We are excited to announce the opening of application for the VME / Grindstone Pitch Fest

Please READ ALL the submission requirements before applying 

Grindstone Pitchfest Application Opens

This January, six members of VME will be selected to each pitch one of their completed screenplays in June to Mr. Stan Wertlieb, Partner and Head of Acquisitions, along with Mr. Josh Spector, VP of Acquisitions and Development, and Mr. Andrew Lee, Manager, Grindstone Entertainment Group. 
 
Grindstone operates in partnership with Lionsgate to release 25-30 co-produced and / or acquired feature films per year. Some notables include:  

  • ESCAPE PLAN, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger & Sylvester Stallone 

  • IMPERIUM, starring Daniel Radcliffe 

  • SOLACE, starring Anthony Hopkins and Colin Farrell 

  • DYING OF THE LIGHT, starring Nicolas Cage 

  • ACTS OF VIOLENCE, starring Bruce Willis 

 
Who Should Apply? 

  • This event is designed for VME members only who have a completed, free-and-clear screenplay. This means you own the rights and there are no other legal attachments.  

  • This is for VME members only. However, you may have a civilian co-writer or a veteran co-writer who is not part of VME. (This means if you don’t input your VME profile link, you will be disqualified- it’s how we confirm membership).

  • VME writers from previous VME-Grindstone Pitchfests may submit again for consideration. (Yay!) 

  • You can submit more than one screenplay (but only one logline per screenplay). 
     

What are the Screenplay & Pitch Guidelines? 

  • You must have a completed feature film screenplay to submit for consideration. No television or Internet scripts allowed. No options on books, articles, or treatments will be considered.  

  • You must own or have the story / script and have the rights to pitch.  

  • Grindstone prefers screenplays based on true stories that are present day. This may include the "War on Terror” era (other eras like Vietnam will be considered, but no grand period / costume pieces).   
     

What Genre must my script be in for consideration? Most common genres:  

  • Military 

  • Uniformed Services (OGA, Border Guards, etc.) 

  • Cop / Crooked Cop  

  • Action and / or Action-Adventure 

  • Thriller

  • True Story Crime

 
What are the Script Length requirements? 
 
The Script length is Between 89 - 120 pages. If you are less than 89 pages or over 120 pages, even if you are selected, your script will not be read. 
 
Who can pitch? I have a co-writer who isn't a veteran? 
 
If selected, only a VME member may pitch. You may have civilian co-writers. No other non-VME writing partners, veteran or civilian, will be allowed in the pitch session. This pitchfest is for the benefit of veterans, and specifically those in VME. 
  

What do I submit for consideration and how? 

 

Grindstone Pitchfest Important Dates 

  • Aug 30: Kimberly Seilhamer's Logline Class  

  • October 5: Grindstone Pitchfest Panel with Executives Stan Wertlieb, Josh Spector, and Andrew Lee  

  • October 12: Kimberly Seilhamer's Logline class (Encore)   

  • October 26: Tips & Tricks of Grindstone Pitchfest 

  • October 27: The submission link is live! Woo Hoo!  

  • November 14: The submission link will close @ 11 pm PST.  

  • January 15: Selection/Notification!  

  • January TBD: Guidelines and Rules for the Pitchfest 

  • January TBD: Practice Pitch 1 

  • February TBD: Practice Pitch 2  

  • February TBD: Pitchfest via Zoom 

Notes: Be flexible with this timeline. The Grindstone team's various production schedules can impact their availability and we need to work around them. 

Selection Process 
 
The selection process is simple: if your screenplay falls in a genre they are looking for and has an intriguing logline that fits the kind of projects they seek out, you will be placed in the review group for final selection.  
 
However, because there are traditionally many more candidates than slots (over 100 average per year), the final “tie-breaker” between you and another candidate may also rest on your personal statement and the robustness of your VMEConnect Profile.  
 
Note: The Lionsgate / Grindstone team will review your background as part of the submission process. Your VMEConnect profile is your proof that you are a veteran. It's also your personal story, so make it as compelling as possible. 
 
Your profile also showcases your entertainment experience. Please ensure you represent yourself well through photos, videos, a clear bio, links to updated resumes, stats, reels, etc. Do not insert other resumes, IMDB, personal websites in this area. 


When will I find out if I’m selected? 

  • Monday, January 15, 2023. Finalists will be notified by 10 pm PST. 

 

  • If selected, what can I expect at the Grindstone Pitch Session? 
     
    Each finalist will have 8 minutes max to exclusively pitch their idea before a panel of experienced development and feature film executives. Session breakdown: 

  • 45 seconds to introduce yourself 

  • 15 seconds to give your film title, genre, and log line 

  • 4 minutes to pitch the story  

  • 2-3 minutes for Grindstone execs to ask questions and provide immediate feedback (the good, the bad, the ugly...). You may be asked for a follow-up meeting at the end of the session. 

 

I'm not in LA. Can I still apply? 

  • Yes!  Pitching this year is via Zoom no matter where you are located!   
     
    Good Luck! 
     
    - VME Staff & Pitchfest Committee