Pitch Perfect: An Interview with Pilar Alessandra of On The Page

So you've got an earth-shattering new television show or film script in hand, and you've landed a meeting with your dream producer or executive. Congratulations! Now ask
yourself: Are you ready for the pitch? Have you considered the unique psychology of being in the room with an executive? Will you engage from the get go and avoid that dreaded glassy-eyed reception?

This month, Nat Mundel, sits down with script consultant, Pilar Alessandra, of On the Page to explore the art and organization of the pitch.

They emphasize key communication strategies for engaging a listener and avoiding a one-sided sell. In this half-hour discussion Pilar and Nat cover a broad spectrum of points and pitfalls any pitcher should strongly consider. These include:

• • The importance of starting off with a well constructed log line.
• • Where to be descriptive and creative and where not to be...
• • Respecting an executive's core creativity.
• • Identifying and placing set pieces and trailer moments in your pitch.
• • When to introduce your characters and when to relate a bio or backstory.
• • How an executive "hears" branding and marketing angles in your pitch.
• • The critical importance of periodically pulling back and reiterating your structure. (i.e. "So at the end of Act II our hero has to do X, or face consequence Y.")
• • How to pull off a successful elevator pitch by the time you reach the lobby.

A freebie from On The Page:

Pilar Alessandra's comprehensive checklist for writers entering the pitch phase. Click here to download PDF.

Looking for more sharp, practical Industry talk? Nat will be appearing on Pilar's On the Page podcast later this month. Stay tuned for more details.