Write, write, write

Pitching is a huge topic for screenwriters - and we generally like the idea of pitching about as much as spending quality root canal time at the dentist's. Fear of pitching is like stage fright - as soon as you start doing it, it usually disappears. Then there are the tricks, of course.

Relax Arnold, I'm not pitching ... yet.

Some say that pitching's an art. They'll tell you stories of screenwriting careers made and destroyed with a single pitch. There's books about pitching, there's workshops, seminars - there's much to be learned ... and there is really nothing to be feared. If you think your only chance at a big break rides on your one pitch - on your one lucky moment with a producer - well then you're screwed. Nothing should ever have that level of importance - don't let it - it'll cripple you.

When it comes to pitching, you damn well better learn all you can. Pitch your wife, your grandmother, your children, your neighbors, your friends and the cab driver. Study their reactions - figure out what works, what doesn't, figure out why. Learn about loglines - get to the essence of your pitch - learn the short and long version, memorize it if you can. Now before your meeting you'll also have done the obvious: You'll have researched the company and you'll have more than one pitch ready for the moment they throw you a curve ball (and that moment usually does come).

But when the meeting actually takes place - the most important thing is this - RELAX! I realize that's not always all that easy (I mean heck, it could be Steven Spielberg sitting across from you, right?!) But there are a few things that will help you relax and settle into a casual conversation:

• The folks sitting across the table from you are about as human as you are. It's just talking, nothing more.
• Let them talk, let them lead, let them tell you about things. If you just sit on your mouth, they'll do the talking for you.
• When you do talk - don't barge in with your pitch, don't prematurely ... you get the idea. Just be yourself, talk about them, yourself, movies, the weather, whatever - talk about everything BUT your pitch.
• Follow their flow. If you watch their behavior and listen closely, you'll be pitching what's of interest to them.
• "Needy" never flies. Make yourself believe that you don't need this gig and you'll be ever so much more attractive to your conversation partners. It also helps to realize that they won't go for your pitch anyway - so the pressure's off and you're free to just have fun in the room - and that is highly attractive.

It really helps to remember that the meeting is never about your pitch - it is about expanding your network. Will your pitch fly? Most likely not - but you've just met some hopefully pretty cool people, you got along, you exchanged numbers, you yacked film and you'll keep in touch ... and somewhere down the line you'll hook up again and work together on something entirely different... just because of a pitch meeting way back when that was not about the pitch.