Screenwriting Tips

I found these tips in one of my archives. I think these are from when I took Steve's pitch class many years ago.  Still relevant today.  The only thing that I would disagree with is #9.  Never say never.  Giving a free option for a short period of time for the right project could work in your benefit.  Now I would agree, do not always give a free option but doing it once in your career for 6 months when you are just starting out isn't going to break the bank but it could break your career...as in be a foot in the door with the right producer for the right story.  So consider all options especially when you are just starting out.  Also, don't automatically agree to a free option, try to get some money.  People work harder if they put down some cash even if it's $500.  Plus, sometimes people will have a small amount of funds but will try to get it for free first.  So always consider all options even if you will eventually say no.  If they are truly interested, they may be able to scrap up something just to get the ball rolling. 

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Screenwriting Tips


Steve Kaire, Pitchmaster

1. Dramas are difficult to sell because they don't pitch well.

2. Treatments should be 10-20 pages in length, double spaced, and have no dialogue.

3. To make your story original, your logline needs a hook which is a detail that makes your premise unique.

4. The order of pitching is: Title, genre, then your logline.

5. Pitch what your story is about, not what happens in the story.

6. By the end of your script, one of your characters should change, also known as the character arc.

7. The best time to call and reach a producer is 5-8 PM when the secretary has gone home.

8. High Concept scripts sell for more money than non-High Concept scripts and are easier to pitch.

9.Never give a free option on your material. Accept at least a few thousand dollars as a show of good faith.