Writing for Television: Preparing for and Surviving a Hollywood Pitch

My people will call your people. We'll do lunch.

Pitching can be a quick way to secure writing deals, but while it sounds glamorous or easier than laboring over a script, it's only a means to an end, which depends on many variables. It can be on the phone or in person. I've done both and definitely prefer in person. There's a texture and rhythm to a room full of people that can't be duplicated over the phone. Body language, eye contact, even the small talk, which accompanies live meetings, encourage interaction no other mode of communicating can replace. If you have a choice, always choose the in person pitch.

Setting It Up

How do you go about getting a pitch? First off, the TV show has to know you exist. Submitting a spec script to get the ball rolling is the first step. Following current TV shows and then obtaining contact information is your first priority. Resources like the WGA website, IMDB.COM or The Hollywood Creative Directory are some great places to start. After the writing staff reads your submission, you'll either get an invite to meet with them for a pitch, or hear nothing which usually means you didn't make the cut. Call them anyway, because writing offices are busy places. The determined writer stands out and gets the meeting more often than the patient, though passive scribe.

Dress For Success

A pitch is like an interview or sales meeting. Don't show up in casual wardrobe like jeans and t-shirt. The hip image of Hollywood, promoted and cultivated in countless movies, implies that TV production offices are big parties full of laid back types who call each other babe. For the still struggling writer, dressing like you mean business is something that will help you get into the business of writing for television. Business casual attire for men and women is fine. The most important part is looking professional and feeling professional, which will give you that air of confidence you'll want and need to do your best.

Nuts & Bolts