Hello so I have booked my first pitch session with stage 32 Just want to know how everyone went on their first pitch session and if you could do it again what you would change. Also if you found it worth it?
Screenwriting : Nervous first pitch session by Troy Sciberras
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I was hoping the person I was pitching to was interested
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I didn't know what I was doing hence it went stress less for me...
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Troy Sciberras Not likely. The pitch sessions are for practice.
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Congratulations on taking the leap Troy Sciberras! You're going to do great. The thing you have to keep in mind - the industry pro that you are pitching to wants you to succeed. They have also been on the other side of the table and pitched projects themselves, so they know what it is like to be nervous and hoping for the "yes".
Enjoy the process. Enjoy the connection with someone new. Remember that you both love movies and TV so already you have something in common. And remember to thank them for taking the time to be a part of your process. (And don't ask them if they want to read the script on the call.)
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If I could do my first pitch again, I would know my characters better. It would allow me to pitch the script better.
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I went to Los Angeles for an in-person pitch fest back in the day. My first pitch was a complete disaster, as were several others during the event. This is to be expected. Rejection is part of the business, and you have to put it behind you as quickly as possible...slap on that smile and on to the next one. Good luck with your first pitch, and take it as preparation for all those to come.
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My first in person pitch was death while live on stage. Practice on strangers? Good luck and have fun!
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The main things I'd suggest are writing down the key points you want to hit and practice, practice, practice : ) It'll help you feel as if you have a better grasp on how you want to deliver your pitch and it will make it flow more naturally.
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I am curious about how other have found the 'written pitches'? I've decided to give it a whirl. I have no idea if the producers have an SLA for when they are supposed to get back to you. Hence, why I've only dipped my toe into the water. As for in-person pitching... I have a lot of sympathy with those that struggle with it persistently, no matter how many times they do it. But, yes... practice does make for improvement. I prefer doing something in a written sense, but that has a lot more to do with two things that I struggle with: 1) Social anxiety. 2) Being on the severe dyslexic side. The latter isn't something that is a blocker, and can be overcome with lots of practice. It's the bit where you get follow up questions that throw you for a loop. And then my words and brain start having an internal debate, and the end result is the occasional bout of verbal poop. The irony of all this, is that I've worked as a director at some of the largest companies in the world, and presented to EVPs and CEOs... (think, Steve Ballmer, Jeff Bezos) no problem. Perhaps it's 'cos when I'm in work mode, I can put on a professional mask. When I'm in writer mode, it's the real me. The vulnerable me. Hence, I get a bit nervous and tongue-tied. Regardless... you'll figure out soon what works for you and how to perfect your pitching craft. Just be kind to yourself. Allow for grace. It's a long, long slog. So, be gentle to your ego and confidence. Keep telling yourself... be patient, learn, and improve. GOOD LUCK!!
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@Jeremy Iv’e done many written pitches finding them user friendly and informative. Also in a way I think execs have time to “think” more about project cos face to face artists can go off tangent concentrating on impressing person in front of them. All live pitches are NOT the same. Now it’s zoom or new app run the world and RECORDED for world to see. Mess up and its in the ether forever. However pre covid I loved live pitches face to face “physically” in a room and got a real buzz cramming in as many as possible. If occasionally rubbish at least nobody else saw and exec will have forgotten quick. I had to FORCE myself to zoom for assignments not related to Stage 32 where no written options. I’m clumsy with technical gear, also self conscious if I angle face wrong, the dreaded bulbous head. Iv’e managed to mute myself in middle of crucial sentences like a black comedy so suggest practice with friends many hours till second nature, definitely dry run on day going live. Back to written ones, prepare for criticism and even some not liking your writing style but use it has fuel for next draft. There are pros and cons to written and live. With live an exec sees you on a more organic level so may instantly recognise any charisma or realise they could work with you or form seeds of a bond. Whereas with written they would have just seen words on a page. Give written pitches a try at least. I can recommend Julia Verdin, Agustine Calderon and Jason Mirch. They go deeper than some to give own take.
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What’s everyone secret to giving up when you don’t want to do it anymore and focus on reality rather then chasing somethings that won’t happen but the story won’t give up on you
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Pitching my work here on Stage 32 gave me the confidence to start advocating for my own work. And I think pitching also helps you figure out how to communicate your passion for your work -- and that's so worth it! Wishing you the best on the session!
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It was definitely worth it. I learnt so much from the process. Good luck with your pitch Troy