Success Stories & Testimonals
Pitchfest 2010 was very successful for me, not only did I make some great
contacts and friends I also optioned my first screenplay last
year with Moviehatch, a contact I made at the last
years pitchfest! My script has gone onto win all sort of awards
and I just got back this week from LA after being awarded
"Best Comedy Screenplay Feature 2011" at the United Film Festival! I felt like the positive vibe at Pitchfest
unlocked the doors for me that gave me the confidence to go on
and do so many of these things. So thank you, for all your hard
work :-) Because of theamazing PitchFest you put
together, I was able to meet with Ruthe Rosaler from Empire
Entertainment. We optioned THE GUY'S GIRL with her less than one
month after the PitchFest! We signed her! Thanks so much for all you do to bring solid material to our agency. Babz Bitella, The Ed Silver Agency
I signed a development deal with a manager I met at your
PitchFest, and we are talking to name actors and production
companies. I was somewhat skeptical of pitch fests in general
before I attended your event, but I think you can officially
count this as a PitchFest success story. Thank you for creating
this excellent event! The BEST experience... Jeff Ross Entertainment. I sat with Jeff Ross for about 15 minutes. He took out his calendar and we arranged a meeting for the following Wednesday. By Thursday, I signed with him. For that one single pitch session, the whole Pitchfest was an incredible success for me. Doug Spoors Just wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to Signe and the Pitchfest staff. I had a chance to compare your pitchfest to the Fade In pitchfest and you guys blew them out of the water. The Great American Pitchfest was intimate and friendly with an environment truly responsive to writers needs. Thank you so much and keep doing what you are doing! Christopher Vieira I just wanted to thank you for putting on the Great American Pitchfest. Back at the 2007 event, I pitched a college comedy to Ellen Sandler. For over a year now, my sister, Christy, and I have been working with Ellen to develop it into a webisode series called "Girls Gone College." We just finished shooting the first 4 episodes last week! It was amazing seeing what we wrote come to life on screen. I just wanted to say thank you, since it all started at Great American Pitchfest. Allison Dillard One of my thrillers was Optioned by Metamorphic Films! Nick Oleksiw I got more pitches in four hours at the GAPF then in TWO DAYS of pitching at FadeIn's pitchfest. I also LOVE "the booklet", with all it's info and contact stuff. Once again, it makes what you get at FadeIn look like something printed up by the junior high yearbook committee. As they say, the research and info in GAPF's booklet is almost worth the price of admission all by itself. Lee Tidball It was the best professional day of my life! Ron Hubbard, Screenwriter I've attended other pitch events, and by far the pitches here were better than any other. The classes you offered were great, and I believe helped the writers a lot -- the ones that stood out were Pilar's Pitch class, and the interviews with Mark Fergus and J. C. Spink. Judd Taylor, Michael Black Management My cowriter and I had a total of 30 meetings, with 22 requests for scripts and follow-ups. Kate Wharton I signed with a manager at your pitchfest! Rick Roszko, Screenwriter I had a great time at Pitchfest, and am very impressed with the writers I've met. Thank you again for including me. Meryl Friedenthal, Lionsgate I had a great time and requested a number of screenplays. Steve Barr, SMASH Films From Ellen Sandler, Co-Executive Producer & Emmy Nominee for ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Hi Signe, I wanted to let you know that my webisode project that came to me through a pitch at last year's PitchFest has shifted into high gear. The two young writers have completed six episodes under my supervision and this week I put together a writing room with 8 experienced young writers to work on getting these scripts table ready. I have partnered with a producer -- he's experienced in directing and producing commercials for Olgilvy & Mathers -- and we are underway. Casting begins in March. We plan to shoot in April. This has been a thrilling creative experience for all of us and it all started at your fabulous Great Am. PitchFest. I thought you'd like to know. How is this year's Pitch Fest shaping up? I hope you'll include me in your plans. Best, Ellen “We have signed two writers we met at your pitchfest.” Anne-Marie LaMonde
“Michael Hauge’s session helped me to get two option offers and
five script requests.”
“10 out of 10!!!” Gary Yuill, Vancouver
“On my very first pitch, they asked me to meet at their studio offices the next day. I had that meeting, and while we are not working with the original idea, it is leading to other projects!” Tod McCoy, Vancouver “The only way your pitchfest could possibly be better is if Angelina Jolie were there.’ - James Dickson Well organized. Thanks for designing a warm, professional pitchfest. It was great to meet relaxed, taken care of people across the table. Arlen Rundvall, Nanaimo
I loved it! I’d gone to another one in LA last year, and this one was so much less chaotic. There was a nice tone, too, of being welcomed and supported. Also, I had several requests for my script(s), so that was pretty great. Definitely worth attending. - Bliss Goldstein, Seattle I pitched to 19 companies and got 11 requests. I met a TV producer who is going to meet with me. It was very worthwhile to me, and I made a lot of contacts. It was very worthwhile to me. Rita Cooper, Vancouver I made a contact with someone at the luncheon, which led to a request to see one of my screenplays. & If it wasn’t for the freely given advice from a newly acquired friend from the PitchFest, I would have missed an opportunity to pitch to a major studio specializing in terrorist/action screenplays (they asked to see two of my screenplays!). - Ralph Shorter
It was well organized, and you had a wide array of real power companies. sean kilgallin
“I have had follow up meetings with 12 writers who pitched me at the pitchfest and have forwarded 3 to my colleague for further development. We are matching them with producers we work with.” Janice Talbott, CHUM TV
“At Signe’s PitchFest, I’ve found more ‘diamond in the rough’ writers and scripts than anywhere else. The Great American PitchFest is simply the best pitchfest for writers and other production companies to attend.”
