First Pitch History

Writers present their scripts at the 2005 event.

The inaugural First Pitch took place on the massive soundstages of the Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts in 2002 and was the brainchild of graduate student Kam Miller ’02 as a way to bring together the entertainment industry and her fellow writing students. Miller and her fellow students conducted market research on other pitch festivals, surveyed industry reps and together devised a format that hit all the crucial points.

The response was overwhelming. The event generated over 250 script requests and within two months one-third of the class had secured representation.

Student volunteers at First Pitch 2005

Building on that initial success, Christine DeMaio '03 took the lead the following year. That event was also a hit. Representation was obtained, contacts were made and 262 scripts were requested.

Under the direction of Jackie Pardue '04, USC First Pitch 2004 was a huge success. Over 500

Andrew Marlowe '92 was one of the hosts for First Pitch 2006.

scripts were requested from companies that included CAA, Dimension, Tollin/Robbins, ICM, WMA, UTA,
David Foster and Benderspink.

In 2005, when the event was hosted by 1999 graduates Josh Schwartz  and Jamie Vanderbilt, over 500 scripts were requested, with many students gaining representation, and leaving with industry contacts. Most recently, USC Alumni Andrew Marlowe '92 and Jeff Davis '00 were the hosts of the latest successful screenwriting affair.