As this pitch discussion is long, I have broken it into two
parts. Part 1 gives you the elements of
the pitch, kinds of pitches, types of pitches, and pitches do’s and don’ts. Part 2 gives you pitching mistakes, improving
your pitch chances, the differences of pitching to an agent or a producer, and
last words about pitching.
A pitch is a spoken summation of a script with emphasis on
the main characters, the conflict, and the genre. However, for you to sit in front of that
production person, agent, or manager and spill out your story takes temerity
and courage. What are the elements of
the pitch? What are the types of
pitches? What are the kinds of
pitches? What are the do’s and
don’ts? What are the most common
mistakes that pitchers make? What can
you do to improve your pitch and success rate?
Remember, your success is based on that check cashing and the camera
rolling. Everything else is just
practice.
Elements of the Pitch
The pitch is made of the genre, the premise, and the scope
of the story. That simple. How you put those three elements together is
up to you. The depth of the information
is based on how long you have to pitch.
Kinds of Pitches
There are basically two kinds of pitches - the so-called ‘Elevator’
Pitch and the Long Pitch. Each has its
strengths and weaknesses.
The ‘Elevator’ Pitch - Short – 1 – 3 minutes
Be enthusiastic. You
have three sentences to hook the listener.
Just give the listener the essentials - the premise, the genre, and the
scope of the script.
The Long Pitch - 5 to no more than 10 minutes
More detail about the story arc and character arc,
particularly that of the main character.
Establish your story line and then continue with the structural dynamics
of the story; the beginning, middle and end. Generally discuss the various plot points. Tell your story in a way the listener can
"see" the story. Tell the
listener the end. Embrace the question
and answer (Q&A) period. Perhaps the
listener will suggest another ending.
Deal with it. Since most of us
talk at 80 – 100 words per minute, you should figure on no less than 400 words
to no more than 1000 words. And yes, you
must memorize the pitch.
Types of Pitches
1. Middle of the
Story - When you start your pitch put the listener in the middle of the story.
Example: You’re
living your dream. You always wanted to
be a rock star, and now you are. You
step out of your private jet and start walking down the steps to thousands of
fans snapping your photo… but then you hear a shot and your bodyguard falls
down, and everyone starts screaming and running. And you realize that…and this
is the situation that you walk into as you… And so forth.
By placing your pitch audience in the middle of the story, it pulls them
into the world of your story.
2. Setting and Mood -
Open with the setting and create the mood
Example: It’s
1942. WWII is well underway. Hundreds of Europeans fleeing from the
Germans want to go to America. But to do
so, they must go to Casablanca to get their exit visas. The hottest spot in all of Casablanca is
Rick’s Cafe, operated by Rick Blaine, an American expatriate. Rick’s Cafe is a happening night club where
people often cross paths with old friends who are coming and going. Here, we are drawn into the setting and that
keeps us attentive.
3. Provocative
Questions - Ask a provocative question.
Example: What would
you do if someone who was extremely attractive offered you one million dollars
for one night with your new spouse?
Pitching Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
·
Prepare – create interest and retain interest
·
Memorize the pitch - 5 to no more than 10
minutes
·
Engage the listener - tell them a story - Start
with the logline and then run through the rest of story hitting the emotional
high points – the hero, his goal, the conflict, what is at stack, emotional
turning points, and conclusion (Yes, give them the ending.).
·
If they agree to consider the script, stop
talking
·
Be at ease, confident, and friendly
·
Remember – smile!
Don’ts
·
Try to sell them on how clever or smart you are
·
Be competitive or combative or vain
·
Boast or brag
·
Swear or lose your temper
·
Look for things, fumble and mumble and forget
·
Allow any awkward pauses
·
Don’t act desperate
11. Love of Words
To be a successful writer, you must love words. You must write at least three pages or 1000
words a day every day about anything. You must understand not only the structure of
fiction, but the words that make up that structure and how to use those words
more effectively. Write about anything. Write about your life. Write poetry.
Write finely crafted vignettes.
It does not matter. You bring the
content.
Read dictionaries.
Read Thesaurus. Learn how to use
words. But, above all write every day.
Why are you reading this?
Go write!
John still practices screenwriting
in King County, WA along with a small rat dog, a mortgage, and a great view of
the valley.
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