How many projects have you dreamed up over the years? How many ideas for shows or films, how many great entrances and killer lines?!!

How many times have you watched something and thought, “I could do better than that!”

People who are successful in entertainment aren’t actually that different from you— their ideas and talent might not even match yours, and yet…

You’ve probably spent hours, days, and weeks on your projects, but how much longer are you going to go home for the holidays telling everyone that you’re a screenwriter or producer, director, or want to be in reality TV and when they ask what you’ve done having to say “well…nothing yet.”

We know. It just gets embarrassing after a while.

So…you could just stop telling people what you’re doing. That’s one option. But it’s not going to help your career if you silence that voice that states who you really are and what you really want to do.

Rather than waiting helplessly for that creative exec to fall in love with your project and tear themselves away from all those academy-award-winners long enough to polish it for market and package it with the elements that will get it made (about as likely as you getting drafted by the NBA)—you can take your progress into your own hands.

Now you have two choices. You can sit back and keep doing what you’ve been doing, which, statistically, probably won’t work, or you make things happen for yourself.

This post-recession period is tight and it’s hard for new talent to break in, especially with agents and managers paring down their client lists and focusing time their most successful ones. If you do get through to one on the phone it’s likely you’ll hear something to the effect that they “can’t take on any new clients at this time….”

In the past, you could bypass the agents by sending your script directly to a Development Executive at a production company (or if you’re a great networker) a studio, but many of these positions have been cut.

Development departments are all but gone, and at best you’ll get through to an overworked administrator or assistant who barely has time to fulfill their “Creative Exec” responsibilities.

You could sit back and say you’re a victim if nobody’s reading your writing or watching your sizzle reel (no surprise that a lot of unsuccessful creative people do this). But the people whose job it was to read, watch, obsess, strategize, polish your project and make it market-ready just aren’t out looking for emerging talent the way they used to.

The reality is that they’re not lazy and they’re not being mean, it’s just not how things are being done anymore. They used to look for you, but now they don’t have time to speculate on who might have potential. That avenue of opportunity is drying up.

NO! Never, never, never give up. Strategize. If you can’t go over the mountain, go through it.

We’ve created a whole new system of new talent discovery, where it’s YOU who make your project market-ready.

Take Jason, one of our aspiring TV producer clients. He knew he couldn’t wait for jobs to come to him, so he decided to put his own material together. He came to us with a logline and an utter willingness to accept the advice of those with more experience than him. That’s it. Nothing else.

We helped him develop the entire show, a treatment, a full episodic breakdown, and a killer look book. At this point, the project was so good, that we got several agents interested in it and ended up attaching a famous TV showrunner, John Leekley, who’s now writing the pilot…and we’re not stopping there. We’ve recently garnered the attention of an interactive company who are going to develop an online game as a companion to the groundbreaking series. As you read below, you’ll hear directly from some of our other clients about the success they’re having.

But first, let’s break down what sets the pros apart from the amateurs. The people with the most successful careers in entertainment (the top 1%) look at their work as something they need to not just finish on a creative level, but also make market-ready, package, market, and see through to the finish line.

Wait–how are there enough hours in the day for both? It seems like this will take some special skills and man-hours. Not to mention access to a high-powered network of connections!

Introducing

The Professionals Program

Develop, Package and Promote Your Work
Without Having To Get An Agent First

In The Professionals Program, Voyage enables filmmakers to develop, package, and promote their work without having to get an agent first.

We call it “Strategic Development and Packaging”, and it’s revolutionizing the industry.

- Development is about making sure your work is ready for market—polished and built to bring in the audiences (that’s what all those development execs used to do).

- Packaging is the process of getting meaningful and helpful elements attached (like hot directors, producers, writers, and actors) to attract money and get you to a green light. It also means creating business plans, lookbooks and strategies for marketing, distribution, and financing..

We know you can’t do everything yourself, so we offer you teams of experts that will help you develop, package and market your projects even if you don’t have an agent.

Or…okay we’ll just say it…if you have an agent who isn’t doing much for you because you’re not one of his or her biggest clients.

You can’t get the kind of access and expertise from film school, interning, or even assisting…The Professionals Program gives you the equivalent benefits of years and years of relationship building.

Every one of our programs is customized to fit your unique needs—we don’t add anything you don’t need, and we cover everything you do need.

For example, if you’re an aspiring writer we can help you develop a script, create a blog, and put together a marketing plan to raise your profile.

If you’re a director, we’ll find you a writer for your script, write your business plan, and get you a real producer to attach.

