Mastering The Art of The Pitch
Posted on: Aug 26, 2025
Photo Credit: Antonio Diaz // iStock Photo“Pitch” can be one of the most intimidating words tossed around the media industry, and yet it’s how everything is accomplished. It’s obviously necessary for writers and producers, but even crew members have to apply to jobs, suggest designs or ask for things from superiors. While an ask can come across as a demand, a pitch can soften the ask and open ears.
The ability to pitch yourself, your skills or your ideas is critical to the next job, the next sale, or stepping up the ladder from one role to another. Switching to a pitch instead of an ask, could increase your chances. Even those who have proven themselves on previous sets can benefit by showing why they’re perfect for the job or opportunity in front of them now.
Key Insights:
- Pitching is storytelling: The most effective pitches are not lists of credentials but compelling narratives where you are the protagonist. This personal story arc is more memorable and creates a deeper connection.
- Context is everything: When pitching your skills, go beyond a simple list. Express the value of your abilities by putting them into context, such as explaining how a specific skill solved a problem or saved time on a previous project.
- Offer solutions, not problems: When making a request to a superior, frame it as a solution to a problem they or the project is facing. This shifts the dynamic from a demand to a collaborative effort, making the pitch more receptive.
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Pitching Yourself
People want to work alongside or empower others they resonate with, and a personal connection is sometimes the deciding factor when candidates or projects are equally qualified.
The key difference between an ask and a pitch is forming that personal connection and understanding. I’ve used it as a performer booking gigs, as a journalist with stories to tell, as a writer/producer fundraising, and as a crew member looking for work.
It’s very tempting to rattle off a list of accomplishments or credits. Those are nice, but will they know who you really are? Pitching is storytelling, and you just happen to be the protagonist. Have you ever thought about your own story arc?
A screenplay is usually divided by three acts. How is your own life script divided?
- Act I: Where you started and what pulled you into the industry.
- Act II: You’re becoming who you are and what you’ve mastered.
- Act III (and beyond): Where you’re going and what makes this next step or pitch matter.
Example:
“I started as a kid in foster homes with boundless imagination and a knack for expressing myself, but my voice was repressed. Later, I was a single mother trying to make a difference with my art. I started making sketch comedy with no money. It was bad. I grew over time by working on sets in different roles, while still writing and performing. I refused to give up, tirelessly improving and learning everything I could. Over the years, I went from dreaming to winning awards for writing, producing and directing. Along the way, I learned I have an issue with saying ‘no.’ I overextended myself and had to learn about boundaries. I discovered I wasn’t alone. A lot of women do, and that’s where my latest comedy script came from. The real heart in it has garnered awards, and a Netflix reader said it has real potential to be a cult classic. I’m committed to finding the right partners to bring it to life in the next few years.”
That’s way more memorable than listing job titles. They can empathize with you about your humble beginnings, and gain interest as you let them in to who you are. This shows you’ve grown, adapt well and will continue to grow. You have active plans and stuff in common — even if it’s just that you both want and need a task accomplished.
Remember, the people you’re pitching are more than an opportunity. They’re real humans. If you can do any research in advance to learn more about them, you may find some common interests you can connect over.
Pitching Your Writing Skills
Pitching your skills also improves with a story. You may have a laundry list of skills you’ve built up, but you want to help them understand what kind of value that brings.
Instead of saying you’re detail oriented, you can say you’ve built workflows that saved editors hours in post production, or point out different styles you’ve worked with that show versatility. Here’s what that might look like:
“When I was young, I loved horror films and always knew I wanted to work in the art department for movies. Instead, I started as an assistant in comedy films, but it was good for me to learn to pay attention to ‘normal’ set dressings and props as much as more intricate hero props. My superior noticed I had a real knack for pleasing color scapes. When I did finally work in horror, I was able to develop a blood rig that saved us all a couple hours of set up. I’m pretty good at problem solving and have been able to think on my feet for quick solutions throughout my career.”
Express the value you bring. Let them know how your skills will make a difference.
Solve Their Problems
Department heads and line producers can be insanely busy. Your ask might seem like “poking the bear,” but sometimes, you do have to report a problem or ask for something. Switching from an ask to a pitch with a short story format can help.
A good rule of thumb is to try to never mention a problem without also having a solution or suggestion. Even if your suggestion is a feeble one, it’s better than just problem dumping. When you want or need a budget increase or an extra hand, try framing the ask as a story that lets them quickly know your intention is to fulfill a problem or need that is actually a problem for them and why.
For example, “I’m so excited about this particular task you (or the director) wanted, but we’ve run into a problem with the cost of supplies. I’ve explored some possible solutions and I have a pitch for you.”
This instantly feels less like a demand and like they are in control. Show them you’ve explored potential solutions that didn’t require the ask, and then let them know why the thing you’re asking for is the best option. Be prepared to defend your stance.
Pitching Your Ideas
Creative professionals have to pitch regularly. They might be writers, directors or creative department heads, like production or costume designers. You don’t always need to build out a pitch deck, but visuals can sure be helpful. If you do utilize a pitch, reel or other visuals, make sure the items represent what you want to accomplish or want more of.
Use an arc. Lead with something that catches them — a dilemma, a deep desire or a need. Next, carry them through with suggestions to fulfill the hook with emotional and passionate descriptions and explanations. In the end, make sure they understand why this particular story, or those particular costume designs matter and truly fulfill the hook. Convey why you are the person to execute it or what your personal connection to your proposal is. Then, make your clear and concise ask. They should fully understand what you want from them.
Once you’ve shared, don’t anxiously overshare. Let the listener absorb it.
Remember, rejection isn’t failure. Sometimes you simply aren’t a good match or your pitch doesn’t meet their needs. The good news is that pitching can leave a lasting impression and leave doors open to future pitches. The more you pitch, the better you get and the more resilient you’ll become. In the end, you’ll begin to think of every job application, every ask, every proposal as “just a pitch,” and be ready to move on to the next if it doesn’t land.
Key Takeaways:
- Lead with story: Frame every communication, from a job application to a simple ask, as a story with a beginning, middle, and an intended outcome.
- Make it personal: Research your audience and find ways to connect with them on a human level. A personal connection can be the deciding factor when candidates are equally qualified.
- Rejection is a learning opportunity: Not every pitch will land, and that’s okay. Treat rejections as a way to refine your pitching skills and keep a positive, resilient mindset as you move on to the next opportunity.
Jessica Mathis (AKA Divinity Rose) is an award winning screenwriter/performer/producer from Louisville, Kentucky. She is the CEO of She Dreams Content Development and Production, which focuses on female-forward projects in comedy, docustyle and genre entertainment.
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