Here's the Pitch

Script consultant Pilar Alessandra is director of the popular writing program “On the Page,” also available on DVD, which provides ongoing classes, workshops, and private consultations for screenwriters and television writers at all levels. Pilar, who will be speaking at The Great American Pitch Fest, offers StoryLink readers answers to important pitching questions.

Q. What basic elements need to be included in any pitch?
A. The genre. The logline. A brief character description. (I usually recommend using “flaw plus occupation.” “Unappreciated assistant,” “tired mom,” “overachieving college student,” etc.) The unique activity of the second act, meaning that the characters do something movie-worthy toward achieving their goal. The third act strategy, meaning that we get a sense of the big goal going into the third act and what the characters must do to achieve it.

Q. What's the best way to start writing a pitch?
A. Logline, logline, logline. If you can articulate the hook of your script from the top of your short pitch, you’ll have done most of the work. Even a simple “My script is about ...” will get you there.

Q. How do you pitch a high-concept idea?
A. If the story truly is high concept, meaning that the entire movie can ride on its “big idea,” then milk that idea for all it’s worth. If your dishonest character can’t lie for a day, for example, talk about all of the ways that one problem affects his job, relationships and overall story arc.

Q. How does a writer bring excitement to a lower-concept (independent) project in a pitch?
A. Every movie has a hook to it. The hook may not be in the movie’s premise, but it may be in the contrast between characters or the new emotional place a character finds himself in. Whatever that hook is, lead with it and work your short pitch around it.

Q. What advice can you recommend for pitch-phobes?
A. Remember that this is simply a conversation about a movie you love; a movie that happens to be your own. It doesn’t have to be splashy or showy. Just a good story told with enthusiasm.

Q. What is proper pitch etiquette?
A. Don’t bully your listener. If she says she can’t take your script at this time, don’t argue.

Q. What are some common misconceptions about pitching?
A. That a new writer can sell on pitch alone. If you’re at a pitch fest, you’re pitching an existing script. Do not expect your listener to buy an idea. There are a lot of great ideas out there, but there are only so many great writers. Your pitch will convince them to read your script, your writing will convince them to buy it.