We just returned from a special screenwriting event -- bringing 21 of our writers to 3 studios to meet 20 producers. This is our 15th time in the last 6 years to do an event like this and they're always interesting. 
For me, it is always amazing to watch writers hook up with producers and start building contacts and relationships. But our purpose goes deeper than that. We want writers to become comfortable talking with producers. We want them to learn how production companies work so they'll understand how scripts are chosen, and how writers can get in, make deals, and survive the process.
Most important, our goal is for the writers to become competent at the business side -- so they'll be able to navigate this system and create a real career.
Those are our outcomes. Here's how the event went:
Gary Shusett of Sherwood Oaks Experimental College did a fabulous job of booking the producers. Gary and I work together well. He wrangles guests and I interview/moderate.
We had prepared our group of writers to succeed. First, every writer in the group had been through the ProSeries Screenwriting program. But we also did three teleconferences and a lot of feedback to make sure they had marketable scripts and knew how to make the most out of this event.
We did a special dinner the night before the event so the group could network. It was a great way to get to know each other before we started this amazing journey. Special thanks to Lynn Dickinson for hosting the dinner and making sure everyone was comfortable.
Over the next three days, we met at three different Studios, which is always a great experience. Twenty producers met with us. On the final day, we had our own private "pitch fest."
DAY 1 at Warner Brothers
Five producers and one Manager. Got a clear view of the Studio system, how the business works, and how things have changed in the last five years. The manager said his focus is making sure his writers make the best choice on concepts that are marketable and on promoting themselves to get work.
Takeaway: Concept choice is a "career decision" as much as a story decision.
Our last guest of that day was Zac Sanford, who gave us some great strategies for breaking in, building relationships, and working with producers.
Takeaway: Find people in the industry you love to work with. They're out there.
DAY 2 at Paramount.
While our WB day felt like a "united front" with all the producers giving a similar perspective, our guests at Paramount were all over the map.
It was a chance to see how different producers have different business models. We met with a VP from one of the top production companies who is doing huge movies. Then a small producer who is doing low budget movies ($1 to $3 million). Then a director/producer who got his start by
shooting a short for a charity and is now doing $25 million movies.
Takeaway: Understanding a producer's business model triples your chance of making the right decision for your own career and making some kind of a deal with the producer.
DAY 3 at Universal.
A working writer who was recently hired to do a couple of Studio assignments gave us an inspirational tour through his journey.
Because we were doing our own private pitch fest, we spent two hours with Gary Shusett coaching the writers on their pitch -- which raised the quality of the pitches and presentation. It was a very valuable session.
Then, we brought in six producers take pitches from the writers. These were busy producers, but they liked our writers so much that four of them hung out long after their part was done.
Most of the writers got requests for their scripts, which was impressive because these were some high level producers.
Takeaway: It is worth it to make sure your pitch is the best it can be. It shows you as a professional, builds better relationships with producers, and increases the chance of getting your script read.
How did this end?
Really, it just started. Our past experience shows that many of our writers who are making deals (see Screenwriter Buzz page) had been to one of our previous producer events.
They had a real-life experience of producers and studios. As they did, they became more comfortable talking, pitching, and working with industry players. Rather than being confused when they met a producer, they know what to do...and they do it.
I really enjoyed working with this group. We finished up the event with a dinner at Mel's Diner in Hollywood and a lot of hugs.