Virtual Pitching Tips
Every great story begins with an idea. In order to convey that idea, you have to tell people about it! AKA you need to be able to pitch it. We are not experts on pitching (yet). There are opportunities to learn from the pros at Coverfly, Roadmap Writers and many others. Along the way, we have learned some invaluable tips to make virtual pitching a little easier and less nerve-racking.
TIP #1: Include the Basics
Every writer brings their own you-niqueness in how they say something in a pitch. This is the basic structure on what to include.
Greeting (incl. your name)
Title
Format
Genre
Logline
Comps
The Protagonist’s Journey
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
TIP #2: Be Prepared
Practice, practice, practice! KNOW your story. Rote memorization is bad if you get interrupted or distracted you will lose your place and miss an opportunity to leave a good first impression. Pro Tip: practice in front of other people (friends, family, your writer’s group).
Keep your notes handy. Do not read off your computer screen or while looking down. Pro Tip: use index cards and scotch tape or post-its to fix a shorthand version of your notes to the left or right of your screen.
Record practice runs to check duration. Leave some time at the end for questions.
Have another pitch ready in case/when you’re asked “what else ya got?” Pro Tip: this can be one of your post-its.
TIP #3: Test the Tech
Check your lighting, computer audio (mic + speakers) and video. If something isn’t working properly, try one of these products to upgrade your sound and image so you come across loud, clear and totally lit!
LOGITECH LITRA GLOW Premium LED Streaming Lite with TrueSoft
LOGITECH YETI NANO Premium dual-pattern USB microphone with Blue VO!CE
LOGITECH C920s PRO HD WEBCAM Full 1080p HD video calls with privacy shutter
REMEMBER: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Use what you have at your disposable first - move a lamp, borrow a friend’s webcam or microphone. When you need to, these are tools you can invest in.
TIP #4: Attitude Check One, Two
Adjust your mood, clear your headspace, set your intentions. Do something that centers your mind on the task at hand - giving an awesome pitch! Do whatever works for you!
Play your favorite song
Stand in a superhero pose - no joke, it has benefits!
Meditate
Talk a short walk
(And if you’re really nervous - dim your computer screen, focus on the lens of your camera and remember to breathe.)
TIP #5: Last Looks
So you know the basics, practiced times infinity, tested the tech and cleared your mind. What else could you possible do to nail your virtual pitch???
Use a neutral, non-distracting background
Wear something you feel fabulous in
Be YOU!
AND HAVE FUN!!!
We hope this helps the next time you virtually pitch your screenplay or pilot. You got this!
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