Screenwriting : After the Pitch...Keep Walking Forward by Chris Thane

Thanks for sharing this, Chris Thane. I used to really get in my head about a pitch -- and sometimes I still do -- but I've gotten better at pitching and moving on. That's not to say I don't follow up on pitches (email query letters) sometimes. It's saying I don't dwell on the "what might happen."

Maurice Vaughan That’s exactly it and I really appreciate you sharing that.

I’ve learned that the more grounded I am in why I’m telling the story, the less weight “maybe” or “not right now” carries.

Keep moving. Keep showing up. The right ears will hear you when the timing and vision align. And every pitch before that? It’s just another layer of the foundation. Grateful to be walking this road with others like you.

Grateful to be walking this road with you too, Chris Thane. And many others on here.

Hey Chris Thane , what a powerful reflection. This post perfectly captures something we see every day working with writers - that the real victory isn't in any single "yes" or "no," but in the courage to keep sharing your vision with authenticity and persistence.

Your phrase "we don't chase validation, we share vision" really resonates. The writers who break through are exactly the ones who understand this distinction. They pitch from a place of confidence in their story rather than desperation for approval, and that energy is palpable to executives.

The fact that you're walking away from your pitch session with this perspective tells me everything I need to know about your approach to this craft and career. Whether this particular session leads to immediate opportunities or not, you're building the kind of professional mindset that creates long-term success.

Your mention of "fire meets discipline" captures perfectly what we see in our most successful writers - the passion that drives the work combined with the professionalism that sustains a career.

Stories that outlive us - now that's a worthy aspiration. Keep walking forward, and please keep us posted on your journey. Writers like you remind us why we love being part of this community.

Thank you for sharing this inspiration with all of us.

Pat Alexander Thank you once again for your inspiring words and encouragement. The lessons we gather in life become even more powerful when shared, that’s something I see reflected across Stage 32 every day. The collaboration, insight, and generosity of this community continue to remind me that I’ve found a creative home here. Any encouragement I offer is simply a reflection of the value and spirit this platform brings to all of us. Grateful to walk this path alongside you.

I just pitched as well for the first time in a really long time. I was curious about whether or not it is protocol if they ask for the script in the meeting or wait to let you know in the review? It seemed like a positive meeting, but no mention of whether they wanted to read it or not. So biting my nails lol.

Maria Restivo Glassner I’m right there with you. I haven’t received that kind of feedback yet myself, so I can’t say for sure. From what I understand, though, it’s pretty common for them to follow up a few days later through the written review.

Huge congratulations on your pitch! That’s a big step forward, and I’m genuinely excited to hear how it all unfolds for you. Keep us posted, you’ve got momentum now.

Such motivational and inspiring words! You’re absolutely right, the most important thing is for our story to be heard, even if we don’t receive any response. Continuing on the path and believing in our vision is what helps create great stories. Thank you for sharing these encouraging reminders with us. I hope you continue on your journey and create more stories that last forever."

Ahmad Shah Dilawari Thank you so much for those kind words. They really mean a lot. You’re right, just staying on the path and believing in what we’re creating is what gives our stories life. Even if no one responds right away, it doesn’t take away the value of what we’re building. I’m grateful to be walking this road with others who truly get it. I hope your stories find the ears and hearts they’re meant for. Let’s keep going, one story at a time.

Chris Thane I just came off a class from AZ Yeaman, screenwriting course basics, offered on stage 32, and I have to tell you it was the class that finally made all of this click and streamlined my ability to pitch. Look out for her class when she offers it again! She is a master at distilling the art of writing down to teach us how to not only write but sell our writing. I can't believe how different the pitching process was for me, In the past the execs always had some issue with my project. This time I had it down. I just need to get better at selling myself now lol.

Maria Restivo Glassner Thank you for your comment. I will look into that class for sure, thank you for letting me know, perhaps there is an on demand option.

Keep pushing, selling yourself is an important task also, but remember to stay true to yourself, you have got this.

Chris Thane Thanks so much! For sure! It's interview questions that always throw me.

Fantastic points Chris Thane. The more we chase validation, the more it eludes us. Let's keep moving. Love this.

Leonardo Ramirez 2 Thank you, I really appreciate that. Chasing validation keeps us stuck in a loop that was never meant to serve us. But when we move from purpose instead of permission, everything changes. Let’s keep building, keep walking, and let the work speak louder than the waiting. Glad to be in this with you.

Agreed Chris Thane. And likewise, friend.

This is the truth every creator needs to hear. Rejection isn't failure, it's proof you're putting your work out there. Your vision deserves to be shared, no matter the response. Thanks for the reminder to keep moving forward

Sam Rivera Keep sharing your truth. That’s how the right people finally hear it. Let’s keep moving forward together.

Thats a good piece of advice, for me starting out, I'd say fear is a big factor, if a pitch doesn't go well, but thanks .... Keep Walking Foward, well said.