Pitching Celebrities

hey ed,

okay, so i have tons of thoughts on this, as i've approached lots of different people about this project. the most important thing is to be sincere, respectful, and brief- to be brief, you will need to know what you are talking about inside and out.

Every approach is a little different depending on the context. for a celebrity after a show, it will depend on the performer. a lot of performers will hang out afterwards and give some time to fans that want to meet them. many people will be asking for their autograph, a photo, or giving them a demo reel. few people will be asking them for a dollar to become a producer of a 70mm one-second film.

what works best is to have a strong opener. a visual aid helps; a flier, the business cards, etc. you can usually gauge their response to see if they are remotely interested or not.

it is also helpful to be clear that this is a non-profit and to know about the cause we support, the Global Fund for Women. for someone like John Waters, i would focus on the artistic aspects. then get to the point, and let hum know how this film is financed and that he can be a producer for as little as $1.

the next key is to mention our thousands of producers and 90 minutes of credits/documentary.

if you can, try to close the deal. bring a digital still camera and get a pic of you and him holding a flier. this picture is worth thousands of these words.

these situations are invariably awkward. you might want to practice your pitch on random strangers first. people will have similar questions, and you will find the best answers. remember, if someone doesn't want to be bothered, just leave it at that, and try to keep it fun.

awesome ed. if you are in the field and get stuck, just post your question here. also, let us know what happens-

good luck,

n

So, first off, on a more general note, John Waters' show is hilarious. Santa Cruz was only his second stop, so if you get the chance, GO!

Now, I'm not sure what the setup will be like in other places, but here there was the show, and a "V.I.P. 'Meet and Greet'" that cost $50 extra. Unfortunately, this was the only way to speak to John directly (although I don't think it was his idea, I've heard him liken it to giving lapdances). But, since I was giving him a Christmas present anyway, I made sure to slip a couple fliers into the envelope. At the very end of his set, there was a Q&A, and I was sitting there, and I was really nervous. Questions came from all about: who's starring in the new Hairspray movie, when will Multiple Maniacs be on DVD, etc. Finally, it came time for the last question, and I raised my hand and told him I had a Christmas present for him, and he invited me up to hand it to him personally. I was exhilarated.

So, not only did that save me $3 on postage, but it also insured that, even though I didn't hand it to him in person or get any photos or anything, John Waters has copies of the flier. Whether anything will come of it I can't say. But I had a great time and I gave it my all :)

Although you brought up an interesting point with practicing pitching. I said it a few times to myself in the mirror, but I've yet to actually pitch someone I don't know. I don't think I've built up the chutzpah yet, although I have contacted and dropped off fliers at a couple local theatres (and since I'm going to see a midnight screening tomorrow night, I'll bring some more to replenish their supplies winking smiley) because it seems more appropriate to me to go for a "business transaction"/passive pitch rather than getting all up in someone's grill. I need you to show me more of the ropes, man :)

- Ed

awesome ed, thanks! sounds like you did a perfect job. chances are he won't buy a credit, but he will probably take a look at our flier and that helps build awareness in the long run. if he hears about it again from other sources, maybe he will come on board somewhere down the line. we are in this for the long haul and still figuring out the ropes along the way.

i've given a bunch of celebrities fliers who have yet to mail in a donation. it rarely works that way, celebrity or not. that being said, a student from santa cruz film school recently bought a credit after finding a flier that you probably put somewhere.

You did great and if you are not comfortable doing the "going up to perfict strangers" thing then it may not be the part you are ment to play. Do what makes you feel comfortable and great job on the flyers!!!

Live, Love, Laugh and LEARN!

Pitching celebrities is largely a set and setting activity. Meaning, in a chaotic environment it's very difficult. Find them in a relaxed setting and it's much easier. Alcohol helps.