10 Pitch Meeting Questions That Will Make You Look Like a Game-Changer (Especially in This Broken Industry)
Stop walking into pitch meetings like a hopeful puppy and start owning the room—these 10 questions will make you look like a strategic genius in an industry that’s basically one big, s**t sandwich.
Let’s face it: Hollywood is a mess.
Studios are risk-averse, streaming platforms are playing content roulette, and everybody’s too busy chasing the next algorithm hit to care about actual storytelling. It’s chaotic, it’s exhausting, and—if you’re pitching a project—it’s an absolute minefield.
The good news? In an industry that feels like it’s constantly imploding, standing out is easier than ever. You just have to look like the person who’s got it together while everyone else is flailing around, trying to keep up with whatever trend just went viral on TikTok.
Here’s the thing: Every exec in that pitch room has seen it all. Great concepts? Check. Enthusiastic creatives? Double check. They’re buried under ideas. But what they haven’t seen lately? Someone who walks in and makes them feel like they’re sitting across from a strategic genius—someone who’s not just pitching a project, but pitching a vision.
And that’s where these questions come in.
Instead of nervously spitting out plot points and hoping they like you, you’re going to take control of the room. You’re going to flip the script and make them think, “Damn, this person isn’t just talented—they’re business savvy and sharp as hell.”
These aren’t just any questions. They’re designed to do three things:
Make you stand out from the sea of hopefuls who all sound the same.
Position you as a strategic thinker who understands the business—not just storytelling.
Elevate you from “fingers crossed” to “game changer” in an industry that’s desperate for stability and vision.
Ready to dominate your next pitch meeting? Let’s dive into the 10 questions that will make you unforgettable—even in a chaotic, broken industry.
1. “What’s the one story your network/studio/brand has been dying to tell but hasn’t cracked yet?”
This question does two crucial things:
Shows you care about their needs and aren’t just pushing your own agenda.
Positions you as a problem solver.
Most creatives show up with their one brilliant idea and hope it magically aligns with what the studio wants. This question flips that dynamic and tells them you’re not just a filmmaker—you’re a collaborator with solutions.
2. “What do you think makes a project ‘unmissable’ for your audience right now?”
First off, it’s flattering—they get to show off their insider knowledge and brag a little. Secondly, it makes you look savvy enough to know that audiences—not execs—drive success.
While they’re proudly rattling off their insights, you’re already mentally adjusting your pitch to hit those exact marks. It’s like getting the answers to the test before you start writing.
3. “What’s the biggest risk your brand is willing to take this year?”
This one’s gold because it makes them feel bold and daring (even if they aren’t). You’re indirectly signaling that you’re not here to play it safe—you’re here to break some rules and make an impact.
In a chaotic industry where staying safe means staying stagnant, this question shows you’re not just about making content—you’re about making waves.
4. “What’s a recent project that didn’t work as expected, and why do you think that was?”
Yes, this is risky. But it’s also genius. You’re not just asking for dirt—you’re gaining insight into what they’re trying to move away from.
The best part? You’re demonstrating that you understand failure is part of the process and that you’re willing to learn from it. This is huge because most creatives are too busy selling perfection to admit that even the best ideas sometimes crash and burn.
5. “If you had to greenlight just one project this quarter, what kind would it be—and why?”
This shows you’re aware of priorities and resource limitations. You’re acknowledging the reality of their decision-making process. You’re saying, “I know you can’t just say yes to everything. Let’s cut the noise and get real.”
When you show you’re willing to shape your pitch to meet their most urgent needs, they’re way more likely to see you as a serious contender rather than just another hopeful.
6. “What’s one storytelling trend you think is on its way out?”
Hollywood loves trends—until it doesn’t. Asking this question makes you look like someone who’s not just thinking about what works right now, but what will still matter a year from now.
If your idea even remotely resembles something they’re cooling on, you’ve got time to pivot and highlight what makes your approach different.
7. “What would make this project an undeniable hit for your audience?”
This is a simple one, but it’s psychological gold. It turns them from gatekeeper to ally. Now they’re picturing your project as a success and mentally listing ways to make it happen.
They’re not evaluating you—they’re strategizing with you. That’s the difference between begging for a shot and getting them invested in the outcome.
8. “What’s something you think audiences aren’t seeing enough of right now?”
You’re showing that you’re not just a creator, but a cultural observer. You’re saying, “I get it—audiences are unpredictable, but I’m willing to go where they need me to go.”
Plus, if your project even remotely fills the gap they’re talking about, they’ll be more inclined to see it as timely and relevant.
9. “How would you see this evolving over multiple seasons (or sequels)?”
This isn’t just a question—it’s a subtle declaration of ambition. You’re not just there to make a one-off hit. You’re talking franchise potential and long-term audience loyalty.
When you’re pitching in a chaotic industry that’s terrified of risk, showing you’re already thinking long-term puts you in the rare category of creators who plan to stick around.
10. “What’s one thing that would make you say no to this project—regardless of how great the concept is?”
This question is a gut-check move. You’re giving them a chance to voice concerns upfront, and it shows you’re confident enough to address objections head-on.
If you can reassure them on the spot and eliminate that deal-breaker, you’re already ahead of the competition.
Why These Questions Make You a Game-Changer
Let’s get real—Hollywood is chaos. It’s a crumbling empire trying to look unbreakable. Execs are overwhelmed, and they’re grasping for the next big thing without knowing what that even is anymore.
When you walk into that room and hit them with questions that are bold, insightful, and strategic, you’re not just another creative hoping to get lucky. You’re the person who makes them think, “Wow, this one’s different.”
You’re not just selling a project—you’re selling certainty and vision in a business drowning in uncertainty.
Next time you’re in that room, don’t just cross your fingers. Take control. Be the game-changer they didn’t see coming. And when they’re left speechless, just smile like you knew it would happen all along.
Now go crush it. 🎬💥
Where was this post two weeks ago when I was going into a pitch meeting??
Great read though. I’ll save it for next time.
the top of this article alone gives me hope. I’m not just pitching a show, i’m pitching multimedia brand — one that has been underway for a decade. First as a blog, now a book, a one woman show in development, and a 5 minute pitch competition winner (at Yale!) for this whole vision. The TV show pitch is also in development, and I sort of see at the Apex of all of this. But I also have to honor that it’s only the beginning. I’ll pitch other movies and shows under this “faith based…sort of” umbrella and this will be brilliant. Long game and all that.
thanks for these reminders! Happy to see you on substack!