There are several come-on offers to pitch your projects to an "industry professional" but what can that "professional" do for you? Attending a Pitch Festival is like speed dating. You're going to meet several new faces, pitch your pitch and hope to connect with someone who can do something for your career. It's a great way to tune-up your pitching skills with a live audience, and if that audience is legit, get some constructive criticism on your technique. Having both pitched and been pitched to, there is definitely a skill in truncating a storyline, making it exciting, and selling the hook. It does take practice and you should appreciate pointers. For that skill enhancing experience alone, a 'Pay to Pitch' session is worth your money, but beyond that, don't expect the moon. Not everyone you pitch to is trolling for new, undiscovered talent. Not everyone you pitch to has the juice to shop or produce your script. Beware of Geeks bearing gifts. Do a little research., know whom you're pitching to, their background and position. Know what to expect from a session and judge its worth before you buy in.
Screenwriting : Should you pay to pitch? by Andrew Pritzker
Should you pay to pitch?
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Like with anything, I would think a balanced approach is best. Make it a part of your arsenal but not all. Try to plan out what you think are the best opportunities and take a shot. One thing is certain. You will miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
There's nothing wrong with pitching and practicing your pitches. It's best to keep sharp and ready. Can you pitch at the drop of a hat? You may only gave a few moments when the opportunity strikes. Another thing to consider is the objective of your pitch. If you're pitching to studio execs, it may be to strike a deal, which they would jump on based on your successful track record as a writer. However, when you're just breaking in, getting them to read your spec is more advantageous. If you can get an agent, manager, or producer to read your spec off your pitch, you win. It doesn't guarantee a sale or signing, but you have pushed your script through the door. That's a successful pitch.
I have recently paid to pitch. I submitted written pitches. I received three requests for the script. I got back two evaluations, one of which was offhand and one of which I found to be somewhere between grotesque/unfair and just plain stupid. (At one time and another, I personally wrote coverage for two producers, a manager, and a contest so I am familiar with the demands of doing so. And I always tried to treat writers fairly. This included not only carefully doing a two page synopsis but also a half page of detailed notes on the script pro and con.) Am I saying 'Don't pay to pitch? No, I'd say use your own judgment. But I also say be cautious with your hard earned money and when you do pay to pitch, expect some serious 'bumps in the road'.