PRODUCERS / EXECUTIVES PITCH, SCREENPLAY COMMENTS
Maraya Gibson (series pitch, Roadmap Writers) script request FREE FLO
”The most interesting aspect is the fantastic spin on this classic story, and putting it in our modern world at the height of the EDM craze. Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is such a fun experience and a wonderful setting that can capture the electricity and chaos. I also appreciated your unique view on how women should be represented, as strong women whose purpose in media shouldn't solely be to find a man and fall in love. It's such a harmful film/tv stereotype that has bled over into reality for years, so I love that it's at the forefront of your mind with this story. Lastly, the lead's specific character journey was so well pitched. She's clearly going to be the star of this show, and you made her dimensional and wonderful, and I wanted to know more.”
Jonny Perl (series pitch, Roadmap Writers) script request “Hi Tom, thanks for sharing PARTY GIRL SAVES THE WORLD today. You made a strong case for the creative potential of this show, and how much it could mean to a lot of people. You talked about the show's world in a way that made me want to stay in it longer, like the way people binge tv shows. The plots and characters you covered were all engaging as well. Very clear logline, establishes the world of the show. Super personable, and passionate about the project. I'm not sure if this is a right fit for me professionally, as I'm mostly in the kids and family space, but it does sound like something I'd like to watch. So, if it's alright with you, I'd still like to read the script, just to get a taste. Please send along the full script.”
Carli Haney (feature pitch, Stage 32) script request FREE FLO “There's a clear commerciality to this concept and I'm so happy Tom took the time to pitch today. His overall presence and ability to pitch was fantastic and totally answered all of the questions I had along the way. I don't typically develop within this genre, but I'm excited to read the material in script form. Thanks for sharing and great work!”
Script Feedback: “Really well-executed and a ton of fun, however not right for my current slate. Keep pitching!”
Becca Longren @ Circle of Confusion (feature pitch, Stage 32) script request PARTY GIRL SAVES THE WORLD “I really loved the conversational approach you used for this pitch - it made it really fun and easy to visually see. You did a good job developing the pitch overall, it was visually beautiful to hear and you paired it with some strong tonal comps. Really great character introductions, you did a great job with both physical and interpersonal traits. Strong central themes and tonal/stylistic choices. You did a really good job with this pitch!”
Script Feedback: “Really loved the dialogue, you have a strong sense of the characters and their voices really came through. Enjoyed the writing style.”
Felicia Villarreal (feature pitch, Stage 32) I NEARLY LOST YOU “Tom's pitch was fantastic! I truly appreciated his energy. His concept entails strong adventures such as time traveling that I know many will enjoy. He has a way with his words, tone and delivery. He had my full attention from start to finish. He can tastefully paint a picture and is an excellent story-teller. It's obvious that he's a talented and creative individual. Unfortunately, this type of project is not what I'm looking for at the moment but I do believe Tom is capable of finding a home for this story. My very best wishes to him and I look forward to any other future submissions he may have!”
Libby Meyer (series pitch, Stage 32) FREE FLO “Tom is a really fun pitcher! I love the unique way he speaks and explains his pitch. The 2001 spring setting was really smart and he did a great job explaining the mashup of tones and visual elements.”
Olivia Hurd (series pitch, Stage 32) “The pitch for PARTY GIRLS SAVES THE WORLD is fast-paced, lyrical, and incredibly indicative of the tone of this. The writer’s enthusiasm for this project is clear, and his written voice is strong and compelling. This is an easy script to picture visually, a difficult feat. This is due in large part to the picture the writer paints of the EDM scene, and his desire to use the Electric Daisy Carnival as a set piece. 2001 is often a difficult period to portray in writing or a pitch, but the writer does this well here. Additionally, the writer’s connection to this material is clear, and his explanation of what fascinates him about LA (and what prompted him to move here) is unique, memorable, and a great way to kick off the pitch.”
Chris Roach (feature pitch, Stage 32) “Hi Tom, Thanks so much for sharing FREE FLO with me. It sounds like an absolute experience of a film, and your voice and experience really made the pitch shine. It gave me flashes of other films - American Honey was a great comp, and saw a little Natural Born Killers in there as well. Your casting ideas were great, and I could see tons of other young talents thriving in these roles. I was impressed by the poetic structure of your pitch, and found it really added to the feel of the project and what you were trying to convey.”
