Radio-TV-film students eagerly await seminar to learn how to pitch ideas to professionals
Radio-TV-film professors try to offer students business experience with the introduction of ‘Pitch Me’ seminars into their curriculum.
By Sarah McNamara
Staff Reporter

Michelle Warren says she wants to learn what it will take to pitch her own film idea to studio executives.

Today’s “Pitch Me” seminar, hosted by the radio-TV-film department, may help the junior radio-TV-film major do just that. The seminar will provide an opportunity for students to learn about the art of pitching ideas for television series and movies from professionals Jonathan Koch, Robert Kosberg and Travis Mann. It is the first stage of two-part competition

Warren said she is nervous about attending the seminar but hopes to “learn things that I never would have thought I needed to learn.”

“This really is an awesome opportunity,” she said.

Roger Cooper, a radio-TV-film professor and coordinator of the “Pitch Me” competition, said he had no idea how people would respond to the event but knew the university needed to do something like this.

“We want to give our students unique and creative opportunities that students at other universities don’t get,” Cooper said. “We really want to set them apart.”

Koch, Kosberg and Mann are scheduled to return as judges Nov. 21 when students will compete to win a trip to New Orleans for the National Association of Television and Production Executives meeting.

Students will then have two to five minutes to sell themselves and their idea, winning an opportunity to pitch their idea in a showcase for Hollywood executives.

Cooper said the concept of pitching is a vital part of the entertainment business and a critical skill that must be learned. Also, since all three judges are professionals, they will provide a lot of insight and wisdom about what does and does not sell in Hollywood.

“This really is an invaluable experience,” Cooper said. “We want students to understand and see how the business and creative aspects of the entertainment industry work together.”

While Cooper said he is requiring his Business of Media students, including Warren, to compete, anyone can attend the competition. Tickets are limited and are sold on a first come, first served basis for $30.

“Anyone who attends, whether they’re competing or just watching will be able to realize the value of being an effective pitcher,” Cooper said.

Richard Allen, associate radio-TV-film professor, said the department has been able to improve the curriculum in the last few years by offering real life opportunities, such as this, to students.

He said the purpose of events like this is to get the students to see what professional experience is like and learn from the people in the business.

“The plan is to get students attached to what’s going on in the industry compared to what they learn in class,” Allen said. “We want to connect the two.”

Opportunities like this, Cooper said, can only be a benefit.

“We’ve been able to increase the pipeline that’s already been created in Hollywood and open more doors for those who are looking to rise in the industry,” Cooper said.