VPF writer Andy Greskoviak’s horror film “Black Friday” – pitched via VPF – has just been released! Andy pitched the script to Aware Wolf's Casey Tebo, who directed.
“Andy sent me the script through VPF, and I was immediately hooked,” said Casey. Produced by Warner Davis and starring Bruce Campbell, Michal Jai White & Devon Sawa, “Black Friday” tells the story of a group of disgruntled toy store employees who must defend themselves from legions of holiday shoppers when an alien parasite sends them on a murderous rampage.
“I sent the pitch to Casey through VPF,” Andy said, “and by that evening, we were texting and emailing ideas as to how we could bring this story to life. Because of VPF, ‘Black Friday’ went from being a pipe dream to being a reality – one where I was meeting professionals who wanted to bring this to life – in a matter of hours.”
“I mean it’s surreal," Andy said about his script-to-screen experience, "Especially since we had so many talented people working on this movie. So everything came to life in either ways I’d always pictured it or in ways I could’ve never imagined. Like the first time I walked into We Luv Toys (our fictional toy store) and saw it fully dressed with toys on the shelves, I was in awe. I think my fiancé cried. Or like one time I heard people discussing a character I’d written. Like two actors were like ‘Wouldn’t Marnie do blank? And I had to be like Hey! I know Marnie! I made her up! It’s such a weird feeling.”
VPF writers Leonard Langford & Collin Watts' script "Hot Seat," starring Mel Gibson, Kevin Dillon & Sam Asghari, is now filming. Emmett/Furla Oasis is producing.
In 2019 Langford pitched another of his scripts to VPF Pro Tim Sullivan (at the time with EFO), as well as to Bennatar/Thomas Productions. That screenplay was soon picked up by Bennatar/Thomas, and when Sullivan asked Langford if he had another project, he sent him "Hot Seat," which he co-wrote with Watts.
"Thank you VPF! EFO loved 'Hot Seat' and two years later it's in production this month in New Mexico," said Langford. "Even though my writing partner and I, had what we believed was an excellent script, it was difficult to put it in the right hands. VPF cut out the middle men and helped us deliver the script to the right people to get this made. We'll certainly continue using VPF because it provides us direct access to the people who can turn your scripts into major releases."
"I love the site's ease of use," he continued. "VPF makes it really easy to narrow your search, which gives you a larger chance of scoring a sale." Watts agreed, stating "VPF's been a blessing for us. It helped get our foot in the door!"
VPF client Alan Horsnail's script "Midnight in the Switchgrass" – starring Bruce Willis, Emile Hirsch & Megan Fox – was released by Lionsgate.
Alan pitched the script to Emmet Furla/Oasis Films' Tim Sullivan in 2019. Tim stated that "after reading Alan Horsnail’s pitch for 'Midnight in the Switchgrass' on VPF I was very intrigued and immediately requested the script."
Tim went on to explain that after reading the project "the company collectively decided that it would make a great addition" to their slate. "Alan’s script contained both a storyline that immediately hooked the reader and fascinating dialogue. Given that it was strong both commercially and artistically, we knew that the film would be valuable in the marketplace."
After EFO optioned the script, and Randall Emmett decided to direct it, the company held a table read. "Emile Hirsch is a friend of Randall’s and read at the table read as a favor, but then expressed interest in starring in the film. After some negotiations he was attached. We brought on Sheila Jaffe as casting director who helped source the remaining actors, aside from Bruce Willis who we have a long standing relationship with."
Before "Midnight," Alan had a successful career in the software business, but the call of screenwriting was too strong to resist. Without many connections in the business, he turned to VPF. “One of the biggest challenges an emerging writer has is to force people to read their stuff. That’s part of the genius of VPF, that nobody else does, is forcing people to get back to you. That’s all writers want.”
Thanks to Lee Jessop for breaking the story, which can be found at:
https://leejessup.com/real-writers-break-in-no-rep-no-problem-how-alan-made-a-spec-sale-happen.
