Screenwriting : Pitching to S32 Pros by Anthony Murphy

Anthony Murphy I like written pitches because I ramble and repeat myself sometimes, which can be a problem with live pitches. I've gotten better at not rambling and repeating myself though. I picked up some tips from the Pitch Practice in the Writers' Room that helped.

John, thanks for the question!

Me, I feel more comfortable using written pitches. (As long as I can get it done with a page and a half, I'm fine.)

But that's my tough luck.

If you feel comfortable with Skype, by all means...go for it! It all comes down to your own comfort zone.

Whatever method you choose, here's wishing you all the VERY BEST!

Definitely written, Anthony Murphy. The feedback received helps me to streamline what's already contained in written form. If I ever need to pitch or practice pitching verbally, I can draw from the edited (if there are any edits to be made) written pitch. I have a documented version of what it contains that I can draw from as a record.

Not really a recommendation, Anthony Murphy, but my preference is Skype. I've been to a few screenwriter and writer expos where three minute pitch sessions were offered, and I loved pitching my projects in that manner; live, face-to-face. I found the feedback, both verbal and non-verbal, invaluable. Plus, as Maurice Vaughan alluded to, at some point you're going to be in that figurative elevator pitch situation, so it's best to feel comfortable talking in person rather than through a refined written filter.

I've done about five or six Skype pitches so far. The last one to a manger who asked for my screenplay, but that was back in July and I heard nothing so far, so I don't know. I also pitched to Tatiana Kelly, and she was wonderful, just delightful. I'm a big fan of movies produced by her and Jim Young, especially their bio-pics, like "Life as a King." She also took some time to get back to me because she met with her team about my screenplay and she said they were all impressed but they were completing a Sam Langford documentary, and although my story was different, it was the same era of boxing. Langford is perhaps the greatest boxer who ever lived, and who fought Joe Gans, the protagonist of my screenplay. Anyway, it made me feel good that an award-winning producer like Tatiana Kelly went to bat for me like that. On a more local level, my teen daughter's doctor is a former Bollywood producer, who still has a good friend that he went to medical school with that became a neurosurgeon, but who quit medicine to become a full-time movie producer. Anyway, my daughter asked her doctor if he'd like to read my screenplay and he is supposedly very excited to read it, so my wife and daughter dropped a copy off to him today. LOL! Who knows? Stranger things have happened in the movie business. I'm going to pitch an independent producer named Jordan Barel on the 15th and thought that I might try a written pitch for the first time. Thank you all for your input.

It depends on YOU! If you're well-spoken, can deliver your pitch conversationally, as opposed to sounding like you're reading off a script, and if you've refined your pitch to the point where you can deliver it in five minutes without sounding rushed, then Skype would be better because it gives you a chance to connect personally with the executive and to let your personality come through. Also, if your pitch relies on humor, or especially, sarcasm, these are very difficult to convey in writing, especially with the need to be succinct.

On the other hand, if you're someone who doesn't do well in pressure situations, who isn't well-spoken, or if you have a less than amiable personality, it might be better to let your words on the page speak for you.

Thunder Levin Thank you, Thunder.

You're welcome, Anthony Murphy. Hope the doctor loves your script and the pitch to Jordan Barel goes great!

Hi John, I agree with Thunder Levin . I have done both and found it a great experience to connect via phone. I approach pitch sessions differently. I find it a great opportunity to get real feedback on your story from established professionals to find the holes and see what other people think about viability of a story. Also, if I find I connect well on a 10 minute call, I will book either a script consult or a career development call, as I feel comfortable with their feedback. I've been able to make 2 scripts stronger. Good luck on your pitch!

I'd recommend a Skype session because you see the producer on your screen. There's nothing fraudulous or awkward about it. It's also a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone if you're a shy person like me. lol

Screaming at the wind seldom works. Do what you're most comfortable with

Sasha Tomas Thank you..

Anthony Murphy Thanks for posting this question. I've been wondering exactly the same thing. We probably all have a preference. (Mine would be a written pitch.) Question is, which is more effective at getting script requests, Skype or written? If it's Skype, I might go that route.

I was very disappointed in the written response I got to a written pitch. It's an easy way for the reader to make a few bucks with little work involved. I'd go Skype to make sure the person you hired to read is actually the person your hired and not some grad intern or a neighbor. Face to face the person who reads has to actually read ...because it's hard to fake details. Not saying every reader is like this, but get your money's worth.

Definitely Skype. I prefer to interact personally as you get to see whether the Exec and you hit it off and as a plus you get to see their reactions so you can slightly amend your pitch and take any questions on the go.

I decided to do another Skype pitch, but thank you all for your valued advice.

I'd say both, if possible. There is something special about being able to talk with the person (even if it is over skype), just make sure your pitch is in good shape. I recommend checking out some of the pitching education we have on Stage 32:

https://www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-8-Part-Pitching-Lab-A-Showrunne...

https://www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-6-Part-Pitching-Lab-Create-Your...