Common Pitch Questions for Screenwriters

Pitches generally mean a writer is talking about their script and convincing either producers, networks, or representatives to read it. But sometimes pitch meetings blend into general meetings about the writer. Often, clients will want to know more about the writer to know if they would like to get involved with them as a person. This is when it helps to have some quick answers ready to fire off before everyone breaks away for their next meeting.

As someone who forgets everything that’s not written down in front of me, I’ve had to compile a list of answers to simple questions that producers and reps might ask during pitch sessions and a list of potential questions I can ask them. To most people, these are common sense questions that you should know off the top of your head. They are also the questions that tend to make my mind go completely blank when asked. I'll try to add to this list as I go. I like to have the answers to these prepared in advance so I'm not stumbling when asked.

Here goes!

Questions From Them:

Tell me a little about yourself. (Not a question, but it's usually the first thing they'll say.)

What stories interest you? And why?

How long have you been writing?

What are your favorite projects that you’ve written?

What are you working on now?/What's your next project?

What TV shows, movies, books do you love? (This usually suggests current shows or movies, potentially shows you could staff on. Books could lead to something you might want to adapt. And everything is adapted these days.)

What are your guilty pleasures?

Who are your favorite writers? (This could be books, TV, or films.)

What else do you do outside of writing? (Have a short list of hobbies ready to talk about. If you've done your research about the person you're talking to try to point out hobbies they are also into.)

Questions For Them:

(Don't ask general question you could find on a quick Google search. Try to be specific.)

What was it about my profile/script/bio that made you interested in meeting with me?

What are your favorite films and series? What are your favorites to develop?

For reps:

What are you looking for in a client?

How do you work with your clients? How much do you like to get involved when it comes to development?

I saw that you used to work at (company). Why did you switch from being a/an (position) to your current position? (Most people in Hollywood have changed positions several times)

For Producers:

I saw that you made X project. I loved that film/series! What was the development of that like?

If you can fire off some quick answers to these and learn a little about them you're well on your way to a successful meeting.

Until then, keep writing!

---

Holly Holstein is a Los Angeles-based writer with over ten years creating content. She writes independent reviews and articles and is not compensated for her posts. If you enjoy her articles, please sign up to become a member!

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash