In virtual roundtables limited to only 10 people, each writer will have 5 minutes to practice their pitch with an exec that specializes in the genre(s) you write in . The pitch should be 2-3 minutes, leaving time for the exec to provide verbal feedback.
The host of each Roundtable will select one writer to advance to the Pitch Finale.
Focus on broad concept / hook first, maybe a bit of the inspiration of the story, intro us to a few key characters/their relationships, then walk us through the pilot episode so we get a feel of the structure and where the story’s heading. Make sure to tell us if it’s a 1hr or 1/2hr show. After that you can dig into more character, themes, relevance, storylines, etc. before you give the shape of where subsequent seasons may go. Try to avoid reading from a script the entire time even if you have one and remember to make eye contact/engage with you audience. Definitely avoid reading passages or voiceovers from the script.
Bold voices that have something to say about the world around them!
Tayanna Todd is the Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate. Prior to joining Lionsgate, she worked in Original Programming at Showtime Networks where she covers shows including “Halo,” “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels,” and “American Rust,” as well as the upcoming series “Ripley” and “The Auteur.” She also serves as a key member of Showtime’s Diversity & Inclusion Task Force which sets the agenda for inclusivity practices and standards across the company. Prior to Showtime, she worked in Drama Development at CBS through several broadcast cycles. Tayanna initially began her entertainment journey at the University Southern California as a double major in Film & TV Production and Spanish Language in Culture.
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