Top Tier Pitchfest

THE LINK FOR THE PITCHFEST BOOKING FORM IS NORMALLY SENT OUT DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF EACH MONTH, AND TTers often have less than a day to respond.

Check the stream that you signed up for to determine how many pitches are included.

Pitchfest is spread throughout the month. You will need to submit a response for every exec on the form. If you select at least THREE execs as TOP CHOICES, you will likely be allocated at least one of your top choices.

If you feel the execs are not a fit for you or you wish only to do one pitch, you can submit TWO extra marketing emails for each pitch you elect to forgo.

Please make sure that you submit it within 24 hours of being advised it is available.

PITCHFEST ZOOM LINK

PITCHFEST SCHEDULE

PAYMENT LINK FOR EXTRA PITCHES

PITCH TIMES CAN CHANGE SO PLEASE CHECK THE SCHEDULE REGULARLY FOR CHANGES.

Pitchfest Vacancies will be available for purchase after everyone has made their selections. You will be sent an email as vacancies arise.

SUBMIT YOUR ONE-PAGER You must submit a one-pager for EACH of your pitches by 5PM PT 9/10/24

All the information below is to help you in preparing your one-pager. Please use this as a guide only, and feel free to submit your own take on a one-pager that you feel best presents your project.

GUIDE TO ONE PAGERS FOR TT PITCHFEST

SAMPLE ONE PAGERS - these are samples of other writers' one-pagers - review them and decide what you can learn from them.

ONE PAGER ZOOM - This provides advice on how to construct your one-pager.

PITCH ADVICE

Do not assume the execs will read your one-pager before your pitch. Arrive at your pitch ready to give your 2-2.5 min pitch OR discuss the project with the exec OR pitch an alternate project OR pitch other loglines.

If they ask you to pitch, try to breakdown your time as follows:

Max 15 secs - introduce yourself and your brand
Max 30 secs - title/comps/logline of your project and your connection to the story
60- 90 secs - summary of your project (you do not need to tell the whole story). If it's a feature, tell the story from the POV of the protag and go through the major beats and include the climax and denouement. If it's a TV series introduce the 2-3 main characters, give a brief overview of the pilot, describe the season one arcs and cliffhanger, then mention what could happen in future episodes.
Max 15 secs - finish with "and that's my pitch for [Genre] [Format] [Project Name] [Theme Stated briefly]
That leaves 2-2.5 mins for you to chat with the exec and for them to ask questions.

Make sure if you are pitching comedy, you mention a couple of your funny set pieces that get a laugh.

And if you are pitching horror, mention a couple of scary set pieces so you make them jump or shudder.

Don't worry about rote learning a pitch; relax and let your passion shine through.

REMEMBER, IT'S NOT ABOUT FILLING THE TIME WITH YOUR PITCH, IT'S ABOUT MAKING THE CONNECTION WITH EXEC.

PITCHFEST ZOOM LINK

PITCHFEST ETIQUETTE

YOU MUST LOG ONTO THE ZOOM AT LEAST 20 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED PITCH TIME

Pitches will be one on one between the writer and the exec using Zoom Breakout Rooms. Please make sure that you have downloaded the latest version of the Zoom app.[You need to do this even if you are using Zoom via your browser and make sure you have the app running in the background. If you do not know how to do this, then Google it as Zoom has very helpful how-to videos available].

Please be aware that execs may be running early or late and that your pitch order may alter on the day due to last minute drop outs.

When the NEXT WRITER message appears on your Zoom screen you must immediately move to the exec's pitch room.

Make sure you are always in GALLERY view on Zoom and when the next writer appears in the breakout room, you must cease your pitch IMMEDIATELY (regardless of how long you have been in the room).

Do not attempt to stay longer because the exec has just asked a question. Tell the exec your time is up, thank them for their time, and exit the breakout room.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR ZOOM SET TO GALLERY VIEW SO THAT YOU CAN SEE WHEN THE NEXT WRITER ENTERS THE BREAKOUT ROOM.

SCRIPT REQUESTS

Do not ask the exec if they wish to read your script, they will advise us after the pitch whom they wish to read. We will contact you within a few days of the pitch if you are requested. If you do not hear from us then assume that the exec has elected not to read your script (even if, during the pitch you may have thought they wanted to).

We send the script that you submitted with your one-pager. If you update a script, you must submit a new one-pager with the updated script BEFORE your pitch.

PITCHFEST HINTS & TIPS

With producers returning to our pitchfest roster, it's important to know that your experience with each exec will be different and go with the flow.

Here are our hints and tips to get the most out of Pitchfest pitches:

Make sure you have submitted your one-pager and that the content provided reflects your story and your pitch.
- More and more execs are reading the one-pagers before the sessions and judging writers on the one-pager.
- While Roadmap provides guidelines for one-pagers, it is up to you to ensure that your one-pager is in your voice and properly reflects your story.
- Think of your logline and one-pager as your advertisement for your project. It is the thing that should hook the reader and make them want to read more.
- Execs expect the Project Detail section to read like what they are used to from industry one-pagers. If, for some reason, you have tailored the content of your project details on the one-pager form differently from what you would normally submit, please resubmit ASAP, and I will send your latest form (provided I have it before I email the exec).
- Note: the 3000-character limit on the form is equivalent to a cleanly spaced one-page, so you should be able to fit your story into this.
Be prepared for anything.
- Some execs will have fully read your one-pager and may want to give you some notes. Be prepared to take the notes in the spirit they are given, even if you disagree.
- Some execs may only want your quick intro, so they have more time to talk.
- Some execs will want you to give your full pitch even if they have read your one-pager (which may be identical or similar to your pitch). Don't stress about this; they want to see your passion and your performance in the room.
Always have extra loglines handy.
- Some execs will want to get an idea of your portfolio, so have all your loglines ready.
Be prepared for questions like who do you see playing this role, or who do you see directing this.
A script request is not a script request until we email you and advise you that the exec has requested you.
- Unfortunately, some execs say things like, "I look forward to reading that," and don't request the script from us. While this is shatteringly disappointing, it can happen for many reasons.
- Always let us know if an exec has appeared to request you, and we will always try to make sure they follow through, but sometimes they just change their minds due to bandwidth or reconsideration after reviewing the one-pager.
Never ask an exec if they want to read your script - we will check this for you.
Respect other writers, be in gallery view, and leave the pitching room as soon as the next writer appears in the room.
MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL - RELAX AND BE YOURSELF
- There is an old adage - people do business with people they like.
- It is way more important to show your passion for your story and connect with the exec than to give the perfect pitch.
- Write your pitch. Polish your pitch. Learn your pitch. Then, put your pitch in your bottom drawer and be confident that you know your story and can tell your story in a compelling manner.
ASK FOR HELP
- If you need extra pitch coaching, email julianne@roadmapwrtiers.com to arrange for extra mentoring.
- And always take advantage of the pitch prep opportunities in our monthly check-ins.

Here's to a great month of pitching and lots of success