Thread: On Pitching
For above-the-line creatives: writers, producers, directors. I was a dev exec at Lotus Ent, so this is my perspective as a buyer. What to do, what NOT to do, and how to nail it. #screenwriting #WritingCommunity
1/ All pros pitch. Even at the highest levels
For above-the-line creatives: writers, producers, directors. I was a dev exec at Lotus Ent, so this is my perspective as a buyer. What to do, what NOT to do, and how to nail it. #screenwriting #WritingCommunity
1/ All pros pitch. Even at the highest levels
2/ Pitching is really hard, so you need to practice, practice, practice. First off know that the cardinal sins of pitching are
a) too boring
b) too confusing
a) too boring
b) too confusing
3/ The first thing you're often pitching is getting the buyer to read you. Whether that's a query, an email, or an in-the-room pitch, you have to fascinate them and compel them to read. If they send it out for coverage, you may be doomed, so ASK THEM TO READ THEMSELVES.
4/ If you're selling a comedy- know that you gotta make the buyer laugh IN THE ROOM, and so you should write those jokes ahead of time, plan, and also trust the moment- both equally. Your first job is to prove you (or the writer/s) are funny. PEN15 sold off a comedy short btw
5/ As a buyer, it's hard to interrupt you if we get lost. Questions start to add up... so make space to check in.
Are you with me so far? Is a question that can save your pitch. Take pauses. Do NOT ramble on and on and on. Let it breathe. Tell the story but check in too.
Are you with me so far? Is a question that can save your pitch. Take pauses. Do NOT ramble on and on and on. Let it breathe. Tell the story but check in too.
6/ If your story has 1000 characters, and you know them all SO WELL, I guarantee even your intelligent your buyer will glaze over. So give us the heart of it- your protag, your villain, the story engine. Be compelling. Bring the PASSION!! Perform it :)
7/ You should always have a one sentence pitch. As a producer, I got a read request today off a one sentence pitch that was designed just for this particular producer I was talking to. Once they say yes, STOP TALKING. End the meeting. Follow up fast.
8/ As a buyer, I knew within a few minutes of the pitch whether this movie was for us. A powerful entry after the small talk is to just say, listen I'm not sure if this is for everyone, but here's why I thought of YOU for it. Make it personal to them. Execs have egos :)
9/ Film your pitch twice:
First film it into your phone.
Then film yourself pitching a real person (manager, team, spouse etc). Then watch the playback and learn. Then adjust your pitch. Rinse. Repeat. Refine. That feedback is gold.
First film it into your phone.
Then film yourself pitching a real person (manager, team, spouse etc). Then watch the playback and learn. Then adjust your pitch. Rinse. Repeat. Refine. That feedback is gold.
10/ On rejection. It's SO hard. Learn what you can. Improve for next time. If the person who passes says they love your work/writing/filmmaking, ask them who they know may be right for your project. Ask for that email intro (warm handoff).
11/ I teach pitching, and you can grab my free special report on How to Pitch Anything in 1min here EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com
12/ Succeeding in entertainment where even celebs are your competition is tough. If you want guidance navigating your career - only if you're serious- you can apply to the Entertainment Business School with me here- next class starts in Jan: EntertainmentBusinessSchool.com
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