Master the ‘Zoom’! The Art of the Virtual Meeting

Hi All,

The pitching game has changed. 

In pre-COVID times, the format for pitching a show was pretty standard: an in-person meeting with executives and/or producers at their offices. Now even the most experienced ‘pitcher’ finds themselves in uncharted territory with pitch meetings (and all meetings for that matter) moving online.

On the surface it might not look like there’s a big shift from ‘in person’ to virtual meetings. But I’ve been in a lot of Zoom meetings and they are definitely different. It’s hard to get a personal connection going because you can’t actually read the ‘vibe’ of the room, accidentally talking over each other can be a nightmare, and don’t get me started on the possibility of your tech failing you.

Since virtual meetings don’t look like they’re going anywhere anytime soon, here are 6 tips to help you crush your next Zoom pitch:

1. Your Space is a Reflection of You

Back in the ‘good old days’ when screenwriters went to an executive’s office to pitch, all a writer really had to consider when it came to first impressions was, “What do I wear?” Now when you log on to a Zoom meeting, executives are not only seeing you, they’re seeing your personal space. If an executive can see your messy apartment in the background, or your cats are climbing on your chair while you’re talking, it’s going to detract from their focus and impression of you. Have a clean, relatively plain background. A blank wall behind you is fine, but if you can add a little something – a poster or bookshelf -  that makes it personal to you -  that can be helpful). Also be aware of any ‘noise pollution’ around you: are you in a room that’s close to a noisy street? Does your neighbor have a dog that always barks? Is there construction going on outside? Make sure you take a virtual meeting in a space where you can be clearly heard. One woman we interviewed for my CBS Program had construction going on in her apartment building and then there were loud fire alarm tests for ten minutes. We felt sorry for her, but she handled it really well and still made a good impression. You can’t control everything, but be sure you manage your space to the best of your ability.

2. Trick out your Tech

There is nothing worse than being in the groove of a Zoom pitch and having your tech fail. Make sure your Wifi is strong, and (as a back up) make sure your phone line works well in case you lose the connection and they need to call you. Test out your ‘virtual set-up’ with a friend over a mock Zoom meeting before your pitch. Also, pro tip: wear headphones that have a great mic. It will cut the echo that can happen over Zoom and make sure no one misses a word. Getting to pitch is a big opportunity, make sure your tech supports you and your work.

3. Grab (and hold) their Attention

With everyone still ‘out of office’ execs and producers are on Zoom all day. Even if they are excited to hear your pitch, they can generally be pretty exhausted and easily distracted. You have to make an extra effort to make a personal connection at the beginning of the meeting in order to get their attention. To that end, if you want their full focus, you have to give them 100% of your focus. Don’t answer texts or emails (even if you think you’re being covert, people can always hear you typing), and don’t touch your phone. Everyone’s time is valuable - giving people your attention will encourage them to give you their attention in return. 

4. Don’t ‘Zoom’ Through

Pacing in a pitch is always important, but especially in a virtual pitch when it’s hard to tell if people are ‘with you’ or not. Talking fast when you’re nervous is pretty common, it’s even more common to talk faster than normal when you’re on the phone or on Zoom. So slow down and give people time to really take in what you’re saying (just don’t go so slowly you’re leaving a lot of awkward silences). Use your ‘getting to know you’ time at the beginning of the meeting to help make a personal connection and gauge the pace.

5. A Conversation takes Two

An easy way to find out if someone is paying attention to your pitch is to ask questions. Before you get into the pitch ask them about themselves, their company, or a past project of theirs you loved. Post pitch (or during, if you’re crafty) ask them about the budget, story ‘pay offs’, or characters. If you present your pitch more like a performance, it’s easier for execs to check out because they are being treated like a passive “audience”. A conversation takes two people - when you present your pitch in this “format” execs are more likely to engage with you because you are engaging them.

6. Think Outside The Box

More than ever, putting your own unique spin on a pitch can help get people to sit up and take notice of your project. The Hollywood Reporter recently did an article on a pitch video made by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz for their show, The Wildest Animals in Griffith Park. It’s a 9-minute "quarantine-style" video, where the filmmakers use photos, actors, and even a few celebrity cameos to sell their idea (google it, it’s great!). The video made it around Hollywood and eventually they attached Margot Robbie and LuckyChap as producers. What Tyler and Michael chose to do with their pitch shows that finding new and inventive ways to engage potential buyers can have big pay off. How can you make your pitch feel fresh and exciting while still remaining authentic to you?

You can master the Zoom… it’s just takes preparation.

What are your best practices for pitching virtually? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!