How to Sell Your Life Story — or Any Story to Hollywood

Ever thought that your life story would make a great movie?

Join veteran film and television producer Phyllis Pierce as she brings insider knowledge of how stories move from an idea to the screen and will share those secrets.

This dynamic lecture is designed for anyone who believes they have a story worth telling — whether it’s a life experience, memoir, book, article, or screenplay. Attendees will learn:

• What makes a story commercially saleable 
• Practical strategies for turning a compelling personal story into a marketable property
• How to determine the right medium: television, film, streaming, or documentary
• The fundamentals of negotiating option agreements and purchase prices
• What you need to know about agents, producers and other Hollywood gatekeepers
• How to position your project to bypass common Hollywood roadblocks

Whether you are an aspiring writer, author, or simply someone with a remarkable life experience, this lecture offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how deals are made and how stories become movies.

With a career spanning both the business and storytelling sides of Hollywood, Pierce specializes in identifying powerful true stories and shaping them for the screen. She has guided projects from initial concept through pitch, packaging, and studio or network presentation, bringing a practical understanding of what makes a life story commercially viable.

In addition to her producing work, Pierce is a sought-after speaker on the subject of selling life stories to Hollywood. Her presentations demystify the development process and offer insider guidance on navigating life-rights agreements, pitching strategies, and breaking through industry barriers without traditional representation.

Like all Southbury Public Library programs, this event is free to attend and open to anyone regardless of town of residency. Registration is required. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. For more information about this program, please email Rebecca at rrandall@biblio.org or call the reference desk at 203-262-0626 ext 2.