What I learned Being an Exec at the London Screenwriters Festival PITCHFEST

After nearly 20 years of pitching myself, it was quite a joy — for once — to be on the other side of the table and be pitched to.

I recently had the chance to sit as an exec at the London Screenwriters Festival, which, by the way, I absolutely loved.

It’s incredibly well organised, full of energy, and packed with passionate writers. Highly recommended.

But let’s talk about the pitching. It was a new experience for me to have 17 5 minutes pitches in 3 hours. Some from complete beginners, some from Best Selling authors who had published 6 books and sold 250,000 copies.

So what did i notice?

First Things First: Stay Calm

Pitching can be nerve-wracking. I get it.

But the people who stood out immediately were the ones who stayed calm.

They didn’t rush. They didn’t panic. They didn’t try too hard.

I feel there is nothing worse than someone pitching to you who is agitated. As you start instantly thinking there is something wrong.

These experienced writers were different.

They just owned the room quietly.

Try it until you manage it. I feel it's just a matter of practice.

Look People in the Eye

It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference.

The best pitchers connected.They made it feel like a conversation, not a performance.

Eye contact builds trust instantly — and trust is everything in this business.

The Big One: Talk About You

This is where so many people go wrong.

They focus entirely on the project…and forget to talk about themselves.

But here’s the truth:

👉 Your track record is the most important thing.

Why? Because we’re not just buying ideas — we’re investing in people.

No Track Record? No Problem — Try to Stand Out

If you don’t yet have a track record, that’s fine.

But then tell me something about yourself that makes you stand out.

What’s unique about you?What’s your story?Why you?

Give me a reason to remember you after the pitch ends.

Confidence Without Needing Approval

I had 17 people pitch to me in 3 hours.

Out of those, maybe 2 or 3 really stood out, all of them quite experienced. one best-selling author, one screenwriter who had a big US agent and a couple of experienced writers.

And interestingly, they all had something in common:

They felt like they acted didn’t need to prove anything to anyone.

That quiet confidence? I love that and I feel that was the wining combination.

It’s not arrogance — it’s clarity.It’s knowing your worth without overselling it.

Writers Are a Different Breed (In a Good Way)

One thing I really took away — writers are just… different.

There’s a vulnerability, a passion, and a drive that’s quite unique.

I found myself wanting to encourage almost everyone who pitched —including some who were still at university.

That takes courage. And it deserves respect.

The Reality: It’s Intense

Seventeen pitches in three hours is… a lot.

By the end of it, I understood something I hadn’t fully appreciated before:

👉 Why execs are exhausted after pitching sessions.

It requires full concentration, constant engagement, and quick decision-making.

I’ve even started to develop a bit of sympathy for those execs doing this all day in places like Cannes Film Festival.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed the experience and would absolutely do it again.

To anyone pitching in the future, here’s the takeaway:

• Stay calm

• Make eye contact

• Talk about yourself

• Own your story

• And remember — confidence comes from clarity, not pressure

Keep going. You’re doing better than you think.

And to the team behind the London Screenwriters Festival — keep up the great work.

Writer thank you: to my editors Raghida Ismail and James Skinner x