If you’re a producer we can help you make a deal to secure rights, prepare top quality presentations, and reach out to meaningful attachments.

And this only scratches the surface of what we can do together. Down below are more examples of how the Professionals Program can help you specifically.

Well, because the industry was humming along just fine until the recession and new technology shook things up dramatically—and until recently, the insiders have been reluctant to break with tradition and adjust.

It’s 2012 and we say it’s time for a change! We’re doing for entertainment talent what the Internet did for musicians (record companies didn’t see i-Tunes coming either!) Our clients are catching the first wave and more and more creative professionals are using our resources to get ahead in the future.

We’re making the old system obsolete and the first to catch on will reap the biggest rewards.

Call Now To Start Your Application Process: (310) 392-4180*

*There are very limited spots available for our special offer outlined below

Here’s Some of What You Can Expect
if Chosen for a Professionals Program:

Doesn’t it draw a red flag for you when you look closely at other services and realize that the people working with you haven’t really broken in to the industry themselves?

That’s one of our pet peeves, so we’ve taken pains to carefully check the track records of every one of our team members, all of which have successfully gotten projects produced and distributed.

One of our people was the VP of Development at Alcon Entertainment. He developed THE BLIND SIDE, THE BOOK OF ELI, THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2, and many others films.

Another is a former William Morris Agent turned TV producer who worked with Stephen Colbert, Patton Oswalt, Judy Blume, and who developed TV and Film projects like UNHITCHED, COACH CARTER, and FLYBOYS.

A third has, for 15 years, been the secret-weapon story expert and Executive Producer for Phil Noyce, director of SALT starring Angelina Jolie and the award-winning indie RABBIT PROOF FENCE.

We also have experts who have held major positions at Disney, Dimension, The Discover Channel, HBO New Line Cinema, Lions Gate Films, and many more companies in the business.

Scroll down to the bottom of this letter to read more about a few select members of our team.

Call Now To Start Your Application Process: (310) 392-4180*

*Make sure to let us know you’re calling about our “Open Call for The Professionals Program”

Please keep in mind that this program isn’t for everyone, and if you’re not willing to put some work, thought, and investment into your growth, then it’s probably not for you. If you think your project is already perfect and doesn’t need any work, and you believe you can become one of the “overnight success” stories you read in the celebrity magazines, good luck with that. Let us know when you hit. We hear the NBA is still taking applications too!

We don’t want to waste our time or yours if you don’t take your career seriously, but if you’re ready to get an honest and professional assessment of your project and a step-by-step roadmap for what to do with it, then call Voyage Media at (310) 392-4180 to register and start the application process.

TREATMENT / SCRIPT REVIEW

Your treatment or full-length script will be reviewed by one of our executives, who will assess its strengths and weaknesses in light of current industry trends and needs.

BIO/RESUME REVIEW

Our industry executive reviews your professional background and achievements, and makes recommendations for how to present your self to the industry.

1-HOUR, ONE-ON-ONE ASSESSMENT CALL

A private call with our executive who has spent time getting to know your work, and who gives you the same informed expert guidance and attention they provide for A-List clients.

Call Now To Start Your Application Process: (310) 392-4180*

*Make sure to let us know you’re calling about our “Open Call for The Professionals Program”

Bonus #1

I’ve worked with authors just like you virtually everyday for the past four years, and I have some proven tactics for how to bring your book to market.

During our 20-minute call, you and I will discuss:

• Cutting edge strategies I use to get projects made (that you can use too)
• Targeted solutions to specific challenges and obstacles you’ll encounter in your project and career
• A brand new model specifically designed for emerging storytellers and authors that enable you to maximize your project’s potential in entertainment, increase your revenue, and all but guarantee that you’ll stay creatively involved in the project and influence its outcome… all the way from concept to screen

Bonus #2

I’m also giving you a copy of our acclaimed e-book, THE SECRET HANDSHAKE, over 100 pages of industry guidance from our elite producers.

• Learn the networking and sales techniques that separate the amateurs from the professionals
• Understand the new opportunities and avenues to success
• Learn how to build a reputation that can get you hired again and again

Keep in mind that even if you are not chosen to work closely with Voyage as a client, the application process will bring you to a higher level of focus on your work and how it can fit into the industry.

Applicants who have not even been accepted have told us that the information they gained in the assessment made it one of the most valuable things they’ve ever done for their careers.

