Not Accepted, But Not Defeated

Modern Day Myth Prod. LLC

Modern Day Myth Prod. LLC

NYTVF did not accept my film for a finalist in the TV pilot competition.

But, I gained valuable information from a studio producer on what directors of development look for in a series pitch. So, before I send over a submission to SyFy, I will fine tune my package with his recommendations. Most noticeable is in regards to submitting a short, sample episode, or a film, he said to make a five minute overview for a series. No one in the studios looks beyond 5 minutes.

The proposal / pitch / story bible needs to be riveting to get a reader to turn the pages. The more compelling the story and characters, the better the chances of being accepted. Also, include pictures, images, and art for the vision of the series for the pitch part.

In regards to film production values, any self funded film will never come out as planned or as good as the filmmaker hoped or intended. No need to apologize or make excuses. They are looking for a story with entertainment value. (I am sure a number of people here will find this revelation shocking. They are more knowledgeable and understanding than people realize.)

So, I will be editing together a 5 minute overview for small cable TV networks and sharpen my story bible.
 
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Don't give up on the smaller festivals if the bigger festivals don't all accept your film. There's still a lot to be gained by showing your film, even if it's too a smaller, less influential audience.

Good luck!
 
Congratulations on receiving your take-aways!
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And thank you for sharing them with us.
It's good to hear they're understanding and confirm they are looking for story - moreso than production value. :yes:
 
Thanks guys.

Now that I was told how to make a better package for a TV series, I will focus on making the package better to send to small cable TV networks.

I will send to one or two small festivals later, when funds permit to get everyone their IMDB credits. But, the focus remains the same; sell to cable TV.

Right now, a producer is looking over my existing package. But, I will revise what I have for future submissions.
 
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The one major edit I'm making to the story bible is I'm adding in a "Heroes' Journey" section, which I left out in what I sent the producer in Los Angeles even though I showed lots of conflict and story elements. It just that so much attention is being paid to a "Heroes' Journey" I decided to add that section into the story bible.
 
A TV pilot is a TV pilot and a story bible outlines the whole series. Both are sent to a director of development. I was told to send a five minute overview instead of the pilot with the pitch / story bible.
 
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Well, one thing I learned in all this too is to take a stand in what I believe in and push it forward. That started from the time I went against the script consultant's advice of making humans the main characters and stick with a goddess and cyborgs.

Also, I like some of the more hard core science fiction elements of cyborgs are built and humans are born. So, they will always have distinct differences. I won't do the nonsense of Battlestar Galactica where humans and machines can mate. Like Questor in The Questor Tapes, they can offer humans the valuable commodity of their friendship. But, they will never be able to mate with humans. The trans-cyborgs in the series will learn in becoming machines, they lost their ability to touch and get internment with humans in exchange for an virtually indestructible body with totally super human abilities.

The producer reviewing the series wants hardcore science fiction. So, that's what we will deliver.

This scene from the ill-fated Terminator TV series explains the difference between humans and machines very thoughtfully in a humorous way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vreOYsJxu4
 
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