New! Pitching Boot Camp 2 hours, one day, all the information you need to know to create a winning pitch
Do you have an idea for a great comedy or drama but aren't sure how to pitch it to an agent, manager, producer or studio executive? Join me for a two hour crash course on what you need to do and say to present your idea in a room and sell yourself in the process. Believe me, I've heard enough cringe-worthy pitches that I really want you to succeed and these very simple tools I'll give you will help. You're only going to get one shot to sell your idea and your value as a writer, be sure your pitch is the best it can be.
In this two hour class, we're going to start with what makes an attention grabbing logline including feedback from me and the other writers in the class. I mean, I won't MAKE you say your logline out loud if you don't want to. I know, it's hard, but you've got to get comfortable saying your logline some day or you'll never be able to enthusiastically tell it to people who can buy it!
Then it's straight to the big stuff - I'll break down piece by piece exactly what information you absolutely must have in your pitch. We'll also talk about presentation (spoiler alert - yes, it's absolutely fine to read your pitch off the page!) timing and follow up.
Things you'll take away: - the parts of a strong logling - how to really pump up the "why you" part of a pitch and really sell why YOU'RE the best writer for the pilot - what makes a great cold open - how much character information should be included - how to sum up your pilot succinctly but still engage the audience - what to have ready in case they actually LIKE your idea!
I'll even leave some time at the end for Q & A in case you want to talk about staffing, general meetings or any other burning questions you might have.
You have your choice of one of two days:
Saturday, September 9 from 10:00 - 12:00 OR Wednesday September 13th from 7:00pm - 9:00 pm Cost: $65 per person BONUS! People who attend can book a 30 minute, one-on-one session to go over their pitch for just $30!
Create A TV Series Pitch That Sells! A four part intensive workshop that takes you from logline to finished pitch
Coming Soon!
Don’t miss the opportunity to get eight hours of personal coaching from Marla White, the former head of television development for Emmy Award winning writer Peter Tolan’s Fedora Entertainment. Learn from her experience pitching, selling and producing prime time series in both comedy and drama genres, including valuable insights in to what to do – and what NOT to do – when pitching your project.
This workshop will include:
the basics of what makes a good series idea in both comedy and dramas
how to deliver a speed pitch that leaves them asking for more
the anatomy of a pitch from when you step through the door to when and how to end the meeting
beyond the pitch topics such as how to deal with notes, when to pitch vs. writing the spec, current trends and what markets are right for your project
the chance to create and deliver your pitch and get constructive feedback
Come prepared with an idea to get the most out of this workshop and the rare opportunity to get direct, one-one-one feedback from a development executive who knows what it’s like to be on both sides of the desk, plus support from your fellow writers!
What you’ll walk away with:
A network ready full length pitch that’s been polished with personalized feedback from an expert
A targeted list of the networks that are right for your project
Supportive critique to make your logline and elevator pitch clear and compelling
SPECIAL BONUS: The opportunity to pitch to a panel of industry pros!
Group size is limited to six participants so reserve your spot now!
“Marla’s approach to pitching and taking a concept to a fully realized series pitch has changed the way I will pitch forever. Her knowledge of the buyers and producers across the table, and how I develop and tell the story, bring the world and series alive is amazing.” -- Nancylee Myatt, Emmy winning TV writer, showrunner & director with over 30 sold pilots to networks & studios
“Wise, thoughtful, and mature producers are rare in this town - if you have the chance to work with Marla, take it.” -- Roger Wolfson, writer of eight sold pilots plus on the staff of “Fairly Legal,” “The Closer,” among others, as well as a graduate of the WGA Showrunners Training Program.
“Getting a tune up on my comedy pitch with Marla was just what I needed the day before a big pitch meeting. She was able to help me find and focus on what was funniest about MY particular story…” Shelli Wright, writer & producer
This workshop is for writers at any level, but particularly those who think they will absolutely throw up if they have to talk about their ideas out loud to living, breathing people.
Don't wait, get your career moving forward today!
Next dates TBD -- contact me for more info $495
Pitching Checklist
A list of all the elements you need for a perfect pitch - knock 'em dead! A FREE download.
