Screenwriting : Pitch Sessions by Danny Cameron

Keep in mind that, at least for that moment, everybody wants to hear your idea. They, positively, want to hear you come up with the next big thing. They want your idea to work as much as you do. Like everything else in life sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Make sure you have your note pad handy with all the info you want to give them. First time might be a little rough, may skip around a bit, don't worry. After a few times you'll get the feel of it and learn how to give them the bits you know they'll like. Just go for it.

Had my first one last night - got another one next week... I feel like I botched it slightly.

Hi Danny Cameron. I've done both written and live pitches. I had good experiences with both. I got my screenplay requested through my live pitch. My advice is that before you live pitch Practice, Practice and Practice again. I recorded and timed myself several times. When I pitched I got through fairly smoothly. When submitting written pitches make sure they are written well. They look at it as a writing sample. And remember the folks you pitch to want you to succeed. They are looking for great material. Good luck.

Had fair share of my pitch war stories around here...all I would like to add is I'd always rather be a pitch selectee than a pitch subscriber...you'll know people are into your story for the talent rather than the pocket.

Define pitch selectee Kiril Maksimoski. Not sure what that means.

Hey Danny! Just like script coverage and consulting calls, the main purpose of the service is education. You get feedback on both your pitch and your idea from working executives, ideally ones with interest in the kind of project you’re pitching, so that you can hone it.

It’s also a relationship building tool as well! Every person you meet could have a positive effect for you down the road, and with pitch sessions, you’re meeting executives that you otherwise wouldn’t have face to face access to.

Like Martin said, they are all looking for great material. So if you happen to land on the right exec at the right time, it could lead definitely lead to something. It has for many people! That said, the only guarantee is that you’ll get professional feedback.

Thank you all for the insight so far. That really helps. And yes, Kiril Maksimoski what's a pitch selectee?

Being selected among many applicants for a pitch session due to work's merit, etc...

I think Kiril means that they requested the script in addition to evaluating the pitch itself.

Kiril Maksimoski Ah, okay. thanks for clarifying. I didn't know that was a thing here.

Yup, I guess It's Europe thing mostly...fortunately or not, depending which side of the ocean you're on :)

Just got my first script request after 5 pitches! I agree with Jenny. Come into this with a mindset that you're paying for expert advice and the small chance you might actually get something picked up.

Kiril, I think the problem with many of us on here is that most production companies won't hear your pitch if you're not repped, never sold a script, or aren't related to someone that they know. I'm seeing scripts sold through Stage 32, so if means I lay down a few bucks to get access to an expert, I'm willing to do it. But I also know, if expert after expert doesn't like my pitch, I need to recognize it's not a marketable idea.

these pitches are for practice and education. Not sure why folks think pay to pitch website is a pipeline to buyers.

Folks have had their scripts optioned from pitching on this site, Dan MaxXx. There are a number of success stories.

Hey, David Tackett great to hear that you got a script request. And if you pitch you idea to several experts it doesn't necessarily mean your idea is not marketable. Just means it didn't resonate with that particular expert. Doesn't mean the next one won't like it.