Virtual Pitch Meetings Are the New Norm in Hollywood — Is That Good or Bad?

As someone who has spent years in the bustling world of Hollywood, navigating through crowded premieres, lunches, and awards shows, I must admit that the shift towards virtual pitch meetings during the pandemic was a breath of fresh air. The convenience of being able to pitch an entire town in one day, without the hassle of L.A. traffic or terrible parking structures, was a game-changer for many creators like myself.


During Ellen Rapoport’s virtual meeting with executives where she is presenting a fresh series concept, she suddenly notices something unusual – a clear indication that someone isn’t fully engaged in the discussion.

The producer of the Max and Starz series ‘Minx’ remarks, ‘It’s obvious who’s checking their emails,’ implying that people aren’t as discreet as they believe themselves to be,” or simply, “The creator-showrunner of ‘Minx’ on Max and Starz states, ‘You can’t hide when you’re checking your email.’

A casual survey among authors, representatives, and industry leaders has revealed that around three-quarters of pitch sessions are currently happening online. This shift is met with some reservations by writers such as Rapoport.

She expresses her preference for interacting with people and wearing conventional pants instead of stretchy ones, and she enjoys navigating traffic, dealing with poor parking structures, and observing people in lobbies, as well as receiving free water. The advantages of conducting pitch meetings online are numerous, such as saving time by eliminating the need to travel through L.A. traffic and visiting various offices. Online meetings also allow for easier access for writers/creators based elsewhere or working on location, without the need for flights to LAX. Zoom meetings offer additional technical benefits, like having a script off-screen to read from, ensuring a smooth presentation flow.

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2024-10-11 19:19