VPF writer Richard Sherman just got a script deal thru VPF! His screenplay "40 Days To Eternity" was picked up by Orenda Entertainment via VPF Pro Steven Taylor.
VPF client Mark Keavney's screenplay "Dark Roots" is set to film in December! Mark pitched the script to DBS Films' Daniel Smith who will be producing with Clayton Turnage ("The Bay"). Mark David ("Texas Heart") will be directing and Hollywood Media Bridge came in for financing and distribution. "I found Mark Keavney's Sci-Fi Thriller, 'Dark Roots' on VPF after requesting the script off its compelling logline and read it in one sitting," said Smith "It is a highly relatable, cautionary tale about a troubled young man raised in foster car who takes a 23 & Me DNA test that amazingly identifies his long-lost father. Together with his pregnant fiance, he visits his father's isolated estate where they unearth a disturbing family history that threatens their sanity and their lives. It's a remarkable re-telling of 'Oedipus Rex', with the claustrophobic tone of 'Ex Machina' and the horror feel of 'Get Out.' And it has a twist and the end that you DO NOT SEE COMING."
VPF writer Jennifer Snow, whose pilot "Harper, Inc." made the VPF 50 - 2019, just had her script "Secrets in the Wine Cellar" picked up by VPF participating Pros Marla White & Ronnie Clemmer. "Secrets" is a Drama about three women who start an event-planning business in a small coastal town.
Seafoam Pictures just acquired a screenplay through VPF! Says Seafoam's Aimee Ng: "I wanted to let you know we have successfully acquired a script that was pitched through Virtual Pitch Fest. The script is entitled "The Last Judgement," written by Kevin Coleman and Kirk Loudon. Thank you!"
VPF client Jackie Letkowski just signed with Better Management. Jackie says, "After getting several script requests through VPF for my TV Pilot "And Still Champion," I'm happy to report that Better Management loved it and is currently pitching the script to Production Companies & Networks for me. Thanks for the wonderful pitching platform!"
VPF client Karen Bryson recently sold her faith-based spec "The Mustard Seeds" to Believe Entertainment. Karen pitched her script thru VPF, got a "Yes" response from Exec Cary Soloman, and a deal was soon made. Karen had previously scored an option agreement thru VPF on another project.
VPF client Thomas Thonson's script "27 Times" is scheduled to begin filming in 2019! Thomas pitched his script to VPF participating Pro Grady Justice. Grady says: "I will be producing this film with my wife, Good Deed Entertainment's COO Nikki Stier Justice. I was pitched this script late last year and I fell in love with it instantly. Thomas Thonson has been a pleasure to work with. He signed a shopping agreement with me and I brought the project to Good Deed Entertainment who then optioned it. I knew it would be a perfect fit for their new genre division Cranked Up Films. I love VPF!"
VPF client Chris Courtney Martin just signed a deal! "Hey, guys! Just wanted to let you know that through your site, I linked up with a wonderful producer named Sandra Leviton.We just signed a co-production agreement for my Social Satire/Horror-Comedy "Charcuterie" which we are now developing. Thanks so much!"
Client Rachel Reaugh's feature "Lost Fare" - which was picked up by VPF producer Bruce Logan - is faring very well on the festival circuit. So far the pic has WON PRIZES at the Hollywood Independent Motion Picture Film Festival, the Los Angeles Film Awards, the Around Films International Film Festival & the Chautauqua International Film Festival. Congrats to Rachel, Bruce & his producing partner Elliot Rosenblatt ("The Cooler," "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas")!
VPF client Karl Archer just optioned his script "Ballbreaker" to Minor Distractions! Congrats Karl!
From Abrams Artists' Ryan Levee: "David, not sure if you knew this? I signed Matt Eskandari after he queried me on VPF. Very excited about him, and happy to call it a VPF success story!
