Pitching and Development: Workshop

Pitching:
-Pitching Ideas is an inevitable part of programme making.
-Whether it is a room full of colleagues on your production team, or direct to commissioning editors or channel commissioners, it provokes fear in the hearts of even the most experienced filmmakers.

Purpose
-Opportunity to deliver idea and sell it, flesh out so we can visualise.
-Find out what works and what needs improvement.

What to do before pitch?
Research:
-Strengths
-Weaknesses
-Opportunities
-Threats
-Help to develop a fully formed proposal which will stand up to questioning.

Preparations:
-Must have an OBJECTIVE.
-Write this into your proposal- present tense to create an 'active voice'. This is a written presentation of the visuals and your treatment (approach)
-It need only be one page in length (no less than a paragraph in length)
-Prepare alongside this an oral pitch which supports the written proposals (SEVERAL PAGES)

What happens last a pitching session?
-Have an allotted time to convey idea.
-Pitch to senior member of the programme/ channel.

Suggested Elements:
-Outline initial intentions/ ambitions.
-Working Title, Location
-Subject and Premise
-Idea is one sentence- encapsulate and crystallise your idea into its USP.
-Synopsis of Idea
-Target Audience and Channel
-Style and Tone- Central and Minor Characters/ Contributors/ Talent.
-How the format adds to the USP
-Why it should be commissioned
-Running Order
-VTs
-Basic Camera Plan/ Floor Plan

How should you present your Pitch?
-Use visual aids- Powerpoint/ Prezzie
-Show examples of clips/ similar existing content.
-Bring it to life. Engage and help to understand.
-Logically- take us through step by step.
-Check Viability of your idea.

Body language and Style
-Think about appearance and pace of your delivery.
-Prepare and rehearse to lessen nerves.
-Be enthusiastic.
-Emphasise its USP (Unique Selling Point).

Responding to Q and A's:
-Be prepared to expand when asked questions, have more detail available.
-Take your time
-Have facts and figures.
-Remain Positive

Pitching Dos and Don'ts:
Do:
-Be brave and surprise
-Be passionate and engaging
-Challenge conventions- new angles
-Pitching ideas in a paragraph
-Pitch the Top Line- Articulate it in a sentence
-Know existing output and spot opportunities
-Develop and dialogue with commissioners
-Pitch Ideas, not subject matters.