by Nat Mundel | Dec 17, 2024 | Entertainment Business
Hollywood producers are always looking for the next great story—but getting their attention takes more than just a good idea.When you’re ready to pitch your project, it’s important to go beyond the basics and show that you’re prepared, professional, and ready to go the distance. Here are three essentials that every producer looks for when evaluating a new project.1. A Unique HookThe most successful pitches have a unique hook that instantly grabs attention. Whether it’s a compelling twist on a popular genre, a fresh voice, or a fascinating character dynamic, your project needs that “something special” that makes it stand out from the crowd. Remember, producers hear hundreds of pitches, so make sure yours has a unique angle that can be conveyed in just a few sentences.2. A Clearly Defined AudienceProducers need to know who will watch your project and why. A clear target audience not only helps them see the market potential, but it also shows that you understand your story’s appeal. Be ready to discuss your project’s intended audience, why they’ll love it, and where they’re already tuning in for similar content.3. A Project RoadmapA well-prepared creator is one who can present a roadmap of where they see their project going. This could include plans for sequels, expansions into other media formats, or even a general timeline for production. By showing that you’ve thought beyond the initial pitch, you demonstrate your commitment and give producers a reason to take your project seriously.Having these three essentials in place will set your project apart and make it much more attractive to potential collaborators. The best part? These are elements...
by Nat Mundel | Dec 12, 2024 | Entertainment Business
Hollywood’s traditional pathways are evolving, and the rules are being rewritten. Here’s what you need to know about the new way of getting your story into the spotlight.For decades, getting a project into Hollywood required knowing the right people, landing the perfect agent, or spending years working your way up from an entry-level position. But the traditional ways are no longer the only option. In fact, the industry is evolving to offer more accessible and direct opportunities for talented storytellers to bring their projects to life.1. The Old Way: Navigating Gatekeepers and AgentsIn the past, getting noticed often meant finding an agent willing to champion your story to studios. This process could take years, with many talented storytellers left out simply because they didn’t fit the traditional Hollywood mold. The path was full of “wait your turn” moments, with success relying as much on luck as talent.2. The New Way: Direct Access to ProducersWith the rise of digital platforms, today’s storytellers have direct access to professionals in the industry. Programs like those offered by Voyage Media let you pitch directly to producers who are actively looking for new material. This shift allows for immediate feedback and a greater chance to build meaningful industry connections without waiting for “permission” to be seen.3. Technology and DIY ProductionNow more than ever, writers and creators can launch their own projects independently, thanks to accessible technology and platforms that allow them to fund, produce, and distribute content. Social media and self-publishing tools make it easier than ever to showcase work, build an audience, and gain traction on your own terms—something unheard of in the...
by Nat Mundel | Nov 14, 2024 | Entertainment Business
The Hollywood landscape is changing rapidly, and there’s never been a better time for new storytellers to make their mark.In the past, breaking into Hollywood seemed like an impossible feat, reserved for the few who managed to “know the right people” or wait for a lucky break. But the media landscape is undergoing an unprecedented shift that’s creating more opportunities than ever for fresh, diverse voices. Here’s why today might be your best chance to break into the industry.1. The Demand for Content is at an All-Time HighStreaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ are pouring billions into original content to satisfy the voracious appetite of their audiences. They’re constantly on the lookout for fresh stories across genres, especially from voices that haven’t traditionally been represented in Hollywood. This demand means that networks and streaming giants are more willing than ever to take chances on unique, boundary-pushing projects.2. More Avenues for StorytellingThe digital age has opened up new platforms, from podcasts to independent streaming sites, allowing storytellers to showcase their work in ways that didn’t exist even five years ago. You no longer need to get a studio’s approval to reach a large audience—now, you can gain followers, build a fanbase, and generate buzz on your own. 3. Direct Connections to ProducersGone are the days when gatekeepers controlled who got to pitch to Hollywood executives. Programs like Voyage Media’s “Pitch a Producer” provide a direct link to experienced producers who are actively seeking new stories. This means you can get expert feedback, establish connections, and get your story in front of decision-makers without endless networking or waiting for an...
by Nat Mundel | Oct 20, 2017 | Blog post, Entertainment Business, Font Page
Yes, absolutely. He is 100% responsible for his actions (as we all are). But there’s also a whole lot more at play… I woke this morning and, as in every day leading up to this one, Harvey Weinstein is in the news. And now, as you may know, Roy Price, the head of Amazon Studios, has resigned as a result of a sexual harassment firestorm that’s come out as a result of women in Hollywood finally feeling like they can have their voices heard. Much has now been said on a culture of harassment in Hollywood, and the complicit behavior that goes along with it. BEAUTIFUL GIRLS scribe Scott Rosenberg articulated it clearly in his ‘everybody knew’ letter you might have seen on Deadline. In it, Scott paints the picture of Harvey as ‘a goose laying golden eggs’ that everyone coveted (and therefore kept their mouth’s shut even though they knew what was going on). What I want to address is how the ‘old’, centralized Hollywood model created the inevitability of all of this. When so much power resides in the hands of a few select people – the power to make (or break) a career, the power to greenlight (or kill) a project on a personal whim, the use of implied (or explicit) threat that results in 1000s of voices forced into silence (over decades!) – bad stuff is going to happen. Actors feel like they have to endure unacceptable (and in some cases illegal) behavior lest they not be able to fulfill on their dreams and calling. Writers who give ‘voice’ to so many great and inspiring...
by Nat Mundel | Jan 5, 2017 | Blog post
I’ve received a lot of questions over the last few months about what exactly we do, how it works, and what the benefits to you are. With this letter, I intend to articulate exactly how it all works, including what we’ve so far done well and what we need to improve on. Secondly, I want to bullet-point our master plan for the future, which I’ll refer to as “Voyage 3.0”. Finally, I also include an FAQ section at the end so you can get answers to some great questions we’re sometimes asked (and that will be good for you to know). Our humble beginnings… Our vision from the get-go has been to enable emerging writers to have a viable path for their film/TV projects outside the traditional agency and studio system. With Voyage 1.0, we launched our “Get Connected” program, which enabled writers to connect 1-on-1 with film and television producers. Our goal in providing you direct access to producers was to create a viable path to Hollywood for emerging writers and to bypass the traditional agency model. Our community upgrade… Once we had our team in place, it was time to expand. So with Voyage 2.0 we introduced both our “Get Educated” and “Become an Original” programs. The idea with 2.0 was to (1) facilitate a ‘smarter’, more market-savvy community of creators and (2) partner with select creators and produce their projects. We are now a little over four years in to building this vertically-integrated, concept-to-screen company that covers development, packaging, financing and production. As you can probably ascertain, it’s a big undertaking with a lot of moving...
