to our Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch, at j.mirch@stage32.com! He can help point you in the right direction and connect you with people looking for content in your genre(s)!
Hey Sarah If your projects are as it is and they lead you to nothing I have perfect idea you can get paid by sitting at home (ofcourse with your writing work ) , if you want to know please let me know thank you.
Hey Richard!
I understand this but remember! There are hundreds of stupid and bad movies and shows that someone read and said well let's make it. So If you have truly great ideas some people will recognize it don't give up don't let this scare you away. There are many other alternatives except Netflix and Amazon.
Of course! There are countless ways to make a movie - Netflix and Amazon are just one example! We have countless webinars, blogs, and lounge post on stage32.com with resources dedicated to the various paths you can take!
wow ! precision talk !!! cheers from RIo
Way to uplift .
That is always our goal! Even more where that come if your follow RB on Instagram @rbwalksintoabar
instagram.com/rbwalksintoabar/
That is some great advice and it makes so much sense. Thank you!!
Thanks for the feedback Rome! Make sure to follow RB at instagram.com/rbwalksintoabar/
Such an informative vid
Glad it was helpful!
Amazing information! Thank you.
Whoo, 2018 and a 4:3 ratio. That was a shock.
Facts
I want my anime on Netflix that's what I'm trying to get
You will get it. In JESUS name. Just go for it.
Get it!
@@janellerollins5893 Amennn
Whats your anime???
Is all about who you know that's how you get a better chance of them listening to your speech like everything else in life 👍
The entertainment industry is all about contacts and connections! Start networking with over 650,000 film, tv, and digital creatives at www.stage32.com
Should I copyright my show idea before I pitch to someone so as to make sure it isn’t stolen?
If you feel like your script is ready to start sending out, register it with the WGA.
@@stage32com many thanks to you I’ll register on the East.
My idea for a televsion show would be to have Rocky Balboa uploading his daily life to youtube and going live on youtube. Talking about his glory days of fighting. And at the same time bring forth a new story into light. That his life is about peace and not about fighting any longer. Until............................................
Amazing insight 👌🏾
Glad it was helpful!
What if it’s not a screen-write? What if someone has an idea for something more along the lines of like a “reality” show?
Great question! We have an amazing webinar on Stage 32 that focuses purely on how to attract a buyer to an unscripted show! www.stage32.com/webinars/What-Makes-an-Unscripted-Show-Attractive-to-a-Cable-or-Streaming-Buyer?affid=social
I have written a three film saga about my experiences driving a Black Taxi in Belfast during the Troubles. Page 112 of my trial transcript shows Corruption happening in real time IN OPEN COURT. Who ever heard of complete silence in an open Court? In fact, this can be unique in film making as every word spoken can be taken from the transcript.
This could be intercut with the statement the British Soldiers gave to the police, again using their own words. The drama speaks for itself.
These statements are included at the end of the trial transcript. In the late 70's British soldiers planted bullets in my taxi. However the judge stopped my trial and I was discharged.
This was because two British soldiers, a Major and a Lance Corporal, shortly after the planting occurred gave identical statements to the police that they both had both [individually] on their own had found the bullets.
Not only that but their statements in every other detail matched exactly. I.e they both claimed to have picked up the bag and emptied the contents onto the drivers seat. However, as can be seen in the transcript, Lance Corporal Sweeney changed his story and now said that it was in fact the Major who had found them. This was in fact glossed over and and the trial continued - and it looked very bad for me. Then the judge rose for lunch.
After he had left the courtroom, the prosecutor a Mr Adair {who was an ordinary barrister} in full view and earshot of everyone, asked Lance Corporal Sweeney, “why did you change your evidence about finding the bullets”?
To the amazement of everyone he replied, “because the Major told me to”.
A collective gasp arose from the people in the courtroom.
When the court resumed, Mr Adair said: "Your honour a matter has arisen in the case which demands myself and my learned friend Mr Deeny having some discussion, short discussion".
The judge asked: " why is that"?
Mr Adair replied, "I would rather not say what it was at this stage your honour but it is most unusual in the circumstances that has arisen. I would be very much obliged if your honour would give us five minutes".
The judge replied: "well five minutes and no more".
What transpired was that my barrister Mr Deeny and Mr Adair whispered together for two minutes, then approached the judge. For five minutes there was a heated whispered discussion among the three - and absolute silence reigned in open court.
The lady with her typewriter sat with hands poised above the keys, straining to hear what was being said but couldn’t hear a word, so typed nothing.
