Pitching advice

[MacG]

So my manager called me this afternoon and says that the DOD of a very high profile production company wants to hear my and my writing partner's pitch for a proposed sci-fi trilogy we're developing.

He and I have never pitched before and, manager's advice aside, wanted to see what you guys think are some important things to remember.

How long should we go? How in depth on each proposed installment of the trilogy? Should we just hit the major action and emotional beats, or delve further?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you're willing to share....

M-

[Bess McNeil]

Hit the major action and emotional beats, don't get mired in detail. Watch for the dreaded "eyes glazing over" syndrome. Observe carefully and take your cues from the responses of your audience. When they zone out it's past time to wrap it up - try to end while they're still dazzled by your brilliance. Listen graciously to their ideas and suggestions, and remain open-minded.

Don't forget to breathe. :)

Rehearse out loud together. Feels weird but it really helps. Can't stress this enough. Rehearse. Be flexible, the pitch could start going off on tangents depending on questions they might pose, but if you rehearse you're better able to get back on track once the tangent has exhausted itself.

Remember all the things that excite YOU about your project, and do your best to convey those things.

Be yourself. And have fun with it. These meetings actually CAN be fun when you find a receptive group of people to pitch to. And even if it ends badly it's a learning experience and you'll do better the next time.

Got my fingers crossed for you.

Good Luck.

[Gillyflower Cooms]

There's a pretty good pitch article at "twoadverbs."

[jimjimgrande]

Here's a formula a pro gave me to use (at the beginning of this year, I decided I should forget everything I thought I knew and learn it all over again)

I look forward to trying this because I have not pitched well throughout the years.

Total time - 10 minutes

Start with the old "it's THIS meets THIS" using two successful movies.

Describe the world briefly.

Name your lead character and reference the actor who would play him or her - briefly describe who they are and what they are after.

Describe the first act, setting everything up and say, that's the first act when you're done three minutes later.

During the second act (keep it to about two minutes) highlight one of the set pieces and detail where your hero is at and what he's up against for the big finale.

Hit the major beats of the third act quickly, peppering in your unique set piece ideas. (roughly about a minute)

rehearse. rehearse. rehearse so that you can tell the story cohesively without stumbling before you go in.

Have another couple set pieces and strong character scenes you're ready to describe during the Q & A that you didn't use during the pitch.

That's it. This is of course, just one guy's way of doing it and I'm sure there are many others, probably more successful, but it's worked for him, and I'm using it as a starting point for the pitch I'm working on. good luck

[MacG]

My sincere thanks for the advice / suggestions thus far! All are wonderful and will be heeded!

M-

[SebsWrtrDad]

Good advice so far -- here is stuff some folks don't think of as important, but I have seen make a difference to execs I have worked for....

Dress well -- don't throw on a suit but look neat -- professional.

Brush your damn teeth -- use anti-persperant.

Laugh all you want -- you want to be knocking them over with the pitch -- not your breath.....

Oh, and if you have stuff like artwork to leave behind (called by many -- 'leave-behinds') -- only use them if they look really good.

Otherwise it will be a source of humor in the office later.

Sounds like a great opportunity -- good luck. I'll cross my fingers for ya.....

[captain bligh]

eat a peanut butter sandwich just before walking into the office for your pitch, and refuse any offers of water. i promise you won't go on too long if you do both of those things.

[April Hamilton]

Good advice so far. I'll add some advice I was given that seems to work well for me:

Pitch it as if you just saw the movie, loved it, and you're describing it to a friend.

[MacG]

Coolio, people. I'm lovin' it! Thanks again....

[cognomen]

Don't give yourself an ulcer...it's like selling a car.

[filmcarver]

I have to echo that TwoAdverbs is "pitch central". All the sites have nuances, and that stands out there. Just an afternoon reading the CE articles and threads will give you a strong education just for joining the free site.

Don't miss reading "Logline Lottery" where CE gives the exec spin on pitch logs....

Hope DD doesn't mind the plug. We're all on the same team.

[PipeWriter]

If you get nervous while pitching, do this: reach over and politely but firmly grab the penis of the guy next to you. That way you'll know there's someone in the room who feels at least as awkward as you. You can continue from there.

[gaterooze]

With that post, your nom de plume makes total sense. In my mind, it defines you, evermore...