• Pitch

    Posted on May 24th, 2007 by and currently 5 commenting.

    This past Tuesday, I tuned in to watch ‘On the Lot.’ I really wasn’t sure I wanted to add another reality “based show into my life. But the first episode hooked me for more.

    I think the first episode was brilliant because it focused on ‘the Hollywood pitch.’ Brent Ratner hit it on the head when he sets up the opening episode. They know these filmmakers can make films but can they sell their idea, the pitch. Ratner faces this moment of truth, as do most of us. I’ve stumbled, and mumbled my way through internal pitches and client pitches. Unfortunately pitching takes a learning curve. And we all eventually face the reality of hoping we get another chance to learn from our mistakes.

    ‘On the Lot’ really hit home to me, I felt for the judges, their feelings had to go from being embarrassed to pissed. If this is that once in a lifetime opportunity, take it. Don’t make excuses. It’s been a while since I’ve had to show my portfolio during a job interview, but some of the best advice came during an interview early in my career. As I pitched my first piece of work I started with ‘let me preference this,’ the interviewer stopped me. He said don’t waste your time and mine, show me what you did that you like, nothing else. I took that advice, and I give it every time I review a portfolio. I don’t care if all you can show me is one piece, tell me that story. Tell me why you like it, why you think it works, don’t make excuses.

    Thank you ‘On the Lot’ for reminding me how important it is in telling the story. It takes confidence, a lot of hard work, and learning from your mistakes.

  • Wendy Jo

    The first episode hooked me too. I actually have a summer series to watch this year! So Geno, you hit a soft spot. It’s happened to the best of us. If I knew then, what I know now, I would have pitched my story with such drive, determination and passion that I would have landed that dream job. It’s one mistake I’ll never make again. If opportunity knocks at the door, the key to opening that door is to just go for it!

  • http://neubranderinc.com/blog/ Nobraienr

    I like an interviewer that will give feedback and tell you if you’re screwing up. It saves their time from being wasted, and it let’s me demonstrate that I can I can adapt to new ways and methods.

  • http://i-never-knew-it-could-be-like-this.blogspot.com/ MSUgal

    Now I am sorry I missed the new program. I am always looking for ideas to improve my pitching ability.

  • http://brainsonfire.com Geno

    Nobraienr… your right on the money. We laugh around here about Justin Gammon reviewing portfolio’s because he’s so brutally honest. But he’s trying to help that person out for the next time.

    WendyJo, I know where your coming from:) I think you tell great stories with passion. So many things come into play when people are making decisions you can’t control. The big point is to not give up. If it is your dream, knock on that door again and and give it your best shot. Now if I can only convince my daughter to take that advice.

  • http://www.beanstalktalk.com captain flummox

    In a sense, I guess he did want you to preference your work.