Don't Know How to Pitch? Watch This Pro Screenwriter Do One in Real-Time

Screenwriter Mickey Fisher is the mind behind the dramas Extant, Reverie, The Strain, and Mars but he's also a really great voice to follow on Twitter. Fisher is frequently tossing out pieces of advice, fun stories, and talking about the business. 

Recently, he released a sample pitch on his YouTube channel, and as you might know, pitching is kind of always a hot topic here at No Film School because we know you all love to learn how to distill your ideas down into something the industry would be interested in buying or representing. 

Now you can watch someone who's sold several pitches deliver their ideas like a pro does, all while giving you a step by step guide on how to do it. This is how Fisher puts it, "For anyone who is interested in learning more about pitching a television show. This was a pitch I took out last year and didn't sell, so I offered to do it live for some other writers so they could see what it looks like in action."

Check it out and let's talk after the jump! 

I found that to be so informative and really helpful. There are so many strategies he uses that I think I might borrow for my own pitches. Obviously, thinking about the buyers first is smart. You want to know what channel and what producers your idea might live on. 

But where I really tuned in was the idea of the visual sequences. It really cleared up any tone questions I had and also helped bolster the visual style of the show. I could see where this would stand out among other shows on TV and streamers. 

Aside from that, I love the idea of performances. This might be the only audience that ever hears this story, so put your heart and soul into it. 

Really be okay going over the top and giving them the best version of you. 

The thing I have never done, which I think is genius, is telling us the questions the pilot asks. That really clues the executives into what they're buying and why people will tune in. It's a really, really smart way to be engaging and make them think. 

Adding onto this is maybe something you do (I know I do it), which is talking about why you need to tell this story, and why the world needs to hear it. That personal connection may align with the people listening to the pitch but it will definitely show who in the audience will align with watching it. 

It also sets you apart from the competition. You're telling a story that only you can provide. How will it entertain us? 

I found this to be one of the best resources when it came to pitching, so I hope you did as well. 

Let us know what you learned in the comments! 

Source: Mickey Fisher