FAQ’s

How does the Act One Upfront Market work?

The structure is similar to other pitching events. You will submit a logline and synopsis of your project online at our secure website, along with your profile (bio or company information). These will be read by the participating producers/executives after which you will be emailed a list of the producers/executives who have requested to meet with you to hear your pitch in person. On the day of the event, you will have a 20-minute (including transition time) one-on-one pitch session with each executive who has requested to meet with you.

Why is it called Upfront Market?

We understand that “Upfront” and “Market” mean very specific things in the industry, however, we wanted to set up more than just a typical pitchfest. We hope that the objective of not only hearing about projects, but also meeting with potential collaborators, is conveyed.

What is the cost for the event?

Submission Fee:

  • All submissions are $10 each (limit 3 per person)

Registration Fee (in addition to the submission fee and only required if you are selected and intend to participate):

  • Early Bird window – $30 flat fee for any number of meetings (all fees are non-refundable)
  • Final window – $60 flat fee for any number of meetings (all fees are non-refundable)

What if I miss the January 5th deadline? Is there a late fee?

January 5th is the deadline. There is no additional fee because there will be no late submissions accepted.

What will happen if I dont pay the Registration Fee?

The list of executives who selected your project and your meeting schedule will not be released to you until the Registration Fee is paid. Your participation depends on this.

Can I register onsite the day of the event?

No. This is a pre-selection event. You must submit during the submission window (October 13th-January 5th) in order to be considered for event participation.

Who can participate?

This event is only open to Act One ALUMNI and those in good standing with tuition payments. All partnerships must have at least one alum on the project.

Can I submit more than one project?

Yes. However, there is a limit of 3 projects per person/company.

What if I am with a writing/producing partnership?

This is the one exception to the 3-project per person limit. If you have a writing partner, you still only have 3 submissions each – so a total of 6 between you; it’s up to you how to use up your “3 submission” limit. This is, of course, assuming you are both alums.

What if my writing/producing partner is not an alum?

If you have a non-alum on your project, you only have 3 projects total (including partnerships), no exception.

What types of projects may I pitch?

This event is for filmed entertainment, which can cover quite a bit: Feature Films, TV, and Web Series.

Does my script need to be finished before I pitch it?

Yes. Please refrain from submitting projects in their first or second draft.

For registering a FEATURE FILM, the three choices are…

  1. Completed script
  2. In the process of producing
  3. Produced, looking for a buyer

For registering a TELEVISION PROJECT, the three choices are…

  1. Completed Pilot script
  2. Completed Pilot Script AND series overview/Bible
  3. In the process of producing
  4. Produced, looking for a buyer

For registering a NEW MEDIA / WEB SERIES, the three choices are…

  1. Completed Pilot Script AND series overview/Bible
  2. In the process of producing
  3. Produced, looking for a buyer

Would an executive want to see my complete script before or during the meeting?

Each year, there are a handful of executives that request completed scripts, in addition to loglines and synopses, for review prior to pitch sessions.

They may ask for one at your meeting or upon selecting your project during the Executive Selection Window (January 8 – January 22).  Please do not submit any projects that do not fit the above parameters.

Is this event just for writers?

No. However, since we require the project to be a completed script available upon submission or between January 8 – January 22, it is strongly suggested you have the writer attached as a partner, or at the very least a clean chain-of-title. All partnerships must have at least one alum on the project.

Is there any opportunity for practice within the Act One community?

Yes. We offer a couple of opportunities as follows:

Crash Course : How to Ready Your Pitch TBD

Pitch Practice with Alums

This is a alum-community event – we’ll find a space for us to pitch to one another and practice our verbal pitches.

Can I submit my project as a production company?

Yes. If you have a production company, you can submit your profile as a company. However, you will need to have at least one project to submit with your profile.

 

DAY-OF EVENT

Where is the event?

Act One’s Fifth Annual Upfront Market will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood on Gower St. and between Hollywood Blvd and Franklin Ave:

1760 N Gower St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Parking is available street side and in a designated lot directly across from the building.

What should I bring to the pitch session?

This depends on your personal preference.  Many writers use “pitch boards,” storyboards, short videos, graphic novels, photos, etc. to illustrate their pitches. Please bring whatever you need.  Act One will NOT be providing computers, iPads, tablets, or other pitching aids. Just remember that you only have 20 minutes (including transition time) – use your time to best communicate your idea.

Who are the Executives that will be taking meetings?

Our list of Executives include active producers and filmmakers in the industry who are consistently developing and producing content. We will continue to announce Executives as they RSVP, but understand due to busy schedules Executives don’t often RSVP until closer to the event. Look for details in the Act One Newsletter or our Facebook page and Alumni group.

