Official Response from TV Writers Vault
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"
Your Service [The TV Writers Vault] is a very valuable asset for anyone involved in programming or production"
Mr. Paul Gilbert
Senior Vice President, International Formats
CBS Studios International
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Hi Guys-
I'm Scott Manville, and I run the TV Writers Vault which is the subject of this thread and a bit of heated scrutiny in this forum.
I did post my position on the issues of legitimacy, a while back, further up in the thread, but I feel compelled to paint the picture in very simple terms.
We are an extremely active database and sourcing tool that is currently used by over 220 top Production Companies and Networks. In the past 2 weeks alone we have had over 400 projects receive official reviews by producers, and 14 writers receiving direct contact with executives interested in pursuing their projects. We've had many option deals won, and hundreds of writers make contact with producers, and a few who have had pilots produced. We even had the wife of a rock star pitching a slate of projects, and ultimately getting a producing deal through us.
Here's a partial list of some of the companies currently using the
TV Writers Vault to discover new talent and projects:
20th Century Fox TV
ABC Studios
Alchemy TV
CBS
CBS Films
CBS/Paramount Network Television
CBS Studios International
Disney ABC Networks Group
Endemol USA
Fox Broadcasting
Fox TV Studios
Fox Sports
Lionsgate Television
Magical Elves
Shine/Reveille International
Sony Pictures Television International
...and over two hundred others.
Many of the executives at those companies are not just development executives, but Sr. VP's, EP's, Heads of Divisions, and other top brass.
The first project that was ever sold from the TV Writers Vault was picked up by the
Sr. VP of Alternative Programming for Fox TV Studios who made a legitimate option deal with the creator of the concept, mediated by the TV Writers Vault. We've also seen the head of alternative for ICM join. Since we take no financial participation in any project sales, it is more than fair to charge a fee for use of our venue to market projects, and most writers tell me its a lot cheaper than pounding the pavement trying to land an Agent, and often more effective.
Its natural to face some scrutiny when you're operating against the grain in an industry that is by nature very insulated in process. But the fact that I have top executives that I'm in communication with regularly, expressing gratitude for developing a simple and safe tool for producers to reach out to idea people and new writers, proves to me that I don't need to please anyone else but them, and the writers who are bold enough to ignore the jaded negativity that tells them they can't gain exposure and deals by any method other than Agents.
I'm very happy to continue introducing new talent and concepts to the industry, and further develop the TV Writers Vault with the guidance and collaboration of the industry itself. I'm also very happy to have people directed to our site from forums such as this, and discover for themselves the opportunities and guidance that we provide.
Here's a few updates on what's happening at the site, and some current press:
Current Companies
Entrepreneur Magazine Article
Los Angeles Business Journal
If you have any specific and productive questions related to actual business, I'm happy to answer. Just email me at the site.
I will not respond to this thread any more. Too much business to take care of, and I'd rather spend my energy helping new writers not get bogged down in negativity. Take a read below of just a few recent testimonials from people who have used the TV Writers Vault.
Sincerely,
Scott Manville
TVWritersVault.com
TV Writers Vault / Scott Manville - Positive Testimonials:
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"I hired Scott Manville in May of 2009 to help develop an idea for a half-hour cable reality series I was pitching at the TV Writers Vault. The process took roughly a month to complete, and by the end of July 2009 I had a Production Company pick up the idea and schedule a pilot shoot! I must say I was very impressed with Scott's knowledge, understanding, and professionalism. In pitching to several production companies, one even referred to him as a "Legend" in the business of development. Scott took my ideas and research and compacted it into a top caliber concept that you will likely see on the networks soon!
I've been in TV both on and off air for 10 years, and I can tell you that Scott works wonders for a reasonable amount of money. What the success of the concept comes down to is how revolutionary you idea is and your tenacity to get it picked up. If you are thinking about hiring Scott, those with faith and determination bring dreams to reality. If Scott helps you develop the concept and you don't aggressively follow through on marketing your idea to Production Companies, you WILL NOT succeed.
For those of you who truly believe your idea is something people need and want to see, I highly recommend Scott Manville's services. He makes the process comfortable, detailed, and affordable. If you have the right attitude from there, the rest will be history!"
Tim Tialdo
TV Host/Producer
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"The Television Writers Vault has made a tremendous difference in my life as a Writer. So many doors have opened for me in my writing career that I can't even express how grateful I am. Scott Manville has been wonderful since day one. Every time I'd have a question, he would always get back to me with answers and took the time to explain things to me when I needed help.
Since I've made contact with a production company (Kingfish Productions), my project is getting further along than I'd have even imagined. I owe it to TV Writers Vault! Thanks for everything Scott."
Jenny Rowlett - Rockton, IL.
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"TV Writers Vault gave me the opportunity to see exactly what producers were looking for in a script. It was nice to have my projects reviewed in a protected platform. Scott was instrumental in introducing me to a producer who i'm now collaborating with on several projects. I have recommended TVwritersvault.com to several people. Thanks Scott!"
Shemane Nugent - Crawford, TX.
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"I would like to personally extend a heartfelt thank you to Scott Manville at The TV Writers Vault for streamlining his invaluable insight behind the convoluted, and often shrewd world called: Hollywood!
The TV Writers Vault is the quintessential forum to showcase an up-and-coming writers true talents; writing! In a world filled with incessant droning about "poor customer service", I was refreshed to discover that Scott happens to be the exception to the rule. Point and case, he personally responded to all of my countless e-mails. Each response was accurate with regard to "industry" standards, candid, friendly, and ultimately priceless.
My advice for any would-be writer...you could opt for going it alone, or you could make it easy on yourself by joining The Writers Vault! I'd say the answer is pretty simple!"
Michael Sitler
- TV Writers Vault Member
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"After developing a detailed project synopsis, my next challenge involved finding an avenue to pitch my proposal to Networks and Production Companies. Although I am a published Author, this genre is new to me, and the process of reaching Producers is quite different. I was thrilled to find the TV Writers Vault! The exposure, contacts, resources, and services are incredibly valuable for Writers who want to move their projects forward. Thank you TV Writers Vault for the opportunity to gauge interest in my project."
Linda Wong - Published Author - Las Vegas, NV.
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"I have received more than 9 reviews of my submissions- which is great! The up-to-the-minute review of submissions provides writers the opportunity to see production companies reviewing their work. The Logline samples from various genres have also been helpful."
Cheryl L. Bunkley - College Park, GA
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TV Writers Vault Member Sells Reality Show:
http://www.tvwritersvault.com/companyinfo/TCentner.asp
http://www.tvwritersvault.com/companyinfo/jstewart.asp
http://www.screenwritersutopia.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2395
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"
Your Service [The TV Writers Vault] is a very valuable asset for anyone involved in programming or production"
Mr. Paul Gilbert
Senior Vice President, International Formats
CBS Studios International
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