Thread by @ThisisKaia

Thread: What writers should know from my job working as a development exec (we made Just Friends w/ Ryan Reynolds, Peaceful Warrior, the Good Night, Hachi a Dog’s Tale, Air I Breathe)
#screenwriting #WritingCommunity

1/ There are 2 main pitching mistakes I saw as a buyer: too boring or too confusing. Pitches shouldn't be a monologue the whole time. Share your story, but check in with the room. Converse! Have fun talking :)

2/ If you write comedy you MUST be funny in the room during the pitch. Make 'em laugh. Or we won't think you're funny on the page. That's a big disconnect you can't afford. Write jokes into your pitch.

3/ Busy execs who read scripts and not just coverage might give a script a "40-10" meaning reads the first 40 pages and the last 10. Reality is: if we don't like page 1, we don't keep reading because we read a hundred scripts/week. Make those pgs strong!

4/ A dev exec has a boss she reports to. If she loves your script, next step is she pitches her boss, or has you pitch her boss. It was VERY hard to get my boss to read (unless financing and/or Brad Pitt was attached)

5/ Dev execs can hear 6 pitches/day sometimes- and dinner and drink mtgs. You gotta be MEMORABLE. Be the pitch that an exec falls asleep thinking about even if you pitched at 9am

6/ Film yourself pitching. Then film yourself pitching another person. Study how to improve. Watch for energy, pacing, compelling elements, any vocal tics or bad habits (like "um" and "you know")- I'm big on this because it works!

7/ A "pass" isn't the end of the world. If that exec says you're a great writer, pivot to ask: who do you know that this would be right for? Would you be willing to intro me? (Would you be willing, is a VERY strong yet gentle ask- use it)

8/ If you're nervous talking to a buyer, just say so. People are compassionate. Take a breath. Make eye contact. Be in the moment. Breathe during every interruption- there will be a hundred. Busy execs take calls in the middle of pitch mtgs a lot.

9/ Dev execs are people. Ask them about their own dreams and ambitions. Many are writers. Make a friend!

10/ Plan on taking that relationship with you. Don't expect your rep to follow up without you. The exec may move companies or start their own. Be friendly. Dare to recommend other writers you know that they may like! Share. Give. Giving = prosperity.

11/ I founded the Entertainment Business School this year to support above-the-line creatives (writers, directors, talent) navigate this opaque industry. Business is something you can & should learn! Next cohort is in January.
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