Learn How with Pitch Perfect at StoryLink

Mastering the Perfect Pitch with Michael Hauge

While Pitch Perfect at StoryLink gives you unprecedented access to Hollywood's hottest professionals, you need a pitch that jumps out and grabs a buyer to really make the most of this exceptional opportunity.

That's why Pitch Perfect at StoryLink tapped legendary script-selling guru Michael Hauge to reveal the top techniques for presenting a spot-on pitch in - what else? A handy video format!

About Michael Hauge

Michael Hauge is a script consultant, author and lecturer who has coached writers and consulted on projects for many of today's top Hollywood talent. His book, "Writing Screenplays That Sell," is the definitive reference book for the film and television industries, as is his seminar with Chris Vogler, The Hero's 2 Journeys. His new book, "Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read," and DVD, "Mastering the 2 Minute Pitch," pack a one-two pitching punch that puts writers and filmmakers at the top of their selling game.

Want to Study with Michael Hauge?

You can glean priceless pitching and writing knowledge straight from the source! Michael is now offering an array of Coaching Packages to help writers and filmmakers produce an A-list script. Visit WritersStore.com for complete details.

Recording your Pitch with a Webcam

Creating a video pitch with Pitch Perfect is easy and fun. You can record your pitch in the privacy of your own home, perfecting your approach without the pressure of a face-to-face pitch meeting, then easily upload it to Pitch Perfect at StoryLink.

To get started with your video pitch, all you need is a computer and a webcam. Many of today's newer computers come equipped with a built-in webcam. If you do not already have one installed on your computer, or are confused about how to get started, Pitch Perfect at StoryLink has compiled information below to get you on your way.

Buying a Webcam

For PC Users

If you own a PC, you'll need to buy a webcam like the Logitech USB Camera, which usually costs between $50 and $90 dollars. Once you take your webcam out of the box, it only takes about 5-10 minutes to install the program and start recording.

For Mac users

If you own a Mac, you should have a built-in iSight webcam in your computer, and you can record your pitch using iMovie software. If your Mac does not come with an iSight webcam, you can purchase one at the Apple Store or Apple.com.

Recording the Pitch

Now that you've got your webcam running, you'll need to get set-up to record the pitch. We recommend choosing as spare a backdrop as possible, since you won't want any background items to compete for attention with your pitch. Most webcams will adjust to the lighting in the room, so you don't have to be too concerned with lighting, but do try to avoid having a brightly lit background.

You should observe the "one-thirds, two-thirds rule" while recording your pitch. In the frame, your eyes should be at the "one-thirds" line, or the line between the top-third and the middle-third of the screen. You want the audio recording to be strong, so make sure that you project your voice.

Concentrate on communicating your story as well as you can. That being said, you also shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself to create an absolutely perfect pitch. Remember - in a face-to-face pitch, mistakes are made all the time. However, if you do feel the need to edit your pitch, iMovie for Macs and Windows Movie Maker for PCs are great editing programs.

To export a pitch made on a Mac, go to iMovie and then click on "Share" and then click "Export." We recommend the 480x340 dimensions for a standard recording, and 480x272 for widescreen recordings. M4V, or Mpeg 4 Video, is the preferred file format.

Pitches created on PCs are usually saved in the "My Videos" folder as Windows Media files. Simply upload your pitch to Pitch Perfect from this folder.

Uploading to Pitch Perfect at StoryLink

When your pitch is ready, begin by uploading your pitch or using our “pitch capture” feature to directly record your pitch to Pitch Perfect. Fill in all the necessary information so that managers, agents and studio executives searching for material like yours can find your pitch.

Once your pitch is uploaded to Pitch Perfect, you'll need to activate your subscription before it will be viewable to Industry Professionals. This two-step process allows you to upload as many pitches as you like, and activate them as you wish.

Have Questions About Using Pitch Perfect at StoryLink?

Please visit the FAQ section for general questions about using Pitch Perfect at StoryLink.