What Are General Meetings In Film and TV? A Guide for Writers

In the film and television industries, general meetings — often simply called “generals”—are a vital component of getting yourself known among people who can start or advance your screenwriting career. You’ve may been recommended and they have probably read and enjoyed your work.

Generals aren’t specifically pitch meetings. You’re not expected to come in with a fully developed script to sell, although soft pitches are often discussed when you’re asked about what you’re working on. Some generals can be more targeted if a showrunner or film director/ producer is looking for writers for a potential project in which you may be asked for “your take” on a project.

General meetings more are about connection, personality, and potential collaboration down the line. They’re the first step in a long-term working relationship with producers, executives, or representatives at studios, networks, and production companies. There are many competent screenwriters out there. Be the one that they always want to work with and establish long term professional relationships.

What to Expect in a General Meeting

A general meeting is typically a casual, introductory conversation—about you, your background, your voice as a writer, and the types of stories you want to tell. While they might feel informal, don’t mistake them for being unimportant. These meetings can plant seeds that grow into assignments, pitches, or representation deals.

A general usually lasts 30–45 minutes and can be held in person, over Zoom, or occasionally, on the phone. Some may last as little as 15-20 minutes if it’s clear that you’re the perfect writer for them and they want to contact their legal department immediately, or the opposite.

Some lunch or dinner generals can last for hours, especially if you’re discussing the relative merits of each movie from your favorite writer, actor, or director. These are generally reserved for known writers with whom they want to collaborate.

General meetings most commonly occur after:

• You’ve had a recent screenplay gain buzz
• You’ve got finance, distribution, or significant attachments
• You’ve signed with representation (agent or manager)
• You’ve been staffed on a show or had a film produced
• You’ve placed well in a major screenplay competition or fellowship

The meeting tone varies depending on the executive or producer, but think of it as a professional coffee chat: part get-to-know-you, part resume review, and part tone/ vision match assessment – much like dating.

There is a subtle etiquette in these meetings. Be careful not to become too comfortable, especially if they do.

Who’s Present?

In most general meetings, you’ll meet with one or two people. Depending on the context, it could be:

• Development executives (rarely your representatives)
• Producers looking for writers to attach to greenlit projects
• Creative executives who staff writers for TV shows
• Agents or managers (if it’s more of an introductory meeting)
• Showrunners (rarely in generals—usually for more targeted meetings)
• Sometimes an assistant or coordinator may join and take notes, especially in higher-level meetings.

Don’t be surprised if someone else (often an intern) is quietly present and taking copious notes—everyone in the room is observing and evaluating whether you’re someone they want to work with.

What To Wear

Smart casual is the best rule of thumb. This is not an interview for a corporate role. But don’t dress too casually either. Avoid loud print t-shirts, gaudy jewellery, ripped jeans (no matter how much you paid for them) or dirty sneakers. Watch your personal hygiene and overall appearance too.

Your task is making a memorable general meeting impression. You want to be remembered for the right reasons, not the grit beneath your fingernails or that cologne that smells like napalm.

How to Prepare for a General Meeting as a Writer

While generals are not pitch meetings per se, preparation is essential. You want to be confident, specific, and compelling without coming off as overly-rehearsed or agenda-driven. It’s a meaning of the minds in serach of a shared vision. They want to feel confident that you can deliver and can bring something personal to the table that elevates their vision.

1. Know Your Personal Narrative

You’ll almost certainly be asked: “Tell me about yourself.” Prepare a 1–2 minute version of your personal story. This should include:

• Where you’re from (if it’s relevant or distinctive)
• How you got into writing
• Your creative influences
• Your experience in the industry
• What types of stories you love to tell
• Recent projects and successes
• Unique life experiences. If you served in the military or worked as a corporate litigator, you may be considered for an advisory role.

