Pitch Slam

Pitch your project to Hollywood insiders and receive immediate feedback at the Screenwriters World Conference Pitch Slam, an exciting and intense all-day event that puts you face to face with agents and execs who are actively looking for new writers to represent.

How it works

You’ll sit down for five-minute sessions with as many agents as you can fit into the all day event. For the first two minutes with each agent, you’ll share the premise, genre, and the scope of your project with emphasis on the main characters, the conflict that moves your story forward, and the genre (that’s your pitch). For the remainder of your time, the agent or exec will provide immediate, unbiased feedback on your work and your pitch, including invaluable suggestions for improving it. And if an agent or exec gives you his or her business card, jackpot! That’s a request to see more of your work, and could lead to signing with an agent or an option of your project.

Tips for Pitch Slam Success

  • Do your research. There will be more than 60 agents and execs eager to meet new writers at the Pitch Slam. Some of them will be a better fit for your writing than others, so be sure to study the list of agents you’ll receive before the conference, and target only those who represent the kind of writing you do. Even better, look for agents who represent screenwriters you particularly admire and emulate; you’ll know those agents share your taste in writing and are more likely to be a good fit.
  • Practice your pitch ahead of time. If you’ve never had to develop a pitch or “elevator speech” for your writing, this is a great opportunity to develop a succinct, compelling description of what makes your work unique and desirable. Write it out, and then practice your pitch with a timer to make sure you stay within the recommended two minutes. The time enforcers at the Pitch Slam will be strict!
  • Give your nerves the heave-ho. If the idea of pitching your work to agents makes you nervous, remember that the agents and execs at the Pitch Slam are just people, each with his or her own tastes in writing. One person’s rejection only means you’re that much closer to finding the right fit for you. By the end of the event, your jitters will be history and you’ll be an expert at extolling the virtues of your work.
  • Don't miss the Pitch Perfect session Friday morning. You’ll hear tips for honing your pitch and being more comfortable with presenting, and get the confidence you need to make a great impression.