Screenwriting : Preparing for Pitching and more by Cynna Ael

So, it's NWC and this question made me sit and think. Why? Because I'm AuDHD- autistic and ADHD, and it can present in various ways, but when it comes to pitching and prepping for pitching- it's all about the day before and the day of. Now, my way will not work for many of you- so be warned- unless you have sampled this deliciousness known as AuDHD, you may not be familiar with the organised chaos it entails.

First, I always do a review check on who I'm pitching with, what they're looking for, and check to see if they've got anything new out that I can relate to in my pitch. I find it makes me feel more comfortable "knowing" them and it eases the stress of "OMG YOU DID _______" fangirl moments. We won't discuss that moment I did that once. In my past, at a pitch for an editor.

Second, I then use AI to help me review my logline and my pitch idea. See if it comes across concise, knowledgeable, and personable. The Stage 32 webinar in how to use AI for Story, is also a great way to help you to brush up and tone up your pitching strategy. I found for me- it helped me to even develop a Q&A sheet for other possible questions I might be asked and good solid answers to give back that generate interest.

Third, I pull up my pitchdeck or lookbook I'll use through the talk and make sure it's updated to the latest script version and tweak things that might apply specific to this person I'm pitching. I also love to make sure my pitchdeck reflects not just the characters and story, but also to reflect the theme itself. It really has helped me to be stronger on my pitches.

Now these three things I do the day before. I will then relook at my crafted pitch- pitch it to AI, even pitch it to family or friends to see how the written pitch sounds to them- EVEN IF I'm doing a virtual pitch. Why? Because I highly believe in the concept of feeling comfortable in having the written as your backup guide in case your mind goes blank. The verbal one being written helps- and use the AI out there to help time the pitch itself.

The day of the pitch-- I make myself some hot choco-mint tea, sit down and relook at EVERYTHING as a whole, spot check for anything mislabelled, misspelled, and whatever else that I need to so that I feel confident. I normally make sure I wear my favourite necklaces, my favourite scent, and dress where I'm comfortable. Then about about 10 minutes before the pitch-- I literally stand up and scream for about 3 seconds. Why? Because I find it releases a lot of tension, stress, and resets some of my cortisol levels. Then I am usually rereading my verbal pitch as I go into the meeting itself.

So, does this seem like a lot all at once? Probably. Is it all necessary? Maybe not for others, but for me- its become my developed style. It allows me to control my content, feel reassured that whomever I speak to- I'm going to feel good about my work and myself. But the craziest part of it all? I actually am excited- not afraid of pitching at that point- why? Because I've worked it out- SEEN my work in front of me as a pitchdeck, as the written and verbal pitch, and I know I've made it the best I can for THIS SPECIFIC PERSON.

Like I said- this isn't for everyone. It's controlled chaos on a different level than most. But for my AuDHD brain- it's a way to keep focused on what's at hand, not what else can distract me.