How I Found Someone Willing to Listen to My Script Pitch (And What I Wish I Knew Sooner)

 

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+ The Script Submission Guidelines Nobody Tells You About

So You’ve Written a Script… Now What?

I remember sitting with my finished script in my lap, thinking, “This is it. I did it. I wrote a damn screenplay!” But then reality hit me like a plot twist I didn’t see coming: Now I need someone to actually read it.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably Googled:

“How to find someone who will listen to my pitch?”
“Where do I submit my screenplay?”
“What format should my script be in?”

Been there. And it’s a wild jungle out there, full of half-truths, silence, and doors that feel permanently shut. But don’t worry—I’m about to walk you through what I’ve learned, what actually works, and how you can navigate this messy, beautiful chaos of getting your script seen.

How Do You Find Someone Willing to Listen to Your Pitch?

Let’s start with the raw truth: nobody is out there looking for your script. But that’s not because your work isn’t amazing—it’s because they don’t know it exists yet.

Here’s how I found people who were actually open to hearing my pitch (and how you can too):

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1. Screenwriting Competitions

I used to roll my eyes at contests… until one shortlisting got me a Zoom call with a producer. Legit.

• Start with trusted ones: Nicholl Fellowship, Austin Film Festival, Screencraft, Final Draft Big Break.

• Even semi-finalist status adds credibility to your query letter.

• Many competitions send your script to agents or managers if you win or place high.

2. Querying Agents and Managers (Yes, Cold Emails Work)

I was terrified of this. But I crafted a short, punchy email with:

• A killer logline

• A short bio (like, 3 sentences)

• Why I was reaching out to them specifically (research their past clients or projects!)

• Attached a PDF of my script or included a “request it here” link.

✅ Keep it professional.
✅ Follow submission guidelines on their websites.
✅ Most won’t reply. Some will. That’s all you need.

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3. Pitch Platforms and Virtual Events

This is where it gets fun and terrifying:

• Stage 32 offers live pitching sessions where you get feedback from execs.

• Roadmap Writers helped me shape my pitch AND connect to reps.

• Virtual pitch festivals (some charge, some don’t) can open surprising doors.

I once pitched to a Netflix development exec from my bedroom wearing pajama bottoms. It was awkward… but it happened.

Things I Wish I Knew About Pitching

Nobody tells you how personal pitching is. You’re not just selling a script—you’re selling your voice. Here’s what worked for me (and what didn’t):

• Make it a conversation, not a performance. I used to rattle off my plot like I was auditioning for a telemarketing job. Now I talk about why I wrote it.

• Lead with the hook, then the heart. I open with the logline, then dive into the emotional core. That’s where people lean in.

• Practice—but don’t memorize. I recorded myself on voice notes and listened while walking. It helped me sound natural.

And the biggest truth? They’re not just listening for the story—they’re listening for you.

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Are There Guidelines for Submitting a Script? Heck Yes—And They Matter

Let’s talk format. This might feel boring, but listen—your story could be brilliant, but if it looks amateur, it’ll get tossed. Harsh? Yes. But true.

Here are the industry-standard script submission rules:

1. Paper Size

• US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) — Not A4.

• If you’re submitting online, export as a PDF. Always.

2. Margins

• Left Margin: 1.5 inches (allows for binding)

• Right Margin: 1 inch

• Top & Bottom: 1 inch

These are not suggestions—they’re expectations.

3. Font

• Courier 12 pt. — Not Arial, not Times New Roman. Just… Courier.

• Why? It’s the standard for estimating one minute of screen time per page.

4. Page Count

• Feature films: 90–120 pages

• TV pilots:

  • 30-min: 22–35 pages

  • 60-min: 45–65 pages

If your script is 150 pages long, I’m sorry, but someone’s gonna tap out early.

5. Scene Headings, Dialogue, Transitions

Use screenwriting software. Trust me. Whether it’s Final Draft, Celtx, WriterDuet, or Fade In, these tools auto-format everything. Don’t try to write your script in Microsoft Word unless you enjoy stress.

My Script Submission Checklist (I Live by This Now)

✅ Title page with your name, email, and phone number
✅ PDF format only
✅ Clean formatting—no funky fonts or colored text
✅ Registered with WGA or Copyright Office for protection
✅ Backed by a short, punchy logline
✅ Submission tailored to the person you’re pitching (no mass emails!)

Bonus: I create a one-page pitch sheet or “lookbook” with visuals, tone comps (like If “X” meets “Y”), and why it’s marketable. It’s not required—but it adds polish.

What Happens After You Submit?

This part is the worst: silence.

You might wait weeks. Sometimes months. Most won’t respond. It’s brutal. I used to refresh my inbox like it was life support. But here’s what I learned:

• Silence doesn’t mean rejection—it just means the right person hasn’t read it yet.

• Keep submitting. Keep querying. Keep building relationships.

• Every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.” And when someone finally replies with interest? It’s all worth it.

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Final Thoughts: Keep Knocking—Doors Do Open

If you’re sitting there wondering, “Is this even possible?”—I want you to know that I’ve been exactly where you are. Nervous. Overwhelmed. Filled with doubt.

But guess what? Someone did read my script. Someone did take a chance on me. Not because I had connections, or a fancy film degree, or magic fairy dust—but because I kept pitching. I kept submitting. I didn’t stop knocking.

You don’t need a hundred people to love your script. You need one.

Keep writing. Keep refining. Keep knocking.

Because that next pitch?

Might just be the one that changes everything.

FAQs

1. Can I pitch my script without an agent?
Yes, absolutely. Many writers land deals or get noticed through contests, pitch platforms, and direct queries. Agents help—but they’re not step one.

2. Do I need to register my script before pitching?
Yes. Register with WGA or the U.S. Copyright Office to protect your work before sending it anywhere.

3. Should I include my whole script in the first email?
Nope. Just the logline, maybe a short synopsis, and attach the script only if the agent or manager accepts unsolicited material.

4. What should I say in a pitch meeting?
Start with a strong hook (logline), talk about your why, walk them through your story briefly, and end with your vision for the project.

5. What if no one replies to my query?
Follow up once. Then move on. Keep building your list, keep querying, and remember—no response doesn’t mean no talent.