Read on Twitter
The ABC Disney Writing Program's application wants a 250 word self-pitch. I did the ABC Disney Writing Program in 2014 and the self-pitch is the single most useful thing I learned. I use it all the time. I've taught classes with Disney on self-pitching. Here are some tips:
1/9
1/9
A Self-Pitch is the STORY OF YOU
#1 What is your unique voice?
Know what's not unique? A good work ethic, a degree, passion for writing. Everyone applying writes. This tells us nothing. We want YOUR beautifully one of a kind life. The highs, the lows, the crazy. Give us You. 2/9
#1 What is your unique voice?
Know what's not unique? A good work ethic, a degree, passion for writing. Everyone applying writes. This tells us nothing. We want YOUR beautifully one of a kind life. The highs, the lows, the crazy. Give us You. 2/9
#2 Don't give your resume. They have it. This is about your unique voice.
#3 Take em on an Emotional Journey. You're a storyteller. Create an emotional arc that'll make them root for you. Connect with them. This is the clincher. Pitches, interviews, anything - emotion sells. 3/9
#3 Take em on an Emotional Journey. You're a storyteller. Create an emotional arc that'll make them root for you. Connect with them. This is the clincher. Pitches, interviews, anything - emotion sells. 3/9
#4a Tailor it to the situation. You can't encapsulate your whole life into a pitch. Highlight parts that help the pitch.
Is it a legal drama & you're a lawyer? Talk about your experiences & WHY you became one (still keep it personal, there are other lawyers, only one you)
4/9
Is it a legal drama & you're a lawyer? Talk about your experiences & WHY you became one (still keep it personal, there are other lawyers, only one you)
4/9
#4b But what if you don't have any direct experience like that? FIND A CONNECTION.
Here's an example about a friend couldn't find a personal connection pitching a cop drama because he wasn't a cop.
(CONT'D on 4c)
5/9
Here's an example about a friend couldn't find a personal connection pitching a cop drama because he wasn't a cop.
(CONT'D on 4c)
5/9
#4c Then I found out his dad killed someone. THAT'S IT. The person who was supposed to protect you as a child, was a murderer. His arrest changed the way you looked at the justice system. You saw it from the other side. Criminals aren't just bad guys, they are also fathers.
6/9
6/9
#4d Find needs. When I interviewed for YOUNG & HUNGRY, a romcom about a young girl trying to make it as a personal chef to a tech millionaire in SF
I am none of that. I'm a Native boy from Dirt towns
But she's poor - I poor.
Tech - I know tech, I nerd. I can add authenticity 7/9
I am none of that. I'm a Native boy from Dirt towns
But she's poor - I poor.
Tech - I know tech, I nerd. I can add authenticity 7/9
#5 Keep it concise. All these tips are helping you tell a better "Story of You"
What makes a good story? Pacing. Don't bore them. Keep it tight. A minute self-pitch is great for interviews. You have 250 words on the ABC Disney Writing Program app - Make them Count.
8/9
What makes a good story? Pacing. Don't bore them. Keep it tight. A minute self-pitch is great for interviews. You have 250 words on the ABC Disney Writing Program app - Make them Count.
8/9
Okay, now that you have the basics. Go out and write your self-pitch. Make it funny. Make it dramatic. Make it memorable. Make it You.
If this was helpful & enough people like it. Maybe I'll do an indepth video, help w/ some pitches, and write out a hypothetical self-pitch.
9/9
If this was helpful & enough people like it. Maybe I'll do an indepth video, help w/ some pitches, and write out a hypothetical self-pitch.
9/9
Also, the self pitch that ABC Disney is asking for is a Staffing Pitch. So take all this personality/story and use it to mask an agenda of “This is why I’m good for your show” Find a show on Disney/ABC has on their networks that you can connect to the most and pitch to it.
