Learn the Art of the Quick Project Pitch
In Los Angeles, you never know when you’re going to have a chance encounter with someone who can change your life. Maybe you’re standing in line for a taco and realize the guy in front of you is a big time producer, or maybe you wind up sitting next to a Netflix executive at a friend’s dinner party.
In my book, Hollywood Game Plan, I talk about the art of introducing yourself in in a minute — what I like to call your “Personal Logline”. (It’s also the subject of my free ebook, Telling Your Story in 60 Seconds — grab it HERE). However, sometimes a chance encounter doesn’t just lead to pitching yourself - it can lead to pitching a specific project. So the next time you’re faced with a Hollywood heavyweight and they’re asking about your latest script - do you have a response that will “wow” them in 60 seconds or less?
Before your next general meeting, networking event, or chance taco truck encounter - here are 5 tips to help you perfect the art of the quick project pitch.
1. Stick to broad strokes
First and foremost, a quick project pitch should stick to broad strokes. Which means focus on the vital aspects someone would need to know to understand your story and the “wow factors” that make your script exciting and unique. Don’t get too caught up in every beat of the plot. A basic “formula” for a project pitch is to begin with a brief explanation of your personal connection to the story, succinctly state the genre, then deliver a dynamic logline. Obviously this isn’t a strict format, but it can be a great place to start.
2. Personal connection can be key
Hollywood loves a good personal connection. Execs and audiences alike get excited when a writer’s story stems from firsthand experience or an authentic relationship to the subject matter. So, why are you the only person who can write this script? What makes you passionate about your protagonist’s journey? Grounding a project pitch in personal connection allows your listener to not only emotionally hook into the story, but to also hook into you as a creator.
3. What to include in your logline
Your logline should include the protagonist, overall plot, what’s at stake, the general conflict, and usually the primary character arc (for tips on crafting a great logline - check out my post on 3 Essential Steps to Writing a Killer Logline). Remember, broad strokes. What are the most important events and turning points? What makes your protagonist compelling and relatable? Stick to the most integral moments and don’t give away the ending. Which brings me to —
4. Know when and how to end it
When I say a quick project pitch should be 30-90 seconds, I mean it. If the person who you’re pitching to is curious to hear more, they’ll ask you. But if you keep the initial pitch short and snappy, you’ll never risk annoying your listener (remember, they’re already doing you a favor by giving you their time and attention).
In addition to knowing when to end it, you need to know how to end it. Always leave them wanting more. Ending your pitch with a cliffhanger can be a great way to do this. Think of your favorite episodes of TV, chances are they end with a cliffhanger that makes you hungry to know more: Will they survive the haunted house? Will the couple get back together? Remember, the point is to entice your listener enough that they want to read your script, or at least further the conversation. If you give them every little thing that happens, they’ll have no reason to read it.
5. Practice, practice, practice
Make no mistake, a Quick Pitch for a screenplay is basically a 30-90 second performance. And if that performance is going to be effective, it has to be crafted. So practice! Write it down, try recording yourself saying it out loud, and then listen to it back. How long was it? Did you rush the delivery? Did you sound confident and passionate or nervous and robotic? Do certain aspects of your pitch sound more exciting than others? Once you feel good about the structure of your pitch, get it in front of real people. Practice on your roommate, your sister, with strangers. If the people you’re practicing on are excited enough to ask follow up questions (which are different from “this doesn’t make sense” questions) chances are you’re doing it well. The more prepared you feel, the more confident you’ll be when asked about your project out of the blue - so keep practicing!
Wishing you the best of luck with your next Quick Pitch!
What are your tips and tricks for delivering a blazing hot project pitch? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!