Danny Manus
“I felt the Great American PitchFest was the most productive one that I have ever attended. I pitched to 15 companies and received a lot of interest and support. And the free seminars were excellent.” Jacob Kamhis Signe I hope the producers you help, realize what a tremendous service you are providing for them. We writers sure do. I wish that this great endeavor, brings you three fold in success and happiness of what you put in. Sincerely, George Constantine
Signe, You are the best! I cannot tell you how much fun I had this weekend. You did a fantastic job and took such good care of us. More importantly, the group of people (decision-makers, pitchers, organizers and volunteers) created such a positive energy and contributed to the success of the event. I look forward to the next one, please keep in touch. Thanks!
Erin Fredman Thank you for an incredible week-end and pitchfest, I had a BLAST!!! So well organized and there were so many people walking on air last night thanks to you working so hard!! Can't wait to go to another one! Aubrey Arnason, Screenwriter
Just wanted to let you know that I met a writer at the GAPF - Jim Curtis - and I've been working with Jim and his agent in London .
Christine
Lynne, Producer
The Great American Pitchfest is an excellent way to meet key people within the industry and get your story out there. Adam Hislop, Writer
Great American Pitchfest is, by far, the best of all the pitch events I’ve attended. & Excellent. I talked briefly to a producer. She asked me to pitch her my story and we have kept in touch since then. Mary Dunkerly, Writer
Hi Again Signe, Here’s the comment I said to you last month that I said I would email to you for your testimonial pages: Without your Pitchfest the film business is like a building without any doors. Thank you for your efforts Signe, including rewarding people who frequent your workshops, or show a committed effort to the film business. It's all good and encourages us to write better scripts and achieve a better understanding of how the industry works. And that's about it! All the best in 2008! Lynn Ivall After taking Pilar’s class, I was able to really hone my pitch and feel totally prepared for the PitchFest. David Goldberg
I've been working with a wonderful producer who I met at your pitchfest. I will definitely sign up for the next one. – Allison Dillard
Pilar Alessandra is a firecracker! I would go to hear her any time, anywhere. Brilliant! Jim Curtis
I went to the 2007 Pitchfest. I have since signed a contract with a Pitchfest interviewer/producer. My book has been turned into a screenplay and will hopefully become a movie. I worked with the screenwriter to develop scenes and dialog that we mutually discussed. This NEVER would have happened if I had not attended your Pitch Fest. I have nothing but encouraging words for the writers "out there" thinking about attending this year. They not only meet other authors from around the country, they have this chance to sell their material to someone who will change their life. It happened to me - it could happen to them. If not for you, none of this would have happened. Frank Trombetta
You can add "One script optioned" to your tally for the pitchfest. It's a great event and it's proven itself out to me from the very first one I attended. Please keep up the GREAT work! T. W. Hague
This was the best pitch event I’ve attended. Very well organized, very friendly, and very respectful of our needs and our place in the business.
Chris
Armogida
The Great American Pitchfest is a fantastic networking resource to help screenwriters pitch their ideas, open doors and have an opportunity to meet industry professionals. Monika Skerbelis, ES Entertainment
I love Signe and her team! This was the best turnout of pitches and seminar went well. Very organized and fun. Tim Crescenti, Small World International
Always a first class operation. Well run and organized.
Alan Kaplan, Producer
I gotta say, this is the best run pitchfest in town.
Danny
Manus
Dear Signe, I was astounded at the organization of the Pitch-Fest. Gosh, with that ability, maybe you can take over the Iraq War and fix it for us Americans! Linda Seger
This is the #1 Pitchfest to attend. It’s writer-friendly, well-organized and not only gives you the opportunity to ‘meet and greet’ Hollywood, but provides the tools and private practice sessions that help you to make those opportunities productive and positive! Several of my clients walked away with requests for scripts and meetings as a result!
