How to Pitch Your Book at Film Festivals

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Books-Berlinale

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Books at Berlinale sends out an open call for applications every year in October, and publishers and literary agents from all around the world apply by submitting novels that have the greatest potential for a film.  Out of hundreds of applications, only ten or eleven books are selected.  See the application info and eligibility and application questions.
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The book presentation is moderated and the respective rights holders (publishers/literary agents) are introduced. Producers and film rights holders can then meet during the casual get-together.

Read a first-hand experience Tips for First-Time Competitors in Books at Berlinale by Nazlı Gürkaş, Kalem Agency.  And how she used her previous Berlinale experience to perfect a pitch and give their author visibility in the international film world.

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Quick Tips – not Only for Film, but Also for Book Festivals:

  • Do your research ahead of time.
    Look at all the films that are playing. Research the filmmakers. See who is making the kind of films your book would be for.
  • Volunteer first.
    If the festival is taking place in your area, why not apply as a volunteer first to get behind the scenes insights, before you decide to attend (and spend money) officially next time.
  • Premieres generally have a party after them.
    Try to get in – and network, network, network – which means listening to people not talking. Don’t forget your author business cards…
  • Don’t neglect the people you’re sitting next to.
    Filmmakers go to film festivals. Producers, directors, executives, managers, agents, actors and designers also go to film festivals.
  • Definitely follow up.
    You might have made some connections that led to exchanging business cards. They might be worth gold.

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Where Else Pitch Your Book / ScreenPlay to Film Producers?

There are lots of Film Festivals around the world where you can meet directors and movie products.  Some of these festivals offer the possibility to pitch your manuscript / screenplay in a presentation.

Austin TX Film Festival

Nantucket, MA, Film Festival

Holywood’s Official Submission Platform

Check out these Contests too
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Writing Non-Fiction? Consider FilmFreeWay
Really interesting is to see how the world of film links up with literature. After all, books remain one of the major sources of inspiration.  Before you submit a manuscript it has to be transferred into a screenplay.
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More Resources:
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Aiming for a Movie Deal for Your Book?

Thinking of Writing a Screenplay? 

Parallels between Novel Writing and Screen-Writing 

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