Pitching anxiety. We all get it. I bet even the pros get a teeny knot in their stomach. Honestly, I hope I never lose the barb that snags at my insides. It keeps me on my toes. This weekend, I’m heading to the Great American Pitchfest (GAPF) in Burbank to not only lecture but also [...]
Writer’s block. We have all suffered from it. But to cure hers, writer and producer Signe Olynyk didn’t go for a run, take a long walk in the woods, or declare a writing sprint on Twitter. She locked herself in a remote slaughterhouse for five days and wrote a script.
PitchFests are packed with eager writers full of hope and big dreams. Their expectations are sky high, head in the clouds, dreaming of a world where one pitching event would change their destiny. While it’s beautiful up there, you’re better off keeping your feet and expectations on the ground.
There is no bigger sign of an amateur than someone who’s worried about their stuff being stolen. If you worry your show can be stolen… you haven’t written it well enough.
Butterflies swirl in your stomach. Your palms sweat. Despite an overwhelming sense of anxiety, the emotion churning is hope. Hope they like you. Hope they want to build a relationship with you. Hope you’ll hit a home run. First date? Nope. We’re referring to pitching. But whether a date or a pitch meeting, a first impression will make or break you. Don’t blow it.
No production company or network will “request” a sizzle reel or demo; you must go into the pitch with a fully produced, ready-to-go sizzle. Which means you must convince your crew to work for free… or fund them out of your own pocket.
Do you want to write comedy? Reality? Scripted? Work in development? Write a pilot? Web series? Or maybe work as an executive? This week we have a massive 82 minute podcast with Chad Gervich… and he’s done it all!
While it’s exciting to watch TV’s new shows and schedules being unveiled during Upfronts Week, this week is actually—for the networks, the kingpins of the TV world—just the beginning of an even more critical period.
Dorothy’s journey to OZ is not unlike a writer’s journey to Hollywood. We need a little help from our friends; however, it’s critical to choose those who guide you wisely. After all, she had to stand in front of the Wizard and give the pitch of her life!