The judge with a very sour face then gave a ruling which contradicted everything he had just been told. This not only stood Justice on its head but had it doing somersaults.
Even after I was acquitted, because of daily harassment I had to stop working as black taxi driver on the Falls Road. Reluctantly I went to work for a Catholic, private taxi company and one night on a late night run over the mountain, I was stopped by a very drunk UDR patrol. Had I given them by correct date of birth, when they checked me out and found out about the planted bullets, I would’ve been shot dead.
As it was, upon searching my car they found taxi cards from the company, and gave me verbal abuse calling it an IRA taxi company. It would not have mattered to them that a miscarriage of justice had been prevented, and a worse one instigated.
If anyone would like to see the transcript l can email. Ten years later I was awarded a pittance in compensation.
Hello Hugh! Thank you for sharing your story with us! If you email our Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch, at j.mirch@stage32.com he can help connect you with people looking for content in your genre!
tough business. i've heard demo scenes / episodes are better than a script because reading scripts is tedious. this is the same skin in the game ($) / MVP / traction that is required nowadays as pitching a startup business plan to investors.
Do you have content that discusses how to adapt a (my) book into a screenplay / script?
This presentation was too vague. If selling a script (to these specific companies) is dependent on getting the right director or actor interested in it, why not just come out and say it in more specific terms. Also, how does a screenwriter convince an actor or director to take a look at their script? Should we try to contact them directly? Should we contact their agent? How does one do this?
What would you suggest if you are the actor, singer, writer of the songs of your show and writer of your script? I am composing a Children's Show with my own original music and script and performing it as well for live audiences but would love for it to be a show. Does that change how you pitch?
I was thinking about this show and Ik it’s good.
It’s about
A show that takes place in 1975 in Indiana and it’s with a group of teens who start facing strange later horrific things after they chose to summon the demon “OMA”
Who was a slave in the 1700s and she was likened by her slave owner although his parents didn’t like that but she was pregnant by her boyfriend and her slave owner found out about it and later killed her and later killed her boyfriend and before she actually died she gave birth to her son that she always wanted to have and take care of.
When a young teen is found killed behind a corner store it leads investigators questioning what happened to him because there were huge scratches on him and later they found another man killed after he left the bar murdered the same way. And the group of teens try to stop her but one of the teens find out that they are a reincarnation of her son and she comes back for her every time she’s summoned. I really think that show is good tho
Write the script!
@@stage32com I did 🔥 and also the demon attacks adults off of sex and gets to kids off of fear cause thats her when of getting to them.
@@stage32com but do you like it tho?
I am curious to know.. how do I get my own cooking show on Netflix? Because that is something I hope to do for the future.
the odds are against me but I'll keep trying
Way to keep hustling! Stay connected and inspired with Stage 32, we are all in this together! You can create a free profile at www.stage32.com and start networking with over 650,000 film, tv, and digital creatives and professionals worldwide!
I would like to sell my ideas and stories to Netflix or others. I have four books self-published and one of the stories is my real life story. I would like to sell them but is very difficult to get the right attention. That companies are very difficult to contact. How can I contact a production company with interest in know my stories? That's the question.
I have this idea for a novel but I dont know how to get started or how to describe the story. I need some help !
@@shreyachoudhary9611 Just write ten times about your story. Then write ten more next day. Then ten more and write until dialogues, scenes and everything is coming in your mind.
That is a wonderful goal Cláudia! Congratulations on having four books published! Regarding your question, I would recommend emailing our Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch, at j.mirch@stage32.com! He can help connect you with the right people based on the genre(s) of content you are working with
Hello Shreya! You should check out the Stage 32 Authoring lounge! www.stage32.com/lounge/playwriting
There are tons of fellow writers (of all levels) you can connect with and learn from!
What apps should I use to network with people about my idea ? Maybe I can get it out there . I want to write a thriller about schizophrenia about a boy who hears voices but doesn’t know where they are coming from , he tells everyone but nobody believes him . Everyday that passes he becomes more insane . I think it could be a great thriller especially since there isn’t much out there about schizophrenia, I personally was diagnosed with schizophrenia not too long ago which was where this idea for a show was born , so I can definitely show how it feels like and how it looks
I am currently writing the script
Great Advice!! I would deal with people who are a much better than I am. What I learned in the past...just like asking "You want Coffee? Thousand times...Chances are you will receive many "Nos", "One" may say yes. That yes may be your key to success. I learn to set up my goal to become a better artist even if you know you can't please everybody. "Just Do It" and learn from the experts. The Experts are right Here, Right Now! I must never lose hope because a each of us has a Guardian Angel assigned to each and everyone of us. I know who was assigned to me.