This is a one-day, intensive pitching frenzy with a group of writers who book the session as a team. I’ll start out talking about pitching in general terms, the “do’s and don’ts” once you get in a room, and answer any questions you might have. Then it’s up to you: each participant gets a set time limit to pitch their idea (or ideas) and get feedback from me and your fellow writers. The time limit is to make sure everyone gets their fare share of attention and can be as long as the group agrees to. Groups are limited to four people with a minimum of three hours.
You bring the writers, I’ll bring the expert knowledge to guide your pitching success.
$60 per hour/per writer. Discounts are available if you provide a suitable workspace.
Not sure you're ready to hug it out with a group? No worries, I'll do four one hour individual workshops in case your schedule doesn't match up or you're just a teensy bit nervous doing the public speaking thing. You still get the same great pitch as an example of what to do and not do. (But trust me, it won't be as much fun!)
$495
Pitching 201
Are you feeling pretty good about your mad pitching skillz and just want feedback based on the current marketplace about which of your many ideas you want to pursue? Or maybe you want to read through your pitch once in front of someone who isn't somehow related to you before taking it in to the network? Whatever works for you is what we'll do either in person or via Skype or a phone call, it's your time.
$75/hour
Script Notes
Can we talk? I mean, we're friends here or a least are about to become friends, right? So between us, sometimes written notes can be hard to take -- I know, I've reacted to them myself. They're kind of cold and sometimes bitchy. I believe in working with my writers in identifying potential speed bumps in their scripts or outlines and helping them come up with solutions. So all of the services listed below come with a 60 - 90 minute meeting either in person, via Skype or over the phone to talk it through. Why the range? Because I want to be sure each script gets the amount of time it needs so sometimes we'll go long, and sometimes it will be faster. My suggestion? If you can, record the notes so you can focus on asking questions instead of writing notes.
Feature (up to 140 pages) $399
Drama Pilot (from 50 - 65 pages -- if it's longer than that you need to edit it anyway) $250
Comedy Pilot (from 30 - 45 pages) $125
Drama Spec Of An Existing Show
Why would anyone write a spec episode of an existing show? Because if you're going for staffing, it's always good to have a sample of how you can make your voice mesh with a Showrunner's by having a spec of an existing show. Not many will demand it, but you'll want to have one just in case. Same excellent attention as above, but in order to give you the absolute most bang for your buck, I"m going to have to watch at least three episodes of whatever show you're writing a spec for plus be familiar with storylines to make sure yours feels like a fit, and that bit of effort will cost you. Bonus: If I'm already a fan of the show and completely up on it, I'll only charge you the regular drama pilot price!
$295
Comedy Spec Of An Existing Show
Ditto all the wise words above with a slightly smaller price bump because her, I only have to watch half the hours of television!
$155
Round Two
Want me to take another look at a script I've given notes on? No problem! I'll read through it, compare it with the notes I have you to see how you've addressed them, then sit down in person or via phone or Skype to talk over the progress you've made. Price will vary. Contact for quote.
Because sometimes it's hard to see the forest for the trees. What's the point of paying someone to cover your script when you wrote it, you can do coverage yourself? Let me tell you, nothing helps you realize where the holes and highlights are in your script like having someone else tell it back to you in a two page synopsis. If they miss the genius of the way you have the dog driving the getaway RV n your bank heist movie, it might be time to reconsider it. The added bonus of having someone else write your synopsis with a logline is it comes in as a handy selling tool when you're sending out your script to potential buyers or agents.
Synopsis
This is the down and dirty of coverage, a two page synopsis plus a logline of your script.
Feature (up to 140 pages) $150
Television Drama (up to 65 pages) $75
Television Comedy (up to 45 pages) $50
Synopsis Plus Notes
The two page synopsis and logline PLUS 1 - 2 pages of general notes addressing character, dialog, pacing, structure and marketability.
Feature (up to 140 pages) $200
Television Drama (up to 65 pages) $125
Television Comedy (up to 45 pages) $75
Personal Coaching
Want to jump on the phone or meet in person to discuss the synopsis, notes, or talk over ideas on ohow to fix problems and highlight your strengths? No problem!
