"Speed Dating" Concept with Hollywood's Power Elite Opens Doors for People With Ideas

Great American Pitchfest connects aspiring talent with film and television decision makers

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 1, 2006 -- For an aspiring screenwriter, producer or director, the hardest part of selling their idea is getting in the door to the right people. Even then, it can be difficult to get their undivided attention.

Not so at The Great American Pitchfest where more than 70 influential industry decision-makers will be in one room specifically for this purpose. These high-powered players will eagerly hear hundreds of five-minute pitches in a format similar to "speed-dating". Talented, yet unknown individuals, will come to these meetings prepared by a number of workshops and training sessions mixed into the Pitchfest schedule beforehand.

Pitchfest producer Signe Olynyk confirms that the following highly respected Hollywood companies will be in attendance: Maverick Films (Madonna's Company), Original Artists (Literary Agency), FOX, Marilyn Atlas Management, Clifford Werber (A Cinderella Story), Crystal Lake Entertainment (Jason VS Freddy, Friday the 13th), Epigram (Spy Hard, Fools Rush In), John Baldecchi Productions (Simon Birch, The Mexican), Lancaster Gate (Grumpy Old Men), National Lampoon (Animal House, Vacation), Robert Evans Company (The Godfather, How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days), Guy Walks Into A Bar Productions (Elf), The Donners Company (Lethal Weapon, Sleeples in Seattle), Ron Shusett Productions (Alien, The Terminator), HBO, and more. To view a full listing, please visit http://www.pitchfest.com/decision_makers.shtml.

"There is a ratio of one decision-maker for every six attendees," says Olynyk. "Emerging writers come from all over the world because of this ratio. Many have their scripts optioned, are signed by agents, or find producing partners. At least two reality series have been produced as a result of the Pitchfest, one feature film, and two television series."

Other activities at the three day Pitchfest include a trade show, "doing lunch" with agents & other industry executives and a speaker series featuring Simon Kinbergh; the screenwriter of the hit movie "Mr & Mrs Smith". There will also be the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award, which last year honored Ray Bradbury. "The award celebrates excellence in the Arts and honors those who have shown an ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of people's lives," says Gary Young, Executive Director of The Lifetime Achievement Foundation.

The Great American Pitchfest runs from April 28-30, 2006 at the Sheraton Hotel at Universal Studios, Los Angeles, CA. Tickets are $350 and include workshops, training sessions, networking events, the PitchFest, and parties on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are available by calling 1-877-255-2528 or through www.pitchfest.com.

To interview Signe Olynyk or Gary Young contact:
Susan Valeri, Publicist
Tel: 905-335-4081

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