In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco share practical tips on how to prepare for and deliver a successful pitch, emphasizing the importance of practice, eye contact, and creating a natural conversation. They discuss strategies for managing nerves, engaging with your audience, and handling questions effectively.

KEYWORDS

pitching, screenwriting, storytelling, practice, eye contact, presentation skills, film and TV, pitching tips, storytelling techniques

KEY TOPICS

• Preparation and practice techniques for pitching
• Managing nerves and building confidence
• The importance of eye contact and natural conversation
• Using visual aids and cue cards effectively
• Handling questions and feedback during a pitch
• Building rapport with your audience and collaborators

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

00:46 - Pitch Prep

05:33 - Practice with Visuals

07:22 - Goal: Tell a Really Good Story

09:35 - Warming Up the Room

12:46 - The Q&A Section

15:36 - Pitching Advice

18:47 - End of Season 1

In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco share essential tools and tips for pitching effectively, whether in person or virtually. They discuss how to prepare, visualize, and perform your pitch to maximize impact and connect with your audience.

KEYWORDS

pitching, screenwriting, virtual pitch, visuals, teleprompter, tools, preparation, storytelling, filmmaking, presentation skills

KEY TOPICS

• Different types of pitches and their structures
• Tools for building and presenting pitches, including teleprompters and visuals
• Importance of visuals and mood boards in pitching
• Technical setup for virtual pitches, including lighting, sound, and camera positioning
• Using visuals like Splash Deck and Unsplash to enhance storytelling
• The role of the writer-director in visual storytelling during pitches
• Tips for rehearsing and performing pitches confidently

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

00:58 - Types of Pitchers

02:42 - Pitch Tools and Visuals

09:56 - Be Your Own DP

In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco share insights on the art of pitching TV shows and films, covering everything from initial ideas to crafting compelling pitches that capture producers' interest. Whether you're a writer aiming to break in or a seasoned creator, learn the key elements to make your pitch stand out.

KEYWORDS

TV pitching, film pitching, screenwriting, pitching tips, series development, pitch deck, storytelling, production process

KEY TOPICS

• Differences between pitching for TV and film
• What is an Open Writing Assignment (OWA)
• Components of a compelling pitch (hook, personal connection, world, characters, etc.)
• Pitching process: verbal presentation, pitch deck, and supplemental materials
• Season and series planning in pitches
• Importance of having a plan and future outlook in pitches
• How scripts influence pitching opportunities

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

02:19 - What is an Open Writing Assignment (OWA)?

05:48 - Key Components of a TV or Film Pitch

09:15 - Setting Up the World and Characters in Your Pitch

12:24 - Planning the Series Arc and Future Seasons

15:07 - Pitching the Full Film in Features

16:24 - The Importance of a Clear Series or Movie Ending

17:44 - Do You Need a Script Before Pitching?

19:22 - Additional Materials and Next Steps in Pitching

In this episode, Glenise Mullens and Robin Fusco discuss the nuances of writing network versus streaming television shows, including episode structure and the evolving landscape of television production.

KEYWORDS

TV writing, streaming, network TV, episode structure, showrunner, production, writing tips

KEY TOPICS

• Differences between network and streaming TV
• Episode structure and act breaks
• Impact of FCC rules on content
• Production processes in TV
• Writing for different platforms

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

01:00 - What Counts as Network and Streaming

02:33 - Episodic vs. Serialized Storytelling

04:05 - How Commercial Breaks Shape Structure

06:54 - FCC Rules and Content Limits

10:19 - What Kinds of Stories Belong Where

12:47 - Writers’ Room Workflow

15:20 - Portfolio Strategy

In this episode, Robin Fusco discusses the importance of clearances in film and television production, covering topics like rights, artwork, and fictitious names, and sharing practical insights for writers.

KEYWORDS

clearances, film production, television, rights, artwork, fictitious names, scriptwriting, legal considerations

KEY TOPICS

• What are clearances and why they matter
• Artwork and visual element clearances
• Fictitious names and neg checks
• Legal considerations for licensed professionals
• Practical tips for writers on clearance processes

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

00:31 - What Clearances Are

00:57 - Real Life Impact of Clearances

03:34 - Handling Fictitious Names and the Neg Check Process

06:09 - Best Practices when Choosing Character Names and Managing Clearance Risks

In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco explore the unwritten rules and etiquette of the writers’ room, sharing practical tips for effective collaboration, pitching, and maintaining a positive environment. They discuss how to handle conflicts, voice cultural considerations, and foster creativity under pressure.

KEYWORDS

writer's room, pitching, collaboration, TV writing, creative process, diversity, storytelling, etiquette, problem-solving, TV industry

KEY TOPICS

• Room etiquette and unwritten rules
• How to pitch effectively and from character perspective
• Handling cultural sensitivities and diversity in the room
• Maintaining positivity and energy during sessions
• Strategies for overcoming writer's block and stuck points
• The importance of trust and safe space in sharing ideas
• How to handle rejection and dead-end pitches
• The role of energy and movement in problem-solving

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

02:08 - Using positive language and building on ideas

04:17 - Pointing out problems with solutions

06:42 - How much to contribute based on experience

09:03 - Pitching from character motivation

11:20 - Handling repeated pitches and dead ends

14:16 - Confidence in pitching and self-doubt

16:22 - The importance of not shutting down writers

17:03 - The fun and playfulness of the writer's room

In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco share insights on navigating the TV writing room, from preparation and etiquette to the creative process of blue skying and outlining. Perfect for aspiring writers and industry veterans alike.

KEYWORDS

TV writing, showrunner, blue skying, outlining, script development, writing room etiquette, TV industry, storytelling, episode breakdowns, production process

KEY TOPICS

• Preparation for the first day in the writing room
• Room etiquette and dynamics
• Blue skying and story development
• Outline and script process
• Adapting to changing showrunner visions
• Role of staff writers and safety nets

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Introduction

00:35 - Preparing for the First Day

02:06 - Navigating Dynamics in the Room

02:41 - Seating Arrangements and Etiquette

04:19 - Room Etiquette and Blue Skying

07:09 - Creating Story Areas and Outlines

08:31 - The Process of Writing Episode Scripts

11:42 - Navigating Notes and Rewrites

16:07 - The Fun of Collaboration in the Room

In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco discuss the realities of breaking into Hollywood, the importance of relationships, and strategies for writers to succeed in a contracting industry. They share insights on networking, support roles, and creating unique, compelling scripts.

KEYWORDS

Hollywood, screenwriting, breaking in, networking, industry tips, support staff, showrunners, pitching, script development

KEY TOPICS

• Changing industry landscape and traditional pathways
• The importance of relationships and networking in Hollywood
• Support staff roles as entry points and career growth
• Selling a pilot without room experience
• Creating distinctive, personal scripts that stand out
• The role of industry heat and reputation in success
• Building genuine connections and fans of your work

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction to Breaking In

00:26 - Current Landscape of Screenwriting

00:56 - Common Paths to Success

01:38 - Networking and Relationships

03:14 - The Role of Support Staff

06:28 - Challenges in the Current Industry

07:22 - The Catch-22 of Representation

08:55 - Selling a Pilot vs. Room Experience

09:48 - Building a Reputation in Hollywood

12:41 - Finding Your Unique Voice

15:14 - The Importance of Networking

16:46 - Navigating Contests and Fellowships

17:08 - Crafting Your Unique Script