VPF clients Justin Powell & David Charbonier just optioned their script “The Ice Cream Man” to Covert Media & Broken Road Productions via a connection made through VPF. Says Justin: “This is by far the best online pitching website we've come across, and we will be sure to recommend you all to any writers that are trying to get their work out to industry professionals. Thanks so much!"
Minor Distractions Entertainment just optioned Dave Sanchez & Kim Gore's script "Santa's Little Helpers" within days of submitting their query on Virtual Pitch Fest!
More VPF Success! Hear from Maggie at GrantWorks: "Ed [Asner] and I found another one from a VPF submission - 'Saving Christmas' - by Bob Shayne...this has been great for us..."
VPFer Michelle Addae signed with a rep via her pitches! Michelle writes: "I just wanted to thank you for your service. As a result, I was able to gain representation with Scope Talent Management for a pitch that I placed through your site. Thanks again!"
Hotlist Winner Daniel Wesley had his script optioned by participating company Academy Reels! Says Daniel: "I just began using your service in May, and placed 2nd on the Hotlist for my script 'The Passenger.' As a result, a producer named Jonathan Heap reached out to me, and now has optioned the script! This is my first script option, and I couldn't be more thankful to VPF! Crazy to think that within a month of signing up, we were in talks about making a deal!"
Hotlist Winner Justin Samuel's feature "Wine Tasting" in now on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07233BYZB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494914613&sr=8-1&keywords=wine+tasting+justin+samuels
VPF client Joe Bitonti just sealed a deal via VPF! Says Joe: "I just wanted to let Virtual Pitch Fest know that I've optioned my script 'Broken Wings' with Select Services Films Inc. Thank you for providing the services you do." Congrats Joe!
Bohemia Entertainment is optioning VPFer Alicia Norman's script "Post Truth" and will also represent her. "Justin reached out to me and said he loved it," Alicia says. "Thanks you guys, so much, for what you are doing for writers!"
Canadian screenwriter Chris Lewis Carter optioned his horror feature "Unboxing" to Station 3 Entertainment.
August Hotlist’s “Wine Tasting” - written by Justin Samuels - is now in production! Josh Mitchell is directing & Anjanette Miller producing. Stay tuned for more details.
VPF client Michaelbrent Collings signed for representation with The Muraviov Company! Hear from Michaelbrent: "I love your service. I haven’t had anything purchased or optioned, but my current manager found me through VPF, and I have made a host of fantastic contacts who have put me on their 'please send everything you ever write' list...Great job, and please keep it up!"
VPF client Mark Esslinger just closed a deal with Battle-Forged Alliance on his latest script! Here's more from producer Grady Justice: "We closed the deal on October 1st! So I will have a few months to work on packaging the script and securing financing. Getting the script into production isn't a guarantee, but thanks to VPF it has allowed us to take the script to the next level! VPF has done its part and the rest is up to us! With the festival success that my current film, '2307 Winter's Dream' is receiving, this has opened a few doors for Mark's script and got us some meetings with financiers and production companies. I am grateful for VPF's service and look forwarding to reading more pitches and meeting more writers in the near future! Thanks again!!!"
VPFer Joshua Montcalm landed Ideal Talent Agency to rep his Sci-Fi feature, "The Chameleon Paradox."
Australian screenwriter Pete Bridges - who was discovered via VPF - just sold his family action spec "The Fall" to Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment! To learn more, click on http://deadline.com/2016/07/amblin-entertainment-alien-invasion-spec-script-the-fall-pete-bridges-1201783979/
Producer Lauren Lloyd has optioned VPF writer Josh Miller's TV series "NTSB."
VPFer Rachel Reaugh optioned her drama feature "Lost Fare" to Bruce Logan Productions.
VPF client Steven Trautmann just signed for representation with Filmtrix.
VPF clients John Weidner & Ken Lamplugh signed a script deal with Eclectic Pictures for their action-thriller spec "Indestructible."
VPF writers John Weidner & Ken Lamplugh optioned their untitled comedy spec to Pioneer Pictures.
VPF client Bryan Marvis signed for representation with Canton Literary Management.
