In the couple of pitching experiences I have attempted, I learned a couple of key points:
1. Be prepared. Know your material and have at least one more in your back pocket.
2. Don't Low Ball yourself.
I remember attending a meetup in my area where a producer was taking pitches and in my delusional efforts I approached with a Cyberpunk Lone Ranger tale titled SLINGER.
I sat down with this producer and laid out my idea and being educated with the Rebel Without a Crew mentality when the producer asked what kind of budget I was thinking I gave a laughable figure which immediately exposed my lack of experience and knowledge of what it takes to make a Studio Production.
Needless to say, I was somewhat crushed but as most things I learn the hard way.
I would love to say that this lesson has led to great success and I am in the midst of a Millions of Dollars production, but the reality is I am still grinding it out.
I have taken part in several Stage 32 resources and have learned a lot.
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Great key points, Bobby Baham! I had a similar experience as your SLINGER experience. I didn't know much about budgets back then. I still don't, but I know more than I knew back then, and I know enough now not to give laughable figures during pitches. Keep grinding. I'm rooting for you!
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Thank you for sharing this! It’s so valuable to hear honest reflections like yours—especially about lessons learned the hard way. That moment with the producer sounds tough, but it clearly pushed you to grow, and your persistence is inspiring.
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HI Bobby, I was told, as the writer, not to worry about the budget when pitching my TV Series. I don't actually agree with that advice, but how important is it for writers to have an idea of the budget?
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Sheri Barbera good question. I'm not sure I have an accurate answer. I am usually looking at things and pitching them as a Writer/Director so I try to always keep a budget in mind. Solely as a writer my only advice is to know the value of your story and who you're pitching. Good luck,
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Bobby Baham thank you for the reply, I appreciate it!
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hey i was wonder what it took to even get infront of a producer
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James Brown it varies. in the cases I mentioned 1 was an open filmmaker meetup in my area. I have also done a pitch meeting through Stage 32 but way before I was ready. Best advice is networking
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I think my toxic trait is that I low ball myself.
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Maria K Singh It's real easy to do. Take a deep breath and know that you are worth it. In my experiences I had to come to the realization that I am DOING not TALKING and there is way too many things getting made that I know I can do better. Good Luck. You can do it and You are worth it.