Pitchfest 2022 Update

So, I've had my documented issues with FadeIn Magazine.

I've had my doubts about their authenticity, etc. (as documented in that random email I received from that aspiring filmmaker who asked me about my experiences with Green Light My Movie.com).

But, in the end, and perhaps against my better judgement, I am partaking in their Pitchfest this summer (July  29th - August 1st... Right before I head to Flashback Weekend for a weekend in of awesomeness in ChicagoLand).

 At any rate, take a look at the website for their Pitchfest.

Specifically, the page where the potential pitcher (?) puts down a deposit (which I've done, as I don't want to pay for my entire fee up front).

Does it not look like you (the potential pitch... writer?... creative artist?... whatever) is locked into the 15-pitch package?

Here has been my back-and-forth with them:

My initial contact:

"Dear FadeIn,
I was about to pay my $100 deposit for the 26th annual Hollywood Pitchfest, but then I saw,
"[Reg. price $595.00; BALANCE DUE after Deposit: $495.00]".
I wanted to ask before I purchase:
1.) How many pitch meetings does that get me?
2.) After I put down the initial deposit, am I allowed to pick the package (number of pitches) when you come to collect the rest, or am I locked into one package?

Please advise at your earliest convenience."

Their first response:

"t states how many for each package in the store:

15 = $595 (discounted currently if paid in full)

10 = $495 (discounted currently if paid in full)

5 = $395 (discounted currently if paid in full)

The 10 & 5 packages are for Skype meetings only.

Only 15 Meetings Package holders will be able to pitch in-person if we are able to do in-person meetings this year.

June 1st we will assess and announce due to BA.2

You will not be locked in to the 15 Package if you place a deposit."

 

My follow-up (for clarity):

 

"

FadeIn,

So, just to clarify: I will be able to choose (presumably around the same time I choose which companies I want to pitch to) what package I want (5, 10, or 15) when I complete my regitration?

You can see how I would get confused with the note on the website saying,

"[Reg. price $595.00; BALANCE DUE after Deposit: $495.00]"

It reads as if I am locked into the 15 pitch package and that you will expect $500 later .

Also, do you know the date when people who've made a deposit will be able to pick their packages and choose to whom they want to pitch?"

 

Here is their follow-up to THAT query:

 

"Correct. We just added the 10 & 5 packages. Sorry for any confusion.

All balances are due two weeks prior to the event.

Sign up for meetings is the week of the event."

 

Does it seem like they're being vague, or evasive?

 

Or is it just me.

 

At any rate, I bought the $100 deposit and I plan to do 5 pitches, just to see if this event is any good and to see if I get anything out of it.

 

However, they let you put a note on your order when you buy something from them and so I said:

"As I place this order, I just want to make one thing clear: in placing this order for my $100 deposit, I do NOT want the 15 pitch package, despite the website saying, “[Reg. price $595.00; BALANCE DUE after Deposit: $495.00]”.

I will be selecting the 5 pitch package when my balance comes due around July 15th. Therefore, according to my estimation, I will only owe $265 at that time.

I have been back and forth with Heather from your magazine for the past few days and have confirmed that this is a course of action I may take"

 

I think that sums up my position fairly well.

 

I'm trying to remain optimistic, as (to my knowledge) this is about the only pitchfest around anymore, and I've had some good luck in the past with opportunities FadeIn has presented (GMM and I've gotten some responses from agencies I've queried via their Agency Guide... which I tried to hyperlink and just found that it is no longer on their website... which is suspect... I have the 2019 Guide... was going to throw it away after I'd queried all the agents in it (though half the guide says (next to agent criteria) "no unsolicited queries"... but now I think I'll keep it as a kind of curio).

And, again, if this proves to be bunk, then, sure, I'm out a few hundred bucks, but at least then I know. 

There are some red flags already, though: the event is taking place on Skype (?!).

What is this, 2015?

Who uses Skype anymore?

Everyone uses Zoom!

 

Whatever.

Again, I need to take advantage of: a.) the seeming last pitchfest out there, b.) all the (supposed) resources FadeIn has to offer before I finally disregard them completely and severe all ties with them and c.) perhaps the last year we will have "virtual pitchfests", where I can save money on hotels and flights, where I only have to dress formally from the waist up and when my anxiety over being scrutinized is lessened by being in the comfort of my own home.  

Here's to pitchfest 2022 and all that I will (hopefully) derive from it!