Screenwriting : Very odd by Maria Brogna

Maria Brogna

Very odd

just wanted to drop a line to open up conversation about pitch workshops. I'm getting lesser scoring on my pitches now that I've changed them to follow the directions of the pitch workshops. significantly less scoring.

Wal Friman

And what says your gut feeling? In this scenario lures one extremely intriguing information. Which change would you guess makes the scores drop the most?

Maria Brogna

I would assume everything because before I changed the pitches they were scoring 4 and 5, now 1 and 2 and the paid for pitch readers are being extremely negative. I'm going back to my way of doing it.

Amazing Kacee

I hope this will be helpful! When people talk about how to pitch, they talk based on their experiences and the producers they pitch to. Each and every producer is different and they usually like and dislike certain things.

I would say to be comfortable with who you are and what your story is first, then change the things in your pitch you feel uncomfortable about and nothing else. The scoring rarely matters, as it is the encouraging written critique that should propel you further on your journey. There are no hard and fast rules about pitching just people's opinions. Break a Leg!

Wal Friman

Yes, pitch the way you would like to receive a pitch.

Maria Brogna

I had about 10 pitch sessions that scored on the higher end. I decided to follow a guideline that is supposedly standard & it scored very low. I did it just because pitches aren't my thing. I've found pitching to be highly subjective & really doesn't have much to do with reading at all.one pitch review clearly didn't read my pitch yet mentioned 7 different things they like to see in a pitch, which were all there. that was very disappointing because she clearly just picked up $35 bucks.

Amazing Kacee

Maria Brogna, Did you know there is a pitch bundle buy 3 get one free? In addition, you are paying this platform not the producers hearing your pitch. If you are unsatisfied with the producer who you said clearly did not read your pitch then reach out to Support@Stage32.com Also there are many other platforms online where you can do a written pitch for less than $10. Just search online for them. Best!

James Hoey

Hi Maria Brogna We had the same problem. The answer is simple - write your pitch like you would speak it, and hopefully you'll speak it as you and not a textbook quote guide. Caveat to that is, feedback can be helpful. We learned to take in the notes on technical pieces of the pitch, then stick with our gut on the rest. Yes, it is subjective. Every person hearing or reading a pitch has their feelings on how it should read, and they're looking for different things. Focus on what made your first pitches score highly. Balance with any technical help (like for a series, don't waste time pitching multiple episodes, stick to the framework of the series and the pilot). We didn't do that, but we know a few folks who did and luckily their feedback called that out for them. No matter what though, keep at it. The disappointment is earth-shattering, always, but use it as a learning experience and do what feels good/right to make it better. Best of luck to you!

Maria Brogna

kacee Christian,

most of the sessions were a positive experience regardless of score . I just won't ever pitch that individual again. The questions they listed were all answered in the pitch. so either they didn't read it or have limited comprehension because nearly every single question they listed was completely answered in the pitch.

Danny Manus

Because how one site wants pitches to be given isnt actually how professional pitches are given.. you follow a formula, it will feel formulaic.

Maria Brogna

Danny Manus it wasn't a site. it was a few workshops.

Robin Gregory

Maria Brogna , I'm confused as well. One producer wants more info. Another wants less. Thank you for distinguishing tone-sheets and one-pagers. ( https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/One-sheets-correctly-defined.) I'm still not clear on whether to pitch with one or the other on S32. Can you please advise?

Maria Brogna

Robin Gregory honestly, I'm not sure. I'd probably lean towards the more option just because it shows engaging and interest. with a 1 to 2 page limit, asking for less seems like a tell tale sign that the producer is looking for a marketing hook, not a story.

Robin Gregory

Thank you, Maria Brogna. I'll see what comes of that! All the best with your projects.

Maria Brogna

Robin Gregory and may you find the exact success you want.

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