Think of this as your personal logline. You want to be memorable and authentic. Share your writer’s voice in moderation. For instance, if you’re pitching yourself as a comedy writer, crack the odd joke. If you’re pitching yourself as a legal procedural writer, perhaps decline to answer a question on the advice of your legal counsel or plead the fifth.

2. Review Their Company

Research the company or person you’re meeting with. You should know:

• Recent projects they’ve produced and why they appeal to you
• The kinds of content they focus on (genre, tone, platform, audience)
• What direction they want to go
• Any public interviews or mission statements

This allows you to tailor your conversation and express genuine compatibility. A track record in one area may not necessarily mean they want you to work in that. They may want to expland into games or short form formats.

3. Know Your Work Inside Out

Be ready to talk about your recent scripts, especially if one was the reason you got the meeting. Know how to concisely describe:

• The premise (logline)
• The genre, tone and comps
• Why you wrote it and how your personal story connects to your work
• What kind of project it would be (TV vs film, streamer vs network)
• What kind of audience it would appeal to

Even if they haven’t read the script, this is your chance to pique their interest. They may ask you to briefly pitch multiple seasons or casting/ directorial suggestions to get a better grasp of your creative vision.

4. Have 2–3 New Ideas in Mind

You might be asked: “What are you working on now?” or “What else are you thinking about?” Have a few short pitches prepared.

Not a full-blown pitch deck—just 2–3 sentences per idea that show range and vision. Ideally, something that is more advanced than the conceptual stage. If they ask for “ink” have something that you can turnaround in 24-hours like a treatment or extended synopsis.

What Kind of Questions Should You Ask?

A general meeting is a two-way street. Asking thoughtful questions shows curiosity and professionalism. Consider asking:

• What kinds of stories or writers are you looking to work with right now?
• Is there a particular tone or genre your company wants to explore?
• Are there any recent projects you’ve developed that you’re especially proud of?
• Are there recent projects you wish you were (or want to) to be part of?
• What’s the typical development process like?
• How do you usually work with writers at the early stages of a project?

These questions do a few things:

• They show that you’re serious about collaboration and your career.
• They give you insight into whether this is someone you want to work with.
• They help reveal opportunities you might not have thought of.

Also, don’t hesitate to ask about the executive’s or producer’s background. People love to talk about themselves—and it builds rapport.

What Not to Do

• Don’t pitch aggressively. It’s fine to mention ideas, but this isn’t a signing ceremony.
• Don’t constantly check your phone.
• Don’t talk endlessly. Let them lead the conversation.
• Let the conversation breathe. Ask questions.
• Don’t fake it. If you don’t know one of their projects, don’t pretend—ask them about it.
• Don’t speak negatively about previous collaborators, even if you had a bad experience.
• Don’t talk yourself out of a yes. Know when a meeting is over.

How to Follow Up

Follow-up is simple, but powerful.

• Send a simple ‘Thank You’ email. Do this within 24 hours. It should be short, warm, and personalized thanking them for the opportunity to meet and the welcome the potential for future collaboration.
• Stay on Their Radar. If you discussed sending material (a script, a sample, a deck), make sure to send it promptly with a short, clear cover note. Later, when you have a new project or win (placement in a competition, staffing gig, option etc.), feel free to send a brief update. Keep it professional—don’t harass.

Final Thoughts

General meetings are as much about personality and collaboration potential as they are about resume or craft. Executives and producers are looking for people they can trust, enjoy working with, and confidently bring into a room. A brilliant writer who is socially awkward can’t easily flourish.

Think of generals as long-game meetings. Even if nothing happens immediately, your name may come up when an opportunity arises. If you consistently show up prepared, curious, and authentic. These meetings can be the start of a thriving career.

It could start with further invitations to meet people, attend exclusivce events, or embark on a “water bottle” tour.

In this industry, relationships are major currency—and generals are how you start building your brand and your bank.

Have you written a film or TV script? It’s always best to get objective feedback to make sure you put your best foot (and script) forward.

by Staff Writer

From our in-house editorial team.