Hi all!
Looking to get some clarification on the art of written pitch sessions here at Stage 32.
I have pitched many times with high marks across the board, and some have resulted in script requests.
My 2 page pitch is based on Stage 32 coverage that resulted in a "Double-Recommend" rating.
I have submitted over 10 times, and the majority of the feedback is positive and professional, with improvement tips that I truly appreciate.
I hesitated to write this post lest I sound like I am complaining, but it is the exact opposite. I want the BEST pitch possible and am willing to do whatever it takes and rework/rewrite it as often as it takes.
My question, however, is this: I have been receiving contradictory information from one exec to another.
One Example:
1) "The pitch needs to leave someone wanting to learn more about the project by requesting the script."
2) "I would love to see the full story’s synopsis to better understand how it develops from beginning to end."
I understand that this may be related to one's preferences, but should it be something that is called out or is this just the nature of the beast and to be expected?
Lastly, I have had execs mention that the character's should do this or should do that. Most of what they mention is covered in great detail in the script and unrolls during the character's journey. So, I guess I am wondering whey would someone would ask what would seem like obvious questions.
Please understand that I thrive on criticism as I know I don't know everything, but I am having a hard time finding the sweet spot as the target seems to be always moving.
I tailor each pitch after researching that particular user, doing my best to hit their target.
If you're still reading, sorry for the book, but I would love any tips or info anyone could pass along.
Thanks!
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Congratulations on the script requests and Double-Recommend, William Holmgren!
The industry is subjective. One exec, manager, etc. might love something about your pitch, but another person might think that part needs work.
"Lastly, I have had execs mention that the character's should do this or should do that. Most of what they mention is covered in great detail in the script and unrolls during the character's journey. So, I guess I am wondering whey would someone would ask what would seem like obvious questions." Those things are in your script and you know them, but if they're not in the pitch, the exec, producer, etc. doesn't know.
The more written Pitch Sessions I've done. the fewer notes about improving things I've gotten.
I'm not sure if you have these already or not, but Stage 32 has two written pitch examples (one for a show and the other for a movie). Stage 32 also has a verbal TV pitch beat sheet and a verbal feature pitch beat sheet. You can get them by emailing success@stage32.com.
Here's three Lounge posts with pitch advice:
www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Pitch-Advice
www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Pitching-44
www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Why-Pitching-Matters-And-How-to-Mak...
The Pitch Practice in the Writers’ Room is the best pitching resource in my opinion. Pitch Practice is every Thursday night at 5:30 P.M. PST/8:30 P.M. EST. You can sit in and listen to members practice their projects and give them feedback. You can pitch your project too, but you have to sign up. The hosts, Noel Thompson and John Mezes, take names during Pitch Practice for people to pitch the following week. You have to sit in and listen at the practice one or two times before you can pitch. You can sign up for your first month of the Writers' Room free here: www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip
The Pitch Tank in the Writers’ Room is an incredible pitching resource too. The Pitch Tank is where you pitch your script to an executive and get feedback. The Pitch Tank is once a month.
Stage 32 has a free webinar called "How to Write a 2 Page Pitch for Your Television Series" (www.stage32.com/education/products/free-stage-32-webinar-how-to-write-at...).
Stage 32 has a free webinar called "How to Create a 2 Page Pitch For Your Feature Film" (www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-create-a-2-page-pitch-for-your...).
Stage 32 also has a free pitch webinar: www.stage32.com/education/products/pitching-tips-from-the-pros-your-blue...
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Thank you Maurice Vaughan. You never cease to amaze me with your prompt feedback! Very helpful =)
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You're welcome, William Holmgren. Hope those resources help you get script requests, sales, and more!
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Hey William Holmgren You've identified a central frustration of pitching: there is no universal "perfect pitch" because executives have different preferences, attention spans, and decision-making styles.
Why feedback contradicts:
Executive #1 wants mystery and intrigue—just enough to spark curiosity.
Executive #2 wants comprehensive story understanding—full narrative arc before committing time to a script.
Both are valid. Neither is "wrong." This isn't moving targets. It's different readers with different needs and 2 different people rarely have identical taste.
The solution isn't necessarily tailoring to each individual or being overly flexible. The solution is often getting the most out of the material you've written and presenting it in an undeniable way.
To practice making your pitch undeniable: Create two versions: a teaser-style pitch (intrigue-focused, buzz-focused, withholding resolution, and less specific detail) and a comprehensive pitch (full story arcs). Then after you've got them done, try to mix and match the pieces together to blend them into a fusion of intrigue and narrative competency. That's what usually works for me. One version - all hype. The other version - the full story. Then combine. What doesn't need to be there will become evident quickly. You will see moments where the hype sells better than the richness of details.
If multiple executives ask about story elements that are covered in your script, your pitch isn't communicating them clearly enough or selling why they matter enough. The pitch must convey essential story/character information independently, and executives shouldn't really need to read the script to understand the basic narrative logic and appeal.
Your "double recommend" coverage proves the script works. Now refine how you talk about and present it for different audience types.
You're not doing anything wrong. You're learning that pitching is custom tailoring, not one-size-fits-all.
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I think it's just the nature of the beast since I've gotten contradictory feedback on my pitches as well. It's what happens when you reach out to multiple different people. I've noticed I often score highest on originality of concept and strength of voice, and lowest on clarity of pitch, while the other tenets are highly variable. It's definitely hard to know who to listen to for sure lol that being said, I'm basically just trying to find more of the execs I liked, so I tend to gravitate towards the ones whose advice reads like they genuinely want to help me move forward rather than the ones who just give their two cents and move on.
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Great feedback. Exactly what I was hoping for. Much thanks!
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You're welcome, William Holmgren~
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Pitching is a completely different type of story telling than film/tv writing. There are experts at pitching who couldn’t write long form if you held a gun to their head (nice premise for a film- you’re welcome).
I recently crossed into the dark side and uploaded a feature script to AI then asked it to write a 2-page pitch. The result arrived in less than 30 seconds and earned mostly 5s and a script request on this very platform. Why would anyone argue against that result? Was I taking money out of a human’s pocket? Maybe, if a human would accept $15 per month to craft as many pitches as I requested. When I have the means to hire a promotion team, you bet I will. Till then…
William Holmgren If what they are saying is contradictory then they simply don't want your script and don't want to tell you why. Most executives will never tell you why; in this business no one wants to come across as mean. But they don't want your script. At the end of the day, YOU have to figure out why. They will not tell you.
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Michael David Let me clarify.
They don't contradict themselves in their feedback.
I can handle a "pass" or "no thanks" response; that's not a problem.
From my experience, execs have no problem being honest, good, or bad. It is not personal, it's just business.
What I am trying to convey is that the feedback from one exec to another is contradictory.
One wanted more plot, which I then added, only to have another exec say they wanted less plot.
From the feedback of others, it sounds like this is just how the game plays out.
I see. I don't know, then.