Happier in Hollywood

Ep 439: Pitch Prep & Define Your Eras

Oct 9, 2025
Get ready to master your TV pitch with insider tips on handling Q&A sessions! Discover how defining your personal eras, inspired by Taylor Swift’s latest album, can shape your next phase. The hosts share invaluable takeaways from Anne Lamott’s classic, Bird by Bird, emphasizing the art of incremental progress in writing. Plus, learn practical Hollywood hacks like using a steering wheel desk and the benefits of a signature travel outfit. Don't miss Sarah’s rave about Richard Osman’s latest mystery novel!
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ADVICE

Prep The Pitch Q&A

  • Prepare for the Q&A after a TV pitch by anticipating common questions like tone and percentages.
  • Answer confidently and with good humor, and be ready to say you don’t know yet to avoid limiting possibilities.
INSIGHT

Percentages Can Mislead

  • Executives often ask for percentages to define tone or the balance between procedural and personal elements.
  • That percentage answer can be misleading because episode-to-episode variety makes fixed formulas limiting.
ADVICE

Define Your Lead Clearly

  • Be prepared to articulate your main character fully: backstory, thematic arc, and what they’ll learn.
  • If your show is procedural, define the character’s unique “superpower” to clarify what makes them special.
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