Moustaches: A Practical in Pitching

This past Wednesday night we had a very unique exercise in class where each of us had to prepare and give a pitch for our respective short film projects that we will be shooting soon. Just as in a real pitch situation we practiced coming into the studio, working the room, engaging in small talk, transitioning into the pitch, having an engaging and well-thought out presentation, and how to wrap up and be concise so as not to seem too desperate or long-winded. After each pitch, one person was appointed the "head studio exec" and came up with questions to ask about the pitch and why it would be marketable and then Liz gave feedback on the pitch as a whole.

Now all of this would be cool enough and pretty important as is, but with Liz there is always that extra something. To feel more like a "real" pitch situation we added something that is present in all studio executive situations...moustaches. Yes, each of us  became mustachioed thanks to the party store up the street, so as to add that level of gravitas that only a French handlebar moustache can add. Annie seemed to really fit best into her facial hair as she took on the role of studio exec whole-heartedly bringing up a very tumultuous merger within the studio and her younger, wild days.

The whole process was really informative and we learned a lot in very little time with each pitch and the personalized feedback we got was pretty much priceless. For directors, a pitch is a lot like an audition, just in addition to selling yourself , you are selling an idea, a team of creators and collaborators, and an inspiration. In today's industry where money is scarce and in general less movies are being made than ever, these kinds of pitches are integral to staying in work and getting things done. Each of us brought our own flair to the different pitches with stunning visuals, music, charisma, information, and even some ridiculously addictive chocolate crisp things that Sarah brought.

Luckily, the Flat Pretzel Films Production company was very generous and bought all of our projects...except there's no pay. Woops.  Guess that's why you have an agent.

Shout out to Linda's mom who visited the Maxwellton Workshop this week and wins the photography credit for the post.

--Jesse