APPLICATION FEE

Treatment Review : $774.00 $297*

Script Review: $974.00 $497*

*first 20 applicants only

Call Now To Start Your Application Process: (310) 392-4180*

*Make sure to let us know you’re calling about our “Open Call for The Professionals Program”

AVAILABILITY

Due to increased demand, our team’s availability is limited, but we have added some new team members, which will allow us to take on more projects. Please note that January is the time when we take on the bulk of our projects for the year, and we are filling up quickly so we cannot guarantee any space after February.

I look forward to getting to know you and your work and making this year a big win.

All the best,

Nat

PS: We are offering this discounted rate for the first 20 applicants to apply after receiving this message, and we cannot guarantee that we will have any space left after that point.

PPS: Here’s some additional details on a sampling of our Voyage Team Members…

Kathleen McLaughlin Executive Produced Rabbit-Proof Fence and Co-Produced THE QUIET AMERICAN, which garnered an Academy Award nomination for Michael Caine. She also developed SALT, THE SAINT, THE BONE COLLECTOR and THE SUM OF ALL FEARS.

John Crye served as a senior production, acquisition and distribution executive at New Market Films, Exclusive Media Group, and Wreckin Hill. Credits include MEMENTO, PASSION OF THE CHRIST, WHALE RIDER and DONNIE DARKO.

Maher Jafari managed hands-on development of 25 comedy and drama projects including GEORGE LOPEZ, FREDDIE, WANDA AT LARGE, and served as Director of Development for actor-comedian Kevin James.

Elizabeth Kushman was Vice President of Development & Production at Dimension Films, where she supervised a diverse slate including HALLOWEEN 2, YOUTH IN REVOLT, THE ROAD and SCREAM 4 for Bob and Harvey Weinstein.

Regina Lee is a film and television producer and analyst with a background at CAA, Universal, and both Hugh Jackman and Owen Wilson’s production companies. Credits include X-MEN, THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, and SEABISCUIT.

Matt Stuecken associate produced G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA for Paramount Pictures and MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR for Universal Pictures where he was involved from the inception of the idea.

Van Partible is the creator of the TV show, JOHNNY BRAVO, which ran for five seasons on the Cartoon Network and continues to air on Boomerang. He has also produced original material at Film Roman, Walt Disney Television Animation, Fox Kids, NBC, Cartoon Network Asia and has several projects currently in development.

Monnie Wills spent six months in Moscow Executive Producing the Summit Entertainment / New Regency sci-fi thriller, THE DARKEST HOUR which released world wide in December 2011 (starring Emile Hirsch). While an executive for the Fox-based Davis Entertainment, Wills worked on such films as BEHIND ENEMY LINES starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman; I,ROBOT starring Will Smith and directed by Alex Proyas; and AVP: ALIEN VS PREDATOR.

Michelle Sy executive produced FINDING NEVERLAND, starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, which was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. She also served as VP of Production & Development at The Kennedy/Marshall Company, where she oversaw development of THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY.

Aisha Wynn was the Director of Development at Robyn Nash Productions, where she produced CBS’s prime time series, SECRET TALENT OF THE STARS, and set up development projects at A&E, MTV, and BET. Prior to that, Aisha also handled development on the WE Network’s HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTAL.

Mark Marinaccio was a Network Executive for the Discovery Channel. His credits include Executive Producing AUCTIONEERS for the Discovery Channel, SUPERHEROES for Spike TV, DISCLOSURE for TruTV, Co-Executive Producing PARANORMAL COPS for A&E, IN HARM’S WAY for CW, and serving as showrunner on SAINT OR SINNER for A&E.

PPPS:Here are some recent success stories of clients who signed up of the Insider Strategy Session…

VALLEY UPRISING
Creators: Nick Rosen & Pete Mortimer
Nick and Pete came to us with a rough cut of their documentary. They joined our Professional’s Program to solve some core creative problems with their storyline and ended up creating an amazing, award-winning documentary.
Voyage ended up executive producing the documentary with narration by Peter Sarsgaard. The film has won the GRAND PRIZE in all five festivals in which it has competed. Valley Uprising is also available on Blu-ray, DVD, or digitally through the Sender Films website.

UNBRIDLED
Creator: Marilu Norden
Rising through the ranks of our Book-to-Screen program, Marilu had one of our producers and screenwriters adapt her award winning book and true story into a one-hour TV drama.
We also worked with Marilu to create a stunning visual pitch lookbook, which helped the project picked up by two successful showrunners! The project is now being shopped around to TV networks as a Voyage Original.

STRANGER
Creator: Shaun Cunningham
Shaun signed up for an Insider Strategy Session for his film project, Stranger (show and movie titles are always presented in all caps and italics). The script read great so we decided to set the project up in our Originals program, together with co-producer, John Crye. What started as a seed turned into a plant under Shaun’s writing ability and our guidance.  Shaun’s past film screened as an Official Selection of the American Independent Film Festival and he would like STRANGER to be the next big step in his film career.

THE TRIBE
Creator: Rose Cole
Rose was a well-known Internet personality and holistic healer.  She came to us with a desire to go mainstream and get her own TV show. We helped her by developing an entire personal brand strategy, new website, reality format, treatment and sizzle reel – now her series, The Tribe, has been optioned by producers, has a showrunner attached, and is currently being shopped to networks.

THE BLINDSPOT
Creator: Martin Rausch
Martin Rausch is an unlikely producer (he’s an academic intellectual) from Switzerland, but after completing a Professionals Program and working with producer Bonnie Solomon, Rausch has a partially financed documentary that is quickly gaining momentum as one of our Originals.  In fact, the filmmakers are currently running an Indiegogo campaign to raise money for the project, and have raised nearly half their goal!
Here’s what Martin has to say:
“Voyage provided me with professionals who identified what needed to be done, what needed to be improved, and they helped me achieve it!” -Martin Rausch

MACABEE
Creator: Benjamin Bindell
Producer Benjamin Bindell first approached us needing visual pitch materials to pitch his project.  We worked with Bindell to create a lookbook, and we are now working with him to help him write his screenplay in our Professionals Program.  The project is set up as an Original and with major A-list producers as well!

IMMANENT
Creator: Catherine Arne
During her Professionals Program, Catherine executed a market-based rewrite and also developed a clear go-to-market pitch and packaging strategy.  As the program came to a close, it was clear that this script was a winner, so we picked it up as an Original and then set up a coproduction with producer John Crye (MEMENTO, DONNIE DARKO).
Catherine proved to be such a strong screenwriter, we’ve now started giving her paid screenwriting assignments, helping adapt books into screenplays. She is currently a member of the Professional’s Program once again, developing a TV project called Psychopath Nation with producers Regina Lee and John Crye.

CLOCKWORK
Creator: Susannah Farrow and Dale Trott
This extraordinary writing team has so far completed two Professionals Programs with us, and both projects were set up as Originals and optioned by producers right out of the gate! Their most recent project, Clockwork, is currently being shopped around to production companies.  Susannah and Dale are also now getting paid writing assignments from us. They have a real knack at writing horror and supernatural stories and have developed a great, professional and personal relationship with producer, Elizabeth Kushman.
Here’s what Susannah has to say:

“Voyage provides the assistance, support and direction that you need to move forward to get across the line. They really work in the business… They’ve been around the pond, they know people, and they have networks and connections. If you want to make it as a professional in this business, then these are the guys who can help you get there.” -Susannah Farrow & Dale Trott

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE
Creator: Shilpa Sunthankar
Shilpa has been working in the industry for a while and came to Voyage for an Insider Strategy Session with the goal to make the leap to writing/directing films full time as a career. She was later invited into our Professionals Program and subsequently her first project, Continental Divide, was optioned, so she is well on her way to achieving her goal!

THE DEVIL’S BREED
Creator: Michael Faunce-Brown
After adapting his novel to a screenplay and completing a Professionals Program, Faunce-Brown’s project was set up as a Voyage Original.  We are in development on the screenplay, negotiating with a director, and are currently shopping the rights to the book as well.

SIBLINGS
Creator: Juan Manuel Borbolla
Juan is a former studio executive at WB in Mexico and was involved in the production of 8 Mexican movies.  Juan came to us with this project because he wants to shoot the movie with american actors, and the story told in English.  Although he is currently in his Professionals Program, his project has been set up as a Voyage original and is already being shopped around as he continues to polish his screenplay.

STAN
Creator: Richard Wold
Richard Wold is an author who first approached us in need of a treatment based on his book.  He is in both our Book-to-Screen progam and our Professionals Program to complete the screenplay, execute business plan and distribution strategy, create a lookbook , with Voyage prepping to bring the project to market.y.

THE NEW SWITCH
Creator: Gary Shelly
Gary Shelly is an author/screenwriter currently in a Professionals Program with Voyage producer Monnie Wills.  Gary came to us through an Insider Strategy Session with a screenplay for his project, and we are currently developing it as a novel/graphic novel and preparing to go to market as a Voyage Original, for both a publishing deal and film financing.