VPF writer Russell Corey optioned his script "eRay" to VPF's Wonderfly Films.
VPF client Doug Rowe's script “Dead End Ed” was optioned by Altered State Entertainment.
VPF writer Michael January signed a deal with Paul Addis of Ambitious Entertainment for representation of his one-hour TV drama series "Golden Gate."
VPF writer Shaun Delliskave’s script “Mass Exodus” was optioned by Minor Distractions.
Beachfront Films optioned VPF writer Tommy Butler's psychological-thriller "Half Life." The project is currently out to directors.
VPF client Betsy Morris’ screenplay “UnMatchable” was optioned by Minor Distractions.
VPF writer Kingston Medland recently signed for representation by VPF's Anarchy Management.
VPF writer Joany Kane pitched "Christmas Magic" to VPF's Chessler/Perlmutter who said "yes" and produced it with the Hallmark Channel. The movie ended up being a huge success for the network.
VPF client Hallie Tassin was signed for representation by VPF manager Stephanie Rogers.
VPF writer Leena Pendharkar wrote and directed the feature "Raspberry Magic" which was produced by Leena connecting with manager Heidi Ifft on VPF! Heidi said "yes" to Leena's pitch via VPF, liked the script, and then sent the project to her client, actress Meera Simhan who loved it, and then showed it to her husband, actor Ravi Kapoor, who also loved it. With both actors attached, the funding for the project came within six months! The film is now doing well on the festival circuit!
VPF clients Todd and Tim Wynn's feature "very_little_time" was picked up for distribution and released to Walmart, Best Buy, Borders, Barnes and Noble, and fye.
ScriptCoach client Bob Huffman optioned his script "A Canoli for Nona" to Triboro Pictures.
VPF writer Craig Bottrell's script "Stutter Punch" was just optioned by producer Jeff Wald's AIRA Entertainment.
VPF client Matthew Altman optioned his script "Djinn" to VPF's Film Engine.
VPF client David Santo was signed for representation by VPF's 100% Terry Cloth.
VPF client Linda Andersson's script "This Christmas" was optioned by VPF's Minor Distractions Entertainment.
VPF writer Curtis Ray optioned his script "Jenny/Jennings" to VPF's Creative Entertainment Group.
VPF client Karen Mueller Bryson's script "Monsoon Season" was optioned by VPF's Minor Distractions Entertainment.
VPF client Davin Affrunti has partnered up with producer David Marchetti of Orange Universe Films to pen an original comedy script called "Retired."
Creative Entertainment Group has optioned VPF client Jennifer Green's script "Ana Boy."
Creative Entertainment Group has optioned VPF/ScriptCoach client Sandy Greenberg's script "An Uninvited Guest."
VPF client Brian Hill's script "Lightning and Shadows" (co-written by Dee Power) has been optioned by Road's End Films.
VPFer Ryan Schube was picked up for representation by Polaris Entertainment's Nyle Brenner.
The Johnson-Roessler company has optioned VPF writer Andrew Tonge's script "The Bordwells."
VPFer Evelyn Brooks' script "Boomerang Kids" is being repped by VPF pro Stephanie Rogers.
VPFer Joany Kane was signed for representation by Imprint Entertainment's Michael Becker.
VPF writer Georges Salo has optioned his script "P.A.T.U." to Select Services Films.
VPF client Davin Affrunti optioned his script "Strung" to Filmplane Entertainment, with Director/Producer Austin Anderson attached.
VPF writer Richard Dane Scott's script "From Here to Virginity" is attached to producer Danny Manus.
VPF client Jay Lombard's script "Mark of Cain" is attached to VPF producer Howard Rosenman.
VPF client Amy Biven was signed for representation by VPF company Principal Entertainment.
VPF client Pete Ferrari's script "White Boyz" has been optioned by Sinovoi Entertainment.
VPF client Malik Evans was signed for representation by Magnet management and Paradigm Talent Agency.
VPF client Todd Luongo was signed for representation by VPF's Barry Krost Management.
