For this edition of our Film Pitch ATL spotlight, we connected with Maiya Ceré, creator of Booked, to learn more about her experience pitching at the event. Her project—a 30-minute, mockumentary-style comedy following DJs, wedding planners, catering staff, and more through the wild world of Atlanta’s entertainment scene—is inspired by her own nightlife experiences as a Philly transplant.

She shared how the live pitch helped refine her story, what came out of the connections she made that night, and why she recommends the experience to any filmmaker with an idea worth sharing.

Name: Maiya Ceré
Instagram: @bookedtheshow
Production Company: www.spiritworldproductions.com

What project did you pitch at Film Pitch ATL, and what inspired it?
I pitched “Booked” at Film Pitch ATL and as a transplant from Philly, all my new (and sometimes bizarre) experiences in Atlanta night life inspired the show. I felt like someone really needed to be putting it on screen in a more substantial way because it was already such natural comedy.

What was the pitch experience like for you? (Was it nerve-wracking, exciting, energizing?) 
The pitch experience was fantastic! I’m not one to get nervous when public speaking and the vibe with the audience and panel was very welcoming and relaxed. Energizing is definitely a good word as far as how I felt getting applicable feedback from the panel.

How did feedback from panelists help you?
It was exactly what I needed. I tried to fit a million things into my pitch and they really helped me refine what was necessary and what others professionals would be looking for in a pitch. Their compliments and praise were genuine, which was encouraging and their criticism, constructive. I feel more prepared going into other pitch meetings now.

What’s happened with your project or career since the event?
I wind up networking with an audio company that I stayed in contact with and they wound up mixing the audio for the final project, which was much needed. Their prices were reasonable and since audio was an issue we ran into during production, they lifted a huge weight off my shoulders in this final stage of post-production. Shout out to Off-Ki Productions!

What are you working on now—and how/ where can people support or follow your work?
Right now I’m working on a short film called RIOT and you can see a sneak peek on my production company website: www.spiritworldproductions.com (go to SLATE). Otherwise, also check out my Youtube channels: @spiritworldprod and @bookedtheshow

Any advice for someone thinking about pitching at a future Film Pitch ATL? 
Don’t overthink it, but still come prepared. Definitely practice in front of someone you trust or at least the mirror so you can hear yourself, refine/ edit yourself as needed. Essential details only. Pitching is exciting, but you simply can’t cover ever little detail.

What’s one thing you learned or took away from the event?
The idea of pitching had been in my brain for a while. It’s one thing to know that you have a good idea and have something you’re proud of, but feedback is a necessary part of any project. Film is a group effort, not a one man show and the confirmation from the panelists and audience was an extra push in the right direction.

What would you tell someone who’s nervous about applying to pitch?
It felt great to share publicly! I’m genuinely proud of the work I’ve done and sharing is essentially the main idea. I wanted eyes on my project and that’s what I got. It was incredibly satisfying and I’d not only recommend it to other filmmakers, but would do it again myself given the opportunity.

Is there anything you’d love to see more of at Film Pitch ATL in the future?
Just do it! It’s 100% worth it. It’s a judgement free zone. The people you connect with and the feedback you receive may be the very thing that your project needs.