Screenwriting : Crashing and burning on pitch! by Dale Luckwitz

Every coach I ever had in sports or life always said you win or you learn. So obviously there's something to learn here, right?

There's got to be, Scott! Not sure what. I wasn't in the perfect headspace for it, but that usually doesn't matter as I can "perform" in these situations. I'm still thinking what the learn is here, but I do think it was an excellent exercise for me in not allowing a setback to throw me off path. Not the type of exercise I wanted, but maybe one I needed?

M LaVoie I have been leaning into written pitches, too. I do like personally connecting, though. My pitch yesterday, however, which was over the phone, reminded me of one of those old sitcom episodes where someone gets stage fright and completely freezes. That's not usually me!

It happens , I agree with Scott ..take your time down but then rise up and roar..(. Not literally of course LOL.).learn then. Move on ..

It happens. You just have to learn and move on. I've froze on pitches before. Not fatal at all.

I faltered before, crash and burn, like the movie Hackers

Dale: Don't be too hard on yourself. Was it a paid verbal pitch? If so, consider that you're competing against several other folks submitting oral and written pitches. Additionally, these sessions can lead to script requests, and some writers have been signed with producers, agents, and managers. However, buyers of these pitches should consider they're also money-making ventures for the providers. And weigh that into their decision to part with their hard-earned cash.

Furthermore, since you have no prior relationship with the "industry person" hearing your spiel, the odds are reasonably long against success. Everything we do as screenwriters is not only based on knowledge but also requires practical experience. Both Stage 32 and their competitors offer "how-to classes" on presenting verbal pitches. Some of them are 300 to 400 bucks, but perhaps you can gain insights doing one of them. Selling services to aspiring screenwriters is a healthy industry. So do your homework on what you think will benefit your endeavors.

Finally, I've used various pitching services and know which method works best. I prefer written pitches and have received consistent feedback that I'm capable of writing a clear logline and synopsis. I've also had many pitch responses saying "excellent job but this story is not for us." And this is another factor to consider. Are you pitching the right material for your executive?

There are also unknown variables to consider, For example, I did a few pitches for the same material last month. One reader said I didn't say enough about myself or my motivation to write this script. When I added a short paragraph about my background and inspiration for the next pitch, the second reader There was too much information about me. My conclusion is to take it all with a grain of salt or low sodium substitute and keep plugging away.

I figure it's inevitable, every now and then. I've done the same and was as confused about it as the person listening lol! They were kind in their comments though.

You've learn from the experience.

Dont sweat it, unless the pitch was an actual job, versus a practice pay for feedback thing.

Besides, maybe by next year the person you pitched to will be unemployed and they will come back around and beg you to hire them for consultation :)

Onto the next Suit!

Successes are written in sand. Cringe-worthy events in stone.

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone. I'm fine, just thought I'd share. The person I was pitching to wasn't the problem. I went through one of those momentarily lapses of speaking ability! Luckily it's not my usual style, but boy, when I freeze, I freeze subzero temperature!

hugs.

Dan M: Haha! Business casual also applies.

Aw, don't sweat it Dale! Happens to literally everyone. I once got a great tip from an executive speech coach. Just before you walk in the room (or just before you launch Zoom), take a series of ridiculously deep breaths. Almost hyperventilation-style. For some reason, the influx of 02 flooding your system slows the mind—allows you to focus. And chills out the fight-or-flight reflex (that can sometimes lead to the freeze-up). Anyway, you'll nail the next one!

Rudi ..Great advise. regulating your breathing helps with calming down especially deep breathing.. Hyperventilation doesn't help at all.

It happens to everyone! There will be other pitch sessions so in the meantime look for others!

and least you got to pitch

I've done 2 verbal pitches and bombed on both. I prefer written pitches to verbal pitches. I feel like I forget a lot on verbal pitches.

@Dale Stop beating yourself up about how you felt on one particular pitch. We all have off days both writers and non writers. Self consciousness can be crippling enough to make one freeze so I got around this by pitching the main characters POV. Myself and how feel on the day no longer matter I just tell my characters to take over.

Dale Luckwitz Thank you for sharing this! Sometimes we only hear/read about successes and we never think anyone else deals with moments that… well, don’t feel so good. Onward and upward! Wishing you continued success with your endeavors!

Loving this support from the community, everyone! It is nice to know that everyone has Dale Luckwitz 's back. And just so you know - I heard back from the manager and she said it wasn't bad! Not to worry my friend.

Nice, Jason. That's class.

Well, I can't say it enough. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write and show support! So you know, I completely shook it and had a good day today. Thanks, Jason, too. (But I do think she's be extra nice!)

I've never even done a pitch, at least you're putting yourself out there.

Mark is right. Even if it didn't go the way you wanted you still did it. Now you have experience of what its like and you can practice how you would like to deliver it in the future. If you felt like you got a bit lost, make a list of the key points you want to hit during your pitch and keep it with you.

Bumping this thread. This is a subject that comes up so often and the advice within is invaluable.

This is a tough experience to share but thank you for doing so. It’s important to remember that not every meeting will be perfect, some days are just not your day, but it’s all valuable experience because you know you can learn from it and go at it again.

Some people are born salespeople. They can sell a fridge in the Arctic. Some people are great writers who just don't like selling, or don't have that ability. If it is a great story, you only lost one chance at a sale. Go on to the next pitch. Maybe the next buyer will love it. It's all subjective opinion anyway. I've tried pitches on here, and never had any luck, but have been paid to ghostwrite novels and scripts. So if you're getting paid for your work, you must be doing something right.

Sorry it didn't go so well. Have to admit there have been some pitches that I also floundered big time. Even with my pitch script in hand I bounced around and by the time I was over I was panting for breath. It happens. Take a deep breath then go for it again. Despite the fumbles the pitch I made a few weeks ago just got request for the Series Bible I wrote. It'll happen to you, too.

I love that this post got brought back to the fore—not so that you can relive it all Dale, but because so many folks were so humble, generous, and supportive in response. Screenwriters (and directors) are the best!