VPF client Kevin Crawford's script "The Quantum Effect" was recently produced.
VPF client Rod Spence optioned his comedy spec "Going Bridal" to VPF company Clifford Werber Productions.
VPF client Jerrad Buford was signed for representation by The Muraviov Company.
VPF client Bryan Murray optioned his script "Comanchero Moon" to Larry Levinson Productions.
VPF client Bob Heske was signed by VPF company Rebel Entertainment.
VPF client Kathy Deters was signed for representation by VPF company Little Studio Films.
VPF client Sandy Greenberg optioned her script "Aged to Perfection" to VPF company Michael I. Levy Enterprises.
VPF clients Cathy and Paul Bruno were signed by Max Freedman Management.
CONSUMER DATA PRIVACY POLICY: When you subscribe to participate in VirtualPitchFest.com (VPF) our form requires your personally identifiable contact information such as your name, telephone number, and e-mail address. By filling in this form, you are consenting to our collecting the personally identifying information so as to properly fulfill our very limited and specific purpose of ensuring that you are subscribed to participate in VPF. VPF acknowledges your trust and is committed to protecting the information you provide us. To prevent unauthorized access, maintain accuracy, and ensure proper use of your personal information, we have employed physical, electronic, and managerial processes to safeguard and secure the information we collect online. We do not sell, rent, or share any of this information for any other purpose, other than noted below.
DISCLAIMERS OF LIAIBLITY: VPF is not responsible or liable to you as a Registrant, for: a. any harassing, defamatory, illegal or improper conduct or remarks by our Industry Pros (IP) or for any infringement of intellectual property rights by the IP; b. any infringement of your intellectual property rights by the IP, agents, employees, representatives of VPF, or any other participants of VPF; or; c. any interaction or dealings between you as a Participant and the IP, or any other Participant of VPF during your time as a member of VPF or at any other time. VPF is designed to assist writers in connecting with Industry Pros. If an Industry Pro requests one of your projects, he or she will have their own submission policies, for which VPF has no control over.
GOVERNING LAW: This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of California (USA), without regard to conflicts of law principles. You agree to initiate and maintain legal action is such designated locale and irrevocably consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue therein. You are responsible for complying with your own local laws, which may vary with respect to certain activities or people, e.g. minors. You agree that Courts in California can hear cases involving copyright or trademark issues. Since we make no warranties and have limited our liabilities, you should have little reason to have a grievance with us. Should you nevertheless bring legal action against us, you irrevocably agree it will be brought and maintained within one (1) year after the claim arises or be barred. As disincentive for unwarranted litigation, you agree that if you sue us and do not win on the merits, you will pay our defense costs, including reasonable legal fees for in-house and outside counsel. If we are required to enforce this Agreement or our rights, you agree it is reasonable to send you legal notices and papers by electronic mail at your stated address (we would also attempt to send you a backup copy by regular mail).
DISCLAIMER: No obligation of any kind is assumed or may be implied against VPF's participating Pros and/or companies, either as a result of this Agreement, and/or registrant's submission of pitches and/or any other material. It is understood that VPF and its participating Pros and companies have access to and/or may create or have created literary materials and ideas which may be similar to your pitches and/or the projects they represent in theme, idea, plot, format or other respects. Registrant will not be entitled to any compensation or consideration because of the use of any such similar material that may have been independently created by a participating Industry Pro and/or company or that may have come to a participating Industry Pro and/or company from any independent source. The Industry Pro participating in VPF as indicated on our website, have indicated their willingness to participate as participating Industry Pro for VPF. In the event that such Industry Pro are delayed, cancel their participation with or without notice, or are unable to participate for any reason, VPF, though not accountable for such actions, will make every attempt to contact said Industry Pro, and endeavors to substitute the Industry Pro with a suitable and comparable replacement. If a suitable Industry Pro cannot be found and agreed to by you, VPF will refund the value or comp the value of that particular pitch fee.
