13 Lucky Tips for Pitching

1) Research who you are pitching to; know their mandate and slate ahead of time. In other words, don’t pitch an animated family script to a horror prodco.

2) Bring your script but have it tucked somewhere discreetly, like in a satchel or tote bag.

3) Make eye contact. Relax. Smile.

4) S-l-o-w down your speech just slightly. Not a weird, MATRIX slow-down, just take a deep breath and leave room for the pitchee to soak in the information and ask questions.

5) Role play with a friend. You be the executive and just check out how it feels when someone prattles on at 180mph and flecks spit in your face. It’s quite instructive.

6) Don’t be freaky and sweaty and talk too fast.*

*Hollywood translation: You live in the basement and drink too much Red Bull.

7) Do not be overly impressed. These are just junior execs who have taken the day off to possibly hear some good ideas. They’re people just like you.

Focus on the main concept of your script – don’t rattle on and on with details and more details. The exec’s eyes will glaze over.

9) Hit the exec with a good logline and then sketch out the rest of the story in short bursts, leaving them time to ask questions. Make it a guided conversation, not a one-sided bombast.

10) Refer to the first act break, midpoint and second act break when you describe the pivotal moments in the script. Speak their language; they will be impressed and can follow along more easily.

11) Do not tell the exec them all about yourself and your pet iguana. Do not say you’ve been working on this script for years.*

*Hollywood translation: You live in the basement and drink too much Red Bull.

12) Watch the pitchee’s body language. Are they leaning forward? Making eye contact? Engaged in you and your story? Or are they leaning back, looking around the room, sipping water or unwrapping candy? Watch for social signals and when you feel you’ve lost them – ask if they have questions. Figure out how to get them back. If you just can’t – wrap it up and be on your way, dignity intact.

13) Don’t apologize if you make a mistake, just smile and fix it. Don’t apologize ahead of time that your pitch might not be good or that you haven’t quite worked out the ending. Don’t apologize.

Mostly – have fun. Smile. Breathe. Know your story like the back of your hand.