Welcome to the very first episode of Pitch! We're your hosts, Leah and Angel, and in this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on why we started this show. We're diving deep into a topic every writer needs to master: what makes a good pitch?
We've set up this podcast in two parts:
- Our Premium Episodes: This is where we feature three writers. You'll hear their introductions, their story pitches, and their personal connection to their script. Then, we bring their work to life, performing the first three pages with actors, like an old-school radio play. (We're actually sharing our first premium episode for free, so you can check it out and see what we're all about!).
- Our Free Episodes (this one!): This is where we'll talk about... well, everything! We'll explore topics for writers, filmmakers, actors, and anyone who's just curious about how movies and TV shows get made. We'll have spirited discussions and bring on industry insiders to talk about storytelling, writing, and navigating a career in film.
Our Big Takeaways on Writing and Pitching
We spend the second half of this episode talking about the art of the pitch. As writers ourselves, here are some of the biggest things we've learned and that we discuss in the show:
- Know Your Audience: The first rule! You have to "read the room" and know who you're talking to.
- What's Your "Why"? It's not just about the plot. What's your personal, unique connection to this story? That's what makes it undeniable, because only you can tell it this way.
- Clarity is Everything: You have to orient your listener. Give them a crystal-clear picture of your character and the world they live in.
- "Charming" vs. "Compelling": We talk about that pressure to be "charming". The truth is, we know some of the best writers who aren't great pitchers. You don't have to be a performer, but your story must be compelling.
- It's All About Emotion: A story is your attempt to make an audience feel something meaningful. Your pitch needs to give the execs in the room a taste of that same emotion.
- Start with an Image: Don't just list plot points. Hook them with a strong, clear, and evocative image right from the start.
- Have a Hook: What makes your story unique? You've got to have that hook.
- Be Ready to Pivot: Sometimes the room won't go for your story, but they'll love you. Be ready for that "What else do you have?" question. That's the pivot, and it can make a career.
- Don't Give Up: If you're not a natural extrovert, don't panic. Focus on the work. We truly believe the cream rises to the top.
About Us (Your Hosts)
- I'm Leah St Marie: I'm a former investigative journalist who made the jump to filmmaking. These days, I'm focused on writing and directing.
- And I'm Angel DaHood Murphy: I'm a filmmaker, writer, director, and actor. I've been in Hollywood for decades, starting as talent and now focusing my energy on writing and directing.
We're so glad you're here. Let's get to it!