Short answer: have strong connections
Do good work, network and share it with people and it'll start happening naturally.
I don't know how to write a screen play , but i have amazing idea to make a movie on it
Storyline is same as level of fight club
research it!
Ive seen BBC writers, do you recommend sending anything to them??
So, basically it's who you know?!
No wonder Netflix keeps churning all movies which can be dismissed by the viewer in the first 10 mins. This was one company that wanted to change the studio system and they became The Godfather of the studios. sad.
I have a certified hit show idea for netflix
Awesome, let us know if you need any guidance on next steps! You can email j.mirch@stage32.com
great video! solid yo.
Thank you Lewis!
Neil Blomkamp story fits here. Was working for Peter Jackson and pitched District 9 to Peter, who then moved it up the food chain.
Lots of Netflix competition coming, so stay positive!
Why does Netflix want because
Hey if Adam Saddlers films keep coming out why not me...ha..ha.
How does the microphone work
Is there a specific microphone you are interested in working with for your videos?
I have a life story that could be a movie or even better a series my life story just keeps getting interesting smh
How interesting! Are you a member of Stage 32? That is a great place to start networking - we have over 650,000 members including producers, directors, actors, screenwriters, film financiers, and more! You can create a free account at www.stage32.com
With all due respect but Netflix publishes so much shit that I really don’t understand why they pretend to be picky! 80% of the stuff they show is bad. Stranger things is probably one of the best shows they have! So don’t tell ppl that have dope ideas they are not worth getting a shot. Art house movies are dead. Netflix shows mainly stuff for 20 year olds and it’s very frustrating. To all you writers out there! I’m one too.. and I’m sure many of you have amazing ideas. Don’t give up and don’t think Netflix is the only platform to go with! It’s not! But if you do decide to go with Netflix than be confident and own your work if they don’t want it don’t let it discourage you!
I'm staying at an airbnb in Australia right now. The previous occupants have set up an algorithm of crime, crime and more crime shows on Netflix. I've been here 2 weeks and not watched one show. BTW Australia does not get all the good stuff. Just like they only get the crap US don't want on mainstream free to air TV.
i wonder would your odds be better if you made a pilot first
Probably not. Most of the time, the network wants control over the pilot, so best to either make a whole series and try for distribution or pitch the script!
Hello there. I have four books publiched. 3 are fiction and one is my real life storie. I wish I could sell my stories or ideas to Netflix. They don't accept unsoliceted contente. So I wish to know how can I show my stories to sell?
Congrats on 4 books Claudia! Our Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch, would be happy to help point you in the right direction. You can email him at j.mirch@stage32.com
How do I even get in touch with them?
Generally, it's through other attached talent- directors, show runners, etc or through your reps!
@@stage32com 😭
WGA , Writers Guild of America, you can document your idea. I did once.
I couldn't get past his thumb ring...
There are plenty of horrible movies on Netflix. It does not seem that hard to make it happen.
So there's no hope for me ? [ do appreciate the truth though ]
There is always hope! Stage 32 is committed to helping educate and inspire film, tv, and digital creatives everywhere! We have countless resources on Stage 32 and you can network with over 650,000 members for free at www.stage32.com - let us know if there is anything specific we can help you achieve!
I will tell them I have the rights to a YA novel but I want to add a black British trans woman with a strong personality as a side character
Glad you have the rights!
@@stage32com if u still see this
i have a movie idea i would like to pitch or give an over view to someone and hopefully they decide to buy it from me
do u know any like distributors or any agents i can get on too
Sounds like it's easy to be buried alive under a mountain of other people's vanity projects.
Why you gotta have big fans why cant you just be an underdog with a great script
Because you need those fans to help get you in the room. But by having a great script, anyone who reads it will become a fan!
Hot dude
does this nick terry has an instagram or something so i could talk to him?
You can connect with Nick on Stage 32! www.stage32.com/profile/586356/about
Meanwhile 9 out of 10 movies on Netflix is pure dogshit. Makes you question the decision making process. The demographics and data that Netflix has drives the approval process is greater than your idea. We need a full crash and burn of the Hollywood system and a full reset to get back to original ideas of the pre 80’s era of movies.
Netflix needs to produce more animation from black ppl. Animation industry is anti-black.
Use a microphone FFS.
People still begging to be on Netflix? Hahahaha I maneuvered around the gatekeepers and built my own streaming platform and producing my own movies and tv shows with no one to cancel me or tell me what to do. MOBFI-TV!