When Pitching, Be Humble

It can save you from disaster

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"This is the biggest piece of $&!t I've ever seen!"

That was what a big-time Hollywood producer yelled at me - as he threw my screenplay back across the table at me.

This was a man who's films you'd know by heart. A big name. Household name. I'd worked for over a year just to be in the room with the man.

But in the end, he ended up paying me to read scripts and give coverage for him. He had me help teach a screenwriting course with him.

What happened? What changed the attitude?

Grace under pressure.

When he spewed his rejection and launched my screenplay back at me, I didn't freak out. I didn't melt down. (Don't get me wrong, it was DEVASTATING to hear this).

Somehow, I calmly said, "Okay... well, I really believe in this story - and I really want to be a great screenwriter. Is there any advice you can give me or anything you can do that'll help me get better?"

He then gave me a 30 min. 1:1 about how to be a great screenwriter.

After a year or so, he gave me the nickname, "Gibraltar."

When I asked what that meant, he simply said, "you're solid. Like a rock. You show up everyday ready to work."

That meant a lot to me.

When I asked him about our first encounter, he smirked and said, "I do that to every new screenwriter. Gotta know if you can handle rejection like that."

Ouch! That's tough love, baby.

Grace under pressure.

I didn't fold. I didn't overreact. I simply dug deep and asked for his help.

He's been a great mentor over the years (from afar).

So, don't YOU crack under the pressure.

Dig deep and reach out to others for help. People are genuinely willing to help. But they can't read your mind and know what you need. Sometimes, you have to ask.

I talk about stuff like this in my weekly newsletter and on my website. I'd love to interact with you there.

Thanks for reading!

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