Question : Query Letter
05-06-11
QUESTION – “What should be in a query letter to gain interest from a film producer?”
ANSWER - Query letters are the standard accepted way to entice producers, production companies, studios and other groups that will inspire people or companies to ask for more information on your project or product. Here is a simple explanation of the format I have found the most effective:
Contact’s name = the person you need to contact (if you don’t know the name of the head of Acquisitions at the company or the person you need to contact, call the company in question and ask who handles the department you want to contact). Make sure you also take the name of the person you talked to as they are able to put your future calls through to the right people or in time, they may become the gatekeeper you need to pass through to talk or meet the person that can green light your deal.
Address = straight forward. When you call to get the name of who you need to call make sure the address you have is correct.
Date = Always record when you sent this correspondence for record keeping purposes.
Re: = The ‘To the point line of what you are asking for.’
Personal Name = If you were introduced to someone as ‘Bob’ instead of their full name ‘Robert’ then by all means address this person as informally as possible. This is to help become a friend of this power person as quickly as possible, because we all know that people help their friends a lot more than strangers.
First Paragraph = Come to the point with a catchy, positive, interesting way. Explain your project/product in as few words as possible but in enough detail that will get them to want to know more or at the least read on.
Second Paragraph = Give them as many reasons why your project/product is a perfect fit in their organization and/or why it will be successful. Try not to generalize but be specific and if you have some easy to digest facts/data insert it (like market size or audience your project has or users of your product or volume of sales.
Third Paragraph = This is where you explain who you are and insight about your background and how you can assist in the success of your project/product. Don’t give a resume but specific information about yourself and how your knowledge helped you create what it is you are trying to interest the reader in or how you can help ensure its success.
Ending = A simple ‘Best Regards’ or ‘Respectfully’ can’t hurt.
Your name = What ever name the contact knows you as or your full first and last name.
Contact Information = If you are not using letterhead then under your name and signature put your telephone number, email address then your mailing address.
Written Note = I have found adding a personal hand written aside or note will also be read as much as a PS. This shows that you wrote the letter and not one of your staff. Personalizing each contact is a bonus and stands out. When Robert Ludlum jotted down a few points any where on letter margins believe me I turned the letter and read them all.
Keep your Query letters one page or maximum two. I also like to add a One Sheet or color brochure describing the project/product.
Respectfully,
Sandford Tuey
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