I'm curious to know how you guys handle the frustration about pitching to an executive where one thinks the pitch is too high level and doesn't offer the answers they want while the other says it's way too detailed and they want a summary or high-level plot point. I mean we can't shape our pitch according to an executive since we have "zero" idea about their expectations before reading our pitches. The pitch I prepared is based on a template Stage32 recommends but most of the time the executives we pitch to from Stage32 don't approve of this template. For example, some say write your own personal message of why you wrote this story and some say don't write anything and waste the space but instead fill that with your story details. Today in my feedback this executive mentioned, at the end of the pitch let the reader know your intentions and what you are expecting from them. This is new and I have never heard that you can do such a thing in a pitch. I can go on and on but I want to understand how you guys tackle this challenge.
Screenwriting : Pitch Dilemma by Jeelan Syed
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I hear you! I think take in all the feedback and then just go with what feels right for you and your story. If the details are what makes it really interesting, maybe include some. I always question whether or not to write out the ending for example- but again, I think if my script has a really cool twist I might add it; if not, then allude to it in a more vague way or leave it out. If your script is something that's very personal to you for specific reasons, I think that can be a really strong part of your pitch... generally I assume that if your story and writing is exciting or resonates particularly with the person listening, then they will be interested- whether or not you 'followed the correct format'.
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That's true, Katarina! Cuz, I know we can't make every other executive happy and what they want. What would be good is if Stage32 provides one follow-up opportunity with the executive in each pitch session, that would be great. So, then whatever blank executives have we can fill it up in the follow-up, and then they can make a final decision. Currently, the way is, it just gives them a window to Pass something even if they have 95% of what they want, and for the remaining 5% they say I'll pass :-) It's frustrating.
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Pitching is a “sales pitch”. So I suggest people always study, read up, watch youtube videos on sales pitches.
A sales pitch is like a “select your own adventure” books. You have an overview, have a question or point that gets feedback. You also have to look at how people are reacting.
To understand people’s reaction I suggest watching the “behaviour panel” on Youtube.
Look at a product launch from Apple from the Steve Job days. He would have a single word on screen and a compelling message.
AIDA is a 50 year old concept.
Attention
Interest
Desire
Action
This is a simple method used for sales pitches.
You need a great opening line or attention getting opening.
Then you start adding details to build interest.
Then you start showing all the benefits to them. This builds a desire.
Action, you give them a reason to act. Better know as a call to action.
If you can do that. You are on steady ground. It is also great if you have an understanding of customer (producer) so you can tailor your pitch.
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Why don´t you try and produce and make the movie yourself? Jeelan Syed As a webseries on Youtube, rumble, odyssee, or? You can easily build your audience there and when you get monetized, you can earn an income so that you can then create your feature and or TV Series where you can put them up on vimeo, hulu, or?
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Mark, thanks for the advice but that's not the point we are discussing here! That's altogether a different topic :-)
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Great advice in the comments, Jeelan Syed. Each executive, producer, etc. will react differently to your pitch, and you can't please everyone, so I suggest you keep pitching until you find the right executive, producer, etc. for your project. That can get expensive though, so mix in free pitching with paid Pitch Sessions. One way to pitch for free is to build industry relationships/network with people on here. There's been a lot of times when I built a relationship with someone on here and they asked, "What are you working on?" which led to me pitching projects for free.
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My 2cents: the dilemma is you're looking at paid pitches as job auditions, than education and you decide what works and dont work.
Go in with expectations of learning. GL!
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Thanks, Maurice Vaughan That's a great insight! I try and see if there are such free pitches available :-)
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You're welcome, Jeelan Syed.
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Hi Jeelan Syed! Looks like you've got some great insight here and I can understand why you're frustrated. I think you're right that it would help to either update the template given or show different formats. Katarina nails it when she says you have to take the notes from everyone and make the adjustments that serve your story and brand the best. I think when you get a pass and the notes are predominantly positive, it's often about more things happening behind the scenes for the executive more than the one element they mention - because if someone is over-the-moon about a concept they will fight for it and THAT'S who you want in your corner. Not just the exec who thought you checked the right boxes, you want the one who saw beyond the checkmarks and said THIS IS THE VOICE I want to work with. And you're going to find that person, just stick with it!
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Emily J I can't agree with you anymore and thanks for the lovely post. I'm adjusting and changing my expectations now with the Stage 32 pitches.
I agree with Dan MaxXx. When you pay to pitch someone all you are doing is paying someone you don't even know for their opinion. You know what they say about opinions don;'t you.
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Sounds like there are both giving you a similar note but you perhaps see it as two conflicting notes? My best advice is: try to find the note behind the note and apply it for your next pitch if you agree with it. If not, put your energy into crafting the next pitch instead of worrying about one that didn't work out.