Kathie Fong
Yoneda
And thanks again for another fantastic pitchfest experience. Your organization is astounding, the results far surpassing all the others I've attended. Keep in touch. Mary Dunkerly
Thanks for a great Pitchfest. Signe, you and your dedicated staff are a marvel!! Anthea T. Sibert
Thank you for creating the Great American Pitchfest. It was a wonderful experience for me. Sincerely, Anna Kutlich
Just wanted to thank you and everyone at Pitchfest! Our experience far exceeded our expectations. We truly can't say enough about how successful our pitching day was! We pitched 16 pitches, were asked for 5 one sheets, and had 9 requests for the script! We actually handed out 5 scripts on the spot! Only 2 producers said "no" and even then, they only did because they weren't looking for our genre but still loved the script idea. All of the Decision Makers were generous, respectful and very helpful. We were totally blown away. Plus agents who were attending the fest on the participant side were approaching us in line, handing us their cards, offering to help by either representing us or helping us find another agent who fits our style. We actually were able to work both sides of the experience because some producers who hadn't met the deadline to get a table to meet writers were in the lines scoping all of us out! We had more than one approach us, and at the end, one said he overheard the buzz and asked for the script. He read the first 10 pages that night, emailed us Monday and said it was even better than he thought it would be and would contact us again when he finished it! Another incredible bonus was our private consultation with Michael Hauge -- what a Master! We will be eternally grateful to him for all of his help and plan to send him daily emails of gratitude (hoping he doesn't think we're stalkers) as well as scream his name from the rooftops until he becomes the richest and most successful pitch consultant of all time! He transformed our pitch into a tight, accurate, intriguing pitch that would make anyone curious to read the final result! (I realize I'm using a lot of exclamation points here, but I am jumping out of my seat with enthusiasm... and yes, falling out of it too from sheer exhaustion after this weekend.) Michael was worth more than we paid you... but don't increase the cost until we hit pay dirt, OK? :) Another beautiful bonus was the connection we made with other writers. That feeling we all had of validation of our craft, our time, our talent, and our energy was indescribable. Yes, the lines were stressful, but we were all there on the journey together. It wasn't a contest, it was a festival of talent waiting to be discovered. We were all cheering each other on and hoping every one of us achieved our dream. Who knows where this will all lead, but you can be rest assured we will not only keep you posted of our success, but also attend every Great American Pitchfest that we have material polished and ready for! To say "thank you" simply is not enough. The gift you have given all writers who dream the dream by opening a door wide enough for all of us to "cattle call" into is a true blessing. We will never hear a cow bell again without smiling! You rock! Jeanne and Dawn
I had three completed feature scripts that I wanted to get into the hands of agents and producers. Several of the production companies took all three and others took one or two depending upon their needs. Sixteen scripts, in all were taken that day. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the great opportunity you provide for new writers. Anne Harman
This year's Pitchfest was absolutely awesome!! It's wonderful to have participated for the past 3 years - to watch the growth and hear the praise from other participants on how organized and professional the pitchfest is run. Thanks, again, for putting together the greatest Pitchfest in the world!! xox
All the
best,
Hi Signe & Bob, Well, it's taken me most of today to recuperate from the fabulous event you two put on. I can only imagine how long it will take you to recuperate. Perhaps you are still sleeping. Congratulations again. You are both amazing and you do the most incredible job of organizing. I'm just so impressed with how you manage to get every detail right--the twirlers pick me up was inspired--and still stay charming warm and wonderful throughout. I especially appreciate not having to run around trying to figure out how to get my parking reimbursed, the lovely lunch--waiter service!--and a drink and munchies after all is over. So thoughtful and supportive. You make everyone feel appreciated. You are just the best! Best, Ellen Sandler
GAPF was an unbelievable event. Had a fantastic experience. As an organizer of public events in the past, I know how much energy and effort was expended to pull this thing off. You did a fantastic job and I will certainly attend next year. I also greatly appreciate your desire to give back to the community...I hope other writers understand how much the GAPF staff is sacrificing to benefit the rest of us. Had 14 great pitches and 14 requests for one sheets or scripts--but also had a lot of fun! Thanks again for all you do and wishing the best for each of you on your own filmic journeys. Mike Maden
Dearest Signe, Bob, Lorene & GAPF staff: I hope you can see me standing up & giving you a much-deserved standing ovation on the best-ever Pitchfest! Attendees had smiles on their faces & I know in speaking with my colleagues, we felt everything went quite smoothly -- organization is such a hallmark of yours, Signe! Please know that I will always come back to teach, speak or consult for your Pitchfests -- it is a pleasure to do so because everything runs smoothly & everyone is so friendly & welcoming & willing to help out. Your staff works hard, but has such a warm & approachable attitude -- I personally observed the gals working the private consultations...they did much to calm the nervous writers & to give them encouragement! I don't always see that at other such events! So please know that I am never more than a phone call or email away & will always "be there" to help you out in whatever way I can! Our interview with Barbara Bitela of ES Agency (Monica, Karl & myself) went well & Barbara was very complimentary about how the speakers are "real people" & not the stereotypical Hollywood "egotist". By the way, Karl & Monica had never met, but the opening presentation (Write It! Pitch It! Work It!) ran smoothly & judging from the number of writers who came up to us during the day, we must have done well, with many of them commenting on how it seemed like the 3 of us had known each other for a long time & that it was great to get "inside" knowledge since the 3 of us had worked at production companies & studios. Signe, you, Bob & Lorene are just amazing! I know these events don't run by themselves & that there are always so many details & last minute things that need to be juggled, but no one would even know that from the outside! Congratulations on your sell-out...I KNOW it's the first of many more to come! xoxo
Kathie Fong Yoneda |