Petrina Hull (feature pitch, Stage 32) script request FREE FLO “Thanks again for the pitch, Tom; I really enjoyed it! It was an entertaining pitch, and your delivery was really engaging. I'm interested in taking a look at the script and ancillary materials, if there are any. I'm not sure if this genre space is right for us - it might depend a bit on budget and director attachment, but I am happy to take a look. I enjoyed learning a bit about what inspired you and your passion for the project, too - thanks for including that; it really helped. It was great to see you on camera; that definitely works for pitching and establishing a connection. Including information about themes and the story-world was great also; it helped me understand the style of the project. There's a clearly defined protagonist and world, which is great. The project feels fresh and distinct which is a hook. I look forward to having a read!”
Script Feedback: “There are some exciting elements here that could make for a unique drama, but this is a pass from me, unfortunately. I think the story-world is quite distinct and with good direction, this could stand out stylistically - and be a great calling card. I think it would be best served by a producer really clued into the Californian scene. I would try and find an edgy, emerging director to attach and go from there. Best of luck, Tom!”
Olivia Cohen (first 10-page read of a feature, Stage 32) FREE FLO “The pace of the opening ten pages was great. The writer did a really good job with the action scenes and kept all the action moving so that the tension remained high. I also really liked the moment where Flo is tripping and we, as readers, get to see what's in her head versus what is actually going on in real life. The script, overall, seems very fun.”
Tatiana Kelly (feature pitch, Stage 32) PARTY GIRL SAVES THE WORLD “Thanks for taking the time to pitch! Really original concept-- applaud you with coming up with such a unique and interesting premise. Very layered, complex, and interesting approach and clearly well-thought out. Also, I appreciated the comps of other movies as it helped to bring it to life. Regrouped on our end and, unfortunately, based on the partners we're working with, it's not a right fit but that said, we may be working with some new folks that could be a better fit so will absolutely let you know if anything changes on our end. In the meantime, wishing you the best of luck with finding the right home-- I imagine the boldness of the material will go a long way in attracting potential partners. Appreciate you thinking of us!”
Joe Wiggins (feature pitch, Stage 32) FREE FLO “Very well told and clear pitch. Great era to set the film in. Feels a bit too low concept and indie for us at the company. Something like this may be better sent to a director or actor-based production company. Thanks for your time, I enjoyed listening to the pitch.”
Samantha Schoen @ Groundswell Productions (feature pitch, Stage 32) script request FREE FLO “Hey Tom! Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me, particularly on a weekend. It was a pleasure to get to know you a bit and to learn about the project you're working on. I was so taken by your pitch that my notes are literally useless... 3:10 - coming of age drama - so well written - turn of phrase poetic - ask to look. See! Speechless. I guess I need to look…”
Script Feedback: “You are such a fabulous writer.”
OTHER LITERARY: PITCH & SCRIPT REQUESTS
1. Audrey Genevieve Holland 5/13/19 Ashputtel Pictures (Inktip)
2. Steve Nichols 7/15/19 (Inktip)
3. Haley at Zero Gravity 6/14/19 (website direct request)
4. LiveNation Productions president Heather Parry, SVP Matthew Stein (Mario referral)
5. Lookout Entertainment Dan Bernard ExecProd (Emmy Contenders Paramount lot / phone) 2019-2020
6. Director/Prod Cody Blue Snider 12/2019 (in-person on production shoot)
7. Maraya Gibson 2020 (w/pilot & series pitch deck) AMC/Starz (Roadmap)
8. Roger Hendricks Simon (for lab Zoom reading) 2021
9. Becca Lonngren Circle of Confusion (Stage32) May 2021/Jan 2022
10. Petrina Hull (w/ lookbook) (Stage 32)
11. Felicia Villarreal (w/ synopsis) (Stage 32) 2021
12. Neal (Sony Entertainment Lab, Sierra referral 11/23) 2021
13. Carli Haney (Stage 32) Dec. 2021
14. Jonny Perl (Roadmap) April 2022
15. Samantha Schoen (Stage 32) June 2022
16. Felicia Villarreal (Stage 32) August 2022
17. Craft Services Network submission March 2023
18. Theresa Burkhart Gallagher (Stage 32) July 2023
19. Craft Services Network submission August 2023
20. Michael Klein, Magnolia Entertainment (Roadmap Writers direct submit) Feb 2024
21. Todd Murata, MarVista (Roadmap Writers direct submit) Feb 2024
22. Annika Ranin, Unmannered Prods. (Roadmap Writers direct submit) Feb 2024
23. Sandy Shenkman, BellLap Ent. (Roadmap Writers direct submit) Feb 2024
24. Nick Terry, World builder Ent. (Roadmap Writers direct submit) Feb 2024
25. Stone Garber, Sierra Pictures (Roadmap Writers) April 2024
26. Patrick Callan (Stage 32) July 2024
27. Craft Services Network submission August 2024