Boot Camp Code of Conduct

Printer-Friendly Version Email To A Friend

Boot Camp Ground Rules & Suggestions

• Dress Code: Casual and Comfortable is fine, but it should also be professional. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

• What to Bring: Business cards/Contact information, one-sheets (Hint: genre + logline + synopsis = one-sheet), breath mints, bottled water, copies of your completed script (just in case one is requested)

• Attend the Boot Camp Sessions so you can apply what you've learned during your time in the Pitch Pit.

• Arrive early for your pitch appointments.

• Adhere to the Pitch Pit Do's & Don'ts.

• For specific questions about Pitch Pit Catchers or their companies, please inquire at the on-site Boot Camp Information Desk.

• Remember to be courteous not only to the catchers and speakers, but to your fellow attendees and NATPE staffers!

Pitch Pit Do's and Don'ts

DO:  Introduce yourself and state a few key points about your background before you launch into your pitch.  Create a logline on yourself as you’ve done for your pitch.

DO:  Your Homework! Know who you are pitching to. Make sure that they’re the right people for the format of your show.  Do the research, know what they’re looking for and deliver it! In addition, you must know your intended audience and why your idea will appeal to them. Check out their pitching preferences using the Boot Camp online schedule.

DO:  Be Prepared! Practice! Know your pitch backwards, forwards and upside down and don’t use notes. Anticipate possible questions that you may be asked and know how to answer them.

DO:  Be Brief! Condense your pitch into a short, concise presentation. Make it catchy and easy to “get”. Have a logline that describes the basic premise and purpose of your show. Leave time for interruptions and questions.

DO:  Be Passionate! (not too passionate – don’t forget that this is essentially a business meeting) Make it clear that you believe in your idea 100%. If you’re enthusiastic about it, your enthusiasm will spread.

DO:  Make your catcher feel like they’re involved in the process.  If they make comments, don’t dismiss them. Let them know that you are flexible and that you welcome constructive criticism and feedback.

DO:  Maintain your focus! Pitch as if this is your only pitching opportunity of the day. If you’re thinking ahead to the next catcher on your schedule, your current catcher will pick up on it. Connect with the person in front of you!

DO:  Be professional and look professional. Be organized and have your contact information all in one place and ready to hand out. Be neat and clean and have some breath mints on hand. Remember, you’re not just pitching your idea, you’re pitching yourself!

DO:  Have more than one pitch prepared. If you have extra time, you might want to present another idea OR ask your catcher, “What else are you looking for?”

DON’T:  Contact the catchers or their companies prior to Boot Camp. This is NOT professional and will NOT be appreciated.

DON’T:  Stalk the catchers! Once your pitch is over and you’ve given them your contact info and one-sheet, move on. If you don’t get the chance to meet with a particular catcher, there will be a designated area for “leave behinds”.

DON’T:  Use props! No one wants to see you fumbling with your bag of tricks. Your pitch should be so clear and so organized that the only prop you’ll need is you. Gimmicks don’t work!

DON’T:  Give the catchers any extra material unless it is requested. This includes scripts, treatments, tapes and gifts.

DON’T:  Overstay your welcome! When your scheduled appointment is over – it’s over! Please be respectful of the next Pitcher in line by concluding your pitch promptly and allowing them to begin their meeting on time.

DON’T:  Press the catchers for contact information if they do not offer it.

DON’T:  Solicit catchers or panel speakers for jobs!