Screenwriting : I pitched today! To a Woman - so nice! by Ann Mahoney

When I joined a Stage 32 I had no idea I’d have the opportunity to pitch directly to producers through the site, and I got to do that today! To a woman! It was wonderful - as I had my first #metoo experience at 44 (!) this year pitching to a male producer. I was fortunate that I had some wing gals with me, so it didn’t turn out as badly as I know it has for some.

I feel like I read all the time that “they” are looking for television content, but then there seems to many barriers to getting to “them.” Some of those barriers, in my experience, have been folks who over exaggerate their “connections” and leave you hanging for months at a time as they pitch your show FOR you. Or worse, folks who listen to pitches and either: aren’t really looking for new stuff, or steal your concept.

It was nice to be in the driver’s seat this time!

I particularly read a bunch about this nebulous “them” wanting female written content - particularly females who have some life and years behind them. (We are more likely to write characters for a broader age bracket of actresses - fighting ageism and stereotypes.). Again.... who are these “them”?

I must admit, now having done pitches under a variety of circumstances, I feel about “pitching” like I did about monologue auditions when I was still doing theatre acting. (I also felt this way about monologue auditions as a DIRECTOR too.).

Monologue auditions tell me you can act by yourself and you will prepare. But they don’t tell me jack about your ability to act with others!or your actual talent as an engaged actor in a scene with others. Brilliant pitches can be very exciting. But in the end, the script could still suck. And I do think some of us are just not made for the quick gimmicky pitch.

As a director, I had to call back an actor to see them read with other possible cast members before I could even begin to measure their abilities. I wonder how many great scripts go unread because the person pitching isn’t good at it.... and may just not have that skill set. (Yes I know you can and should practice this. But I know some super amazing actors who have NEVER been able to master the monologue. They are cast because their onstage ACTUAL work speaks for them.)

The person I pitched to said she was excited to read it! So, we’ll see if that comes to fruition.

If you know a “them” or are a “them” - I’d love to chat about my shows.