Can’t talk about your passion project without people’s eyes glazing over? Then Life’s a Pitch is for you!

Gary Jones, a Vancouver-based writer/actor/producer who’s successfully pitched ideas since the mid-’90s, will help you create a killer two-minute “elevator pitch.” Gary will work with you in this interactive and enlightening workshop to help you craft a pitch that everybody will believe is a great idea. In Life’s a Pitch, a two-hour intensive workshop, participants pitch their ideas, receive valuable feedback, and learn how to get in and out in two minutes to hear those magic words: “Tell me more!”

Location: Room C215, UBC Robson Square

Type: Workshop

Gary Jones

Vancouver-based, Gary Jones, is an award-winning, actor, playwright, improviser & producer. Since starting his career with the Toronto's fabled Second City Improv Theatre, he's gone on to appear in countless features, MOW's and TV episodics, most notably with his ten-year recurring role as Chief Master-Sergeant Walter Harriman on TV's iconic sci-fi smash, 'Stargate SG1.' In 1994, Gary and fellow improviser & collaborator, Shawn Macdonald, co-created, co-wrote and co-starred in 'World's Greatest Guy,' a one-act Vancouver Fringe Festival production that was picked up by The Arts Club Theatre, turned into a two-act and then went on to capture a Jessie Richardson Award for 'Best Play.' Gary's idea for comedic web series, 'Forgotten Masters' earned Gary a 2022 Leo Award for 'Best Actor in a Web Series.' In 2023, 'Forgotten Masters' shared a 2nd Leo for 'Best Web Series' with the collaborative team of Ken Lawson, John Murphy & Mark Halliday. After countless pitch sessions in a variety of genres, Gary was invited to join the faculty of the esteemed Vancouver Film School where, over the course of five years, Gary helped over 600 students hone their elusive '2-minute elevator pitch.' Upon leaving the school, Gary then created his own successful pitching workshop: 'Life's A Pitch.' In his fun & informative workshop, Gary finds ways to celebrate every single idea presented to him while at the same time reflecting the project back to the creator in a way that they might not have considered before. Whether it's a half-formed idea, a stubborn query letter or the first draft of a script, Gary will offer insights and advice from over thirty years of writing to help the author leave with a better understanding of their own project. Be prepared for two fun-filled hours packed with sharing & support, poking & prodding and creativity & connection. Be prepared to be challenged in the best way possible! Bring your A-Game and see you there!