Are you Pitch'in or Bitch'in?

Are You Pitchin' or Bitchin'? How Complaining Can Derail Your Pitch

As a writer or producer, your pitch is one of the most important tools in your arsenal for securing financing and support for your project. It’s your chance to present your creative vision, showcase your professionalism, and convince investors that your project is worth their time and money. However, all too often, pitches can go off the rails when frustration with the industry sneaks in, turning what should be a compelling presentation into a rant about perceived injustices. This is where you stop "pitchin’" and start "bitchin’"—and that’s when opportunities slip through your fingers.

In this article, we’ll examine how a pitch can take a negative turn, what it says about your character when it does, and how to avoid falling into the trap of complaining during your presentation. We’ll also outline the most effective pitch structure to keep you on track.

Pitch vs. Bitch: Understanding the Difference

The difference between pitching and venting often comes down to tone and focus. A pitch should be positive, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented. It's about convincing investors that you have a great idea and that you're the person to bring it to life. Bitching, on the other hand, occurs when your presentation shifts from explaining your project to venting frustrations about the industry, past failures, or how the system has treated you unfairly.

While it's understandable to feel frustrated in an industry that can often seem impenetrable or biased, expressing those grievances in front of potential investors sends the wrong message. When you start to complain, it shifts the focus away from your project and onto your problems. Investors don’t want to hear about the industry's shortcomings; they want to hear about how you're going to succeed despite them.

What "Bitchin’" Says About You

When you start complaining in a pitch, it sends several unintended messages:

1. Lack of Professionalism – Investors want to work with professionals who can navigate challenges gracefully, not people who vent their frustrations in a business setting. Complaining during a pitch makes you seem unprofessional and unprepared to handle the industry's inevitable ups and downs.

2. Blame Game – If you’re quick to point fingers at the industry, investors may worry that you’ll do the same if things don’t go well with their investment. If you’re complaining about external factors now, what’s to stop you from blaming them down the line?

3. Negative Mindset – Investors are drawn to optimism, vision, and positivity. If your pitch is full of grievances, it signals a negative mindset that could affect your ability to solve problems creatively. A positive attitude suggests resilience, while a negative one suggests defeatism.

4. Distraction from Your Project – Your pitch is about your project, not about your personal grievances with the industry. When you complain, it takes attention away from what you’re trying to sell and shifts it to something unrelated, making your project seem like an afterthought.

How to Air Grievances Constructively

There are appropriate times and places to air your grievances about the industry's unfair practices—during a pitch meeting is not one of them. If you have legitimate concerns about the way the industry works, there are several more constructive forums to express them:

- Industry Panels and Conferences – Industry events are great places to discuss systemic issues with peers who can relate to your frustrations. Panels or Q&A sessions provide an appropriate forum to raise concerns without it affecting your pitch.

- Writer or Producer Guilds – If you’re part of an industry guild, these organizations exist to address challenges that writers and producers face. Raising your concerns through official channels can help bring about change without derailing your professional opportunities.

- Private Conversations with Mentors or Peers – Venting your frustrations in private to trusted mentors or colleagues is far more effective than letting those frustrations spill over in professional settings. They can offer advice or perspective without the risk of damaging your reputation.

Staying on Script: Why Outlining Your Pitch Matters

One of the easiest ways to avoid slipping into complaints during a pitch is to have a structured outline that keeps you on track. Pitches can quickly derail when you feel a shift in the room or if a question from an investor throws you off. Having a solid outline ensures that you stay focused on what matters: your project.

Here’s a breakdown of an effective pitch structure to follow:

1. Introduction and Hook – Start with a strong hook that grabs attention right away. Explain who you are, what your project is, and why it’s unique. Keep it positive, energetic, and forward-looking.

2. Project Overview – Provide a concise summary of your project. Focus on its story, genre, and unique elements that set it apart from others. Don’t get sidetracked with complaints about how hard it was to get to this point—just sell the vision.

3. Marketability – Show that you’ve done your homework by explaining the target audience, why there’s demand for this project, and why it’s timely. Keep the focus on the positives and opportunities, not on obstacles.

4. The Team – If you have a team of writers, directors, or producers attached, now’s the time to mention them. If you’re pitching solo, focus on your own strengths and past successes. Avoid talking about past failures or missed opportunities.

5. Financials – This is where you talk about the budget and what you need from investors. Be straightforward and professional. If budget constraints have been an issue in the past, focus on how you plan to overcome them in this project, rather than complaining about how difficult it’s been.

6. Conclusion and Call to Action – Wrap up with a strong conclusion that reiterates why your project is worth investing in. Leave the investors feeling excited, not weighed down by negativity.

Focus on the Pitch, Not the Problems

In an industry full of challenges, it's easy to let frustrations get the better of you. But when you’re in a pitch meeting, it’s crucial to stay focused on what matters: your project and your professionalism. If you let complaints slip into your presentation, you risk alienating potential investors and missing out on opportunities.

By staying positive, sticking to your pitch outline, and saving grievances for more appropriate forums, you can ensure that you’re pitching your project effectively and keeping the door open for future opportunities.

And if you need help structuring your pitch or keeping things on track, consider using tools like Dante Chapman’s "Use AI to Write Your Screenplay", available on Amazon (https://a.co/d/7JMxHZv) . This book provides valuable insights into how to streamline your pitch, structure your script, and collaborate with technology to stay efficient and professional—without veering off course.