The MEGA-POPULAR Pitch Tank webcast returned with a bang, and viewers who tuned in were treated to a lively session on the art (and strategy) of pitching. Our special guest, manager, producer, and TV literary insider Lyra Tan, joined fellow Writers’ Room members live on Zoom for a fast-paced session that pulled back the curtain on what executives actually want to hear when writers pitch their projects. By the end of the webcast, attendees walked away with practical insights on how to present their ideas clearly, hook an executive’s attention in the first few moments, and communicate the unique value of their story in a way that makes industry professionals lean in.
Drawing from her recent experience as a TV Literary Agent at Gersh—where she collaborated with writers and directors on hit series like MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, REASONABLE DOUBT, SPIDER-MAN: NOIR, and ONE PIECE—Lyra shared a real-world perspective on how great ideas move from pitch to production. She also spoke about the development sensibilities she built at Topic Studios in New York and FilmNation Entertainment, explaining how executives evaluate concepts, what makes a pitch memorable, and why clarity, tone, and confidence can make all the difference in a room.
With a passion for discovering stories that feel both globally relatable and deliciously unique (with just a sprinkle of magic), Lyra helped guide volunteer pitchers through their 5-minute presentations. After each pitch, Lyra and the Stage 32 pitch team offered thoughtful, professional feedback designed to sharpen the concept, strengthen the hook, and highlight what executives are truly listening to. Viewers gained invaluable takeaways on how to refine their own pitches—and as always with Pitch Tank, there was real excitement in the air…because when a pitch lands just right, script requests can follow. For many watching, it was both a lesson in pitching smarter and a reminder that the right idea, delivered the right way, can open doors.
