Love is in the air. Actually, it’s not love, it’s the season of pitching.
We’re hosting our own PitchFest, equal parts workshop and competition (with
prizes). We’re also co-hosting a PitchSlam with IFP and SIFF. The Great American
PitchFest is coming. Expo is in the fall. Whoa. Pitches are like a job interview
and speed dating combined.
How should you prepare for a pitchfest?
First, read Stephanie Palmer’s excellent
book, GOOD IN A ROOM.
Not only is this book informative and accessible, it’s a fun and fast read.
I consider this book required reading for anyone serious about pitching
and taking meetings. You’ll explore every aspect of a meeting, different types
of meetings, preparation, goals, asks, desperation, teasers, trailers, when
to get out, the importance of Q&A, and most notably, building rapport. I also
cannot stress enough that everyone subscribe to Stephanie’s free bi-weekly
tips on being good in the room. I find them invaluable. Stephanie is your one-stop
place to develop, refine, and take the fear out of pitching.
Second, listen to Pilar Alessandra’s latest "On The Page" podcast,
#37: PitchFests with Bob Schultz, Exec Director of the Great American PitchFest
(a co-sponsor of our PitchFest event). This
installment is a huge source of how to write loglines, pitches, synopses, acting
professionally, approaching the meeting, staying cool, introducing yourself,
etc. Each of her podcasts is like going to film school, but
without the student loans and boredom. It’s easily the best type of programming
on screenwriting anywhere..and it’s free. By the way, Pilar will be teaching
at the GAPF, renamed the Great American Pilar Fest.
Finally, Pilar will be visiting us in July, conducting her much sought-after
workshop, On The Page. People have already started registering for this event,
so sign up soon.
