Hello, Stage 32! I'm at a point in my writing where I have to move "the market" more towards the forefront, and I'm looking for any advice anyone may have (from either side of the table) on the topic of pitching. I'm doing my research, and participating in Stage 32 events where I can, but I'm looking for all the input/advice/experience I can get. Specifically, I'm looking to learn how to find WHO to pitch to, what EXACTLY should be (and shouldn't be) included in a pitch, and the best ways to network (both on and off Stage 32). As I'm sure many of you know, much of the research out there includes some confusing contradictions -- some say do THIS thing, others say don't; some say to avoid a practice, others say it's vital. I realize the industry can be subjective, but geez, man.
So any pearls of wisdom are welcome, with graitude. I gotta start getting myself out there.
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TV writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach has a great page on his website where he shares samples of his pitching & development documents. It's an excellent resource to see how written pitches should/can look in a simple format. He shares an example of a sizzle reel, and he even includes an audio recording of one of his real life pitches (it's about an hour long). You can check it all out here: http://okbjgm.weebly.com/downloads.html
A good book on the matter is The Hollywood Pitching Bible: A Practical Guide to Pitching Movies and Television by Ken Aguado and Douglas J. Eboch. Some of the stuff might be outdated but the general principles remain today.
And lastly, Michael Hauge (one of the great story consultants/pitch doctors out there) says there's 10 key components to a great pitch. They are:
1) Who is your HERO? Name, role, occupation.
2) Why will the audience EMPATHIZE with your hero? Identification with character. Create sympathy, put hero in jeopardy, make hero likable (or subvert).
3) What is the SETUP of the story? Introduction of hero.
4) What OPPORTUNITY is present to your hero?
5) What is your hero's OUTER MOTIVATION? (i.e. to win, to stop, to escape, to retrieve, etc)
6) What's the CONFLICT?
7) What is your hero's ARC? (Internal journey - transformation? illumination? et al?)
8) What deeper ISSUES does the story explore?
9) What are the successful ANTECEDENTS for your story?
10) What is your PASSION for this story? Why do you love it?
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Hi, Jack Cusick. Here's a free webinar on pitching: www.stage32.com/education?p=8944895721779
Stage 32's Pitch Sessions are great for getting feedback on your pitches, and sometimes the sessions lead to writers finding reps/etc.: www.stage32.com/scriptservices/success-stories
If you're looking to do written pitches, email success@stage32.com. They'll send you two Written Pitch Examples. One for a feature and the other for a series.
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A big thing to make sure you are in the right mindset for a pitch. Remember, they want you to knock their socks off. They want you to give them the best idea they have ever heard. Stay positive and stick to your script.
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Hi Jack Cusick I would suggest coming to pitch practice on Thursdays with John Mezes and Brooklynn Fields. They are skilled in pitching and will guide you on everything you are looking for in regards to what should and should not be included. Then once you prefect that, finding someone close the the genre of your project may be easier.
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Pat: Thanks. I'm familiar with Hauge's work, and I'm already reading the Aguado/Eboch book. I'll check out the Grillo-Marxuach resources.
Maurice: Thanks for the resources. I've already checked out some, but I'll check out the others as well.
Bill: Solid advice. I want my excitement to be infectious (but not overwhelming).
Tasha: I will absolutely be logging in for pitch practice once I actually have a pitch that doesn't completely suck.
Thanks, everyone!
You're welcome, Jack Cusick. Hope the pitching goes great!