Thread by @BrendonUdy

Hey #screenwriting crew! I didn’t tweet about this at the time, but I was selected for a pitch to a studio as part of @Coverfly’s pitch week.

Here’s a little thread on that experience, which will hopefully help you for your future pitches.

1/13

As soon as I found out who they were, and specifically who I was speaking with, I began my research.

What was the studio currently doing, and what had they previously done?

Ditto the people I was pitching to.

The key here is to find a connection between them and you.

2/13

For my pitch, I knew the script they were interested to hear about. So I made a list of similar films they had produced / worked on.

In addition, I looked at films that matched my other scripts - better to be prepared for when they ask, “what else do you have?”

3/13

Beyond their list of films, I also spent time on their website. And here’s something that I recommend keeping an eye out for -

Do they have a mission statement or manifesto?

This company did, and it gave me valuable insight into the type of films they are looking to make.

4/13

I knew they were looking for something with a human element, with an imaginative spin, and for my projects specifically - nothing in the horror space.

With limited time to pitch, this info is gold.

5/13

Next up, I spent some time tightening my one sheets. I haven’t always made these, but they are seriously helpful for pitching.

Basically, you want the hook, trailer moments, and a hinted ending.

And all of that should be driven by the magic ingredient...

6/13

EMOTION!

Before I go any further, I have to add a massive shoutout to @bryanedwardhill for this advice. Check out this seriously awesome thread:

7/13

https://twitter.com/bryanedwardhill/status/1322183080468099072

Making that emotional connection in my pitch was by far the best thing I could’ve done.

When they ask why this story now, and why you - this is what they mean...

“Why should I or anyone care?”

Give them the emotional stakes and you’re onto a winner.

8/13

Tied into emotion is the character arc. It’s that age old 3-act structure, but focused on your protagonist’s emotional journey.

When you pitch, make sure to hit the emotional highs and lows of your character’s journey.

9/13

Pay attention to reactions, and lean in or ease off as necessary. In other words, be flexible and adaptable as you pitch.

If they give you a compliment, take it with humility and keep going. Same with a lacklustre response.

Again, time is limited, so don’t dwell.

10/13

At some point in the pitch, you’ll have a good idea on if it’s going well or not. Regardless of whether the script you pitch connects with them, remember to sell yourself. Be someone they’d want to work with, no matter the project. Be kind. Listen. And always thank them.

11/13

This pitch ended with them asking to read the script, and to see material for a couple more projects I’m working on.

And that’s because I pitched the right projects, I pitched from an emotional POV, and I convinced them I’m worth working with.

12/13

Obviously this is what worked for me, and YMMV. There’s no guarantees in any pitch, but I’ve found this approach improves my odds.

I wish you all the best for your next time in the room!

13/13