What if only one project is selected by the executive and not the other ones I want to pitch – can I use my time to pitch those other projects?

You only get 20 minutes with this Executive whether they select one or all of your projects. We want to emphasize you “read” your executive to see what they want to hear about versus just rambling off pitches for all of your projects.

It is always wise to have your other projects in your “back pocket” should they ask if you have anything else. But leading with who you are and the project they selected is always the best start.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. The dress code is Business Casual. In these pictures, Business Casual and Smart Casual are a great look for your professional yet artistic career.

May I leave behind one-sheets or business cards?

Yes. One-sheets, business cards, and similar items are often used as selling tools and are a great way to present your material to a company.

Should I bring a copy of my script for them?

It looks very professional to have a copy of your script for the executive, especially if it is a polished, finely edited draft. While a paper copy might be your first inclination, it is often times more common to read scripts digitally. Consider getting an inexpensive flash drive (disk on key) and put a pdf version of your script on it. Or you can offer to email it to them (either through the Event Producer, Lara Sumera Samms, or directly if they offer you their email.)

How do I protect my script/pitch from being stolen?

Although many new writers are sometimes hesitant to share their ideas because of apprehension about having their ideas stolen, pitching and sharing is an essential and normal part of creating filmed entertainment. Although Act One cannot guarantee anything outside our control, we do stand behind the executives we have invited to hear your pitches and we believe they uphold the highest standards of the industry. That being said, we highly recommend for any work you complete: Register your material with the WGA. For pricing and other details, visit www.wga.org.  You may also want to register your material with the Copyright office (www.copyright.gov). Maintain a paper trail to track who you have pitched, what you discussed, what was submitted, and record dates for all activities (i.e. meetings, phone calls, etc.). For an extra layer of protection, you may choose to send material through a third party, such as an agent, manager, or entertainment attorney.  This helps to ensure you have a witness who can back up your claim.  All of the individuals you meet at the Act One Upfront are professionals who we trust, and it is highly unlikely that your script or idea would ever be ‘stolen’.

Do I need to sign a non-disclosure/legal waiver?

Yes. For our executives to feel comfortable listening to your pitches, we are providing this precaution. If you want to pitch, you must sign the release. Some executives have their own company-specific releases as well. All of these will be taken care of prior to both the day of the event and the release of your meeting schedule.

Link to waiver.

How many meetings will I have?

That depends on the number of individuals who request to hear your pitch. Unfortunately, we can NOT guarantee your projects/pitches will be selected.  (This is why you only pay the Registration fee if you are selected and wish to participate). You will know how many pitches you have scheduled when we send out notifications on between January 24th and January 31st.

What if I have too many meetings?

In the case that you have too many executives to fit in the allotted time at the event (9:00AM – 5:00PM), we will contact you regarding your preferences of whom you would like to meet with on the day of the event. However, similarly, if an executive picks too many pitches to fit in their schedule for the day, THEY will have priority of whom they will hear that day.

Act One may try to assist in making other arrangements for the executives that pick your project but are not be able to meet with you that day. However, Act One cannot guarantee any meetings outside the event day.

If my submission is not selected, can I still show up as a walk-inand approach the producers/executives on my own?

No. While we appreciate this kind of enthusiasm, we need to protect the executives from having to defensively refuse unsolicited material.  Additionally, this form reflects badly on both you as a professional and Act One as an organization.

After my initial pitch meeting, can I contact these producers/executives with a revised submission (can I get a second try)?

No. Not unless the producer specifically requests something additional from you. We need to respect the time restraints of each participant. That being said, our goal is that your 20 minutes be an opportunity to develop enough of a relationship with this executive that future meetings and discussion will be on the table.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

Contact Event Producer Lara Sumera Samms.

TIMELINE

What is the timeline?

  • Submission window Friday, October 13, 2017 – Friday, January 5, 2018
    • Early Bird window is  Friday, October 13, 2017 – Wednesday, November 22, 2017
    • Regular window is Thursday, November 23, 2017 – Friday, January 5, 2018
  • Crash Course: How to Ready Your Pitch – Saturday, October 28, 2017 @ Epiphany Space (Hollywood), 9:00AM-10:30AM
  • Executive Selection window is Monday, January 8, 2018 – Monday, January 22, 2018
  • Selection Notification & Confirmation/Payment window – Wednesday, January 24, 2018 – Wednesday, January 31, 2018
  • Schedules are sent Monday, February 12, 2018
  • Night-Before Mixer – Friday, February 23, 2018
  • Event Day – Saturday, February 24, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood followed by a Post-Event Mixer