All right, more old posts for those of you who got lost in the archives. Others will tell you different stuff but this is what I think is important when you're trying to organize your pitch. This one is about handling yourself in the meeting itself.
It's going to be easier than you think. You've created a show that you're excited about and filled it with characters that you like. You've already thought about stories and situations for them. You've seen the show in your head... and probably the toys, the recording sessions and an award or two. You've got an exciting story to tell, just tell it.
Think of it this way: the person across the table from you WANTS TO BUY A SHOW. That's pretty much their job, finding cool ideas to make into a series. If you've done your homework, both on your own project and what they're looking for, you have a real shot.
Final advice? I'll skip the common sense, hygiene and etiquette stuff. Ask your mom if you have questions. I do have a little to say about your state of mind.
Selling your show isn't the most important thing to accomplish. You're there to sell yourself. You want to be in the "creative person we want to work with" category.
Categories to stay out of: Paranoid Guy, Arrogant Bastard, Cynical Chap, Clueless Fellow, Space Case, Boring Man.
You're going to have more than one idea for a series. You're going to have a career that extends beyond your current pitch. Your pitch meeting is a chance to display your talent.
The hard work is done. Your pitch will show them the caliber of your ideas. The natural enthusiasm you have for the project makes you likable. You just need to be professional. Show that you have thought things through but aren't stuck in cement. Be flexible, show you understand things may change in the development process.
You may have concocted a fantastic show only to learn the creative mandate of the network has changed. Or, and this happens more than the paranoid wants to accept, they've just picked up a show that has similar elements as yours. There are all sorts of reasons they might not want your show that have nothing to do with the quality of your idea or the way you pitched it. However, they'll remember you.
You might get a call down the line about a comic they optioned and how they think you're just the person to work on it. They might recommend you for a spot on a show already in production. In any case, if you sold yourself, the next time you have a idea they'll look forward to hearing about it.
Okay, enough with the inspirational pep talk.
RANDOM STUFF TO KEEP IN MIND:
You have about eight minutes to make your pitch. That should be enough time to explain your show in an entertaining way. If you take more time than that you're probably going into unnecessary detail.
If they ask questions, it's a good thing. It means they're interested. Or at least they're trying to understand the show. They may be pitching it to someone else. See below.
You won't get a "yes." You get an "I like it." Generally, you're not pitching to they guy who can say, "Yes." You're pitching to someone who is a filter for all the truly awful ideas. The guy you're pitching to is the guy who'll be pitching to the guy who can say, "Yes." That's why I always choose to leave some sort of written pitch. That way,my words are doing the selling.
Don't mistake politeness for interest. If the development person thinks your idea has a shot, it will be clear. You won't have to do any translating. Rarely will they say a complete negative. They'll look for positive things to say about it. They're being nice.
Listen. Listen. Listen. When told your idea is not what they're looking for, it's not time for you to start your interior monologue about what blind fools they are. It's time to listen closely because they're probably going to say what they ARE looking for. Pay attention.
Don't debate. I pitched an action show that involved a suit which gave it's wearer extraordinary powers. One of the two reasons given for not developing the idea was that it was the suit doing the work so the lead character wasn't special. I suppose I could have retaliated with box office numbers for IRON MAN but I got the message. If they were really excited about the idea, that "problem" wouldn't have occurred to them.
Be excited about your show. Don't try to be the coolest guy in the room by being laid back. You're already cool, you're the one with the fresh ideas. Don't be hyper but give the pitch with energy. Show you care.
These articles sum up the basics of what I wanted to say about pitching. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.
BTW, the spectacular HELLBOB art has little to do with the above. I just hate posting without art and John Thompson did an amazing job on that. -- Tad
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