Skip to main content

Topics in Media Writing (360-0-23)

Topic

Pitching

Instructors

Tracey Scott Wilson

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 109: Tues 3:00PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

This course is concerned with the art of pitching, i.e., presenting a screenplay or teleplay concept
orally and in a short, written form. The goal is to use pitching as a path to understand your story
and as a path to seeing your project made. So, to aid in the creative process and to aid in
interfacing with the industry/business.
Specifically:
How do you structure a pitch? How long should it be? What do you do if the executives seem
disinterested? How do you respond to questions? How do you go about getting a pitch meeting?
In this class, we will discuss all aspects of television pitching.
Beyond business, what aspects of your story do you find yourself including or not including?
What do listeners seem to respond to? Who do they think is the protagonist? Where are they
confused? What can this all tell YOU about your story as you continue to develop your
screenplay or teleplay.
You will create an elevator pitch, a five-minute pitch, a fifteen-minute pitch/pitch deck which
you will present to the class. It is essential that you practice communicating your ideas to an
audience. You will also create a pitch document (pitch Bible) for your television show. You will
write this document in sections and receive support throughout this process. This is
a supportive environment. The goal should always be to help one other as we try to master
the concepts discussed in class.

Learning Objectives

To learn how to pitch orally and in a written fashion, in shorter and longer contexts, to aid in
your creative process and as a path to seeing your project be made.

Teaching Method

Lectures, reading assignments, discussion, in-class viewing of short films and selected film/TV
clips, analysis of screenplays and screenplay/TV pitches, and workshop of student assignments.
Above all else, the environment will be a supportive one, and students will be encouraged to
participate in a community marked by an atmosphere of collaboration.
Written and oral assignments are arranged to mirror our in-class discussions, culminating in
completing a 15-minute pitch and accompanying pitch document, which together illustrate an
understanding of those concepts. Graduate students will be encouraged to take on additional
assignments.

Class Materials (Required)

Texts will be available on course reserves. Most viewings will be on course reserves.
Those that are not available may be available on Shudder, Amazon Prime, HBO, Netflix, or
iTunes, so you must have access to these services. But note most have a free trial period. If this is
a financial burden, please let me know and we'll make other arrangements. But assume all will
be no more than $75.
A working computer, NU email/account, word processing program (ideally Final Draft, but
however you can get your work to look like a screenplay or teleplay). A program to create your
pitch, i.e., Powerpoint or Adobe Express but whatever gets you there.

Class Materials (Suggested)

Good internet.
Talk to me if internet, space, or streaming is a problem.
Consider acquiring one or more general screenwriting/playwriting books, including a book that
explains conventional structures like 3-act, 4-act, and hero's journey. I can make
recommendations and can provide you with slides explaining all.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed) Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed)