To sell me an idea. We start with the obligatory chat about the weather, traffic, sports or politics. The desired outcome is for me to love the story and want to buy it. But a big part of my job is to pass. I leap only once every six to eight weeks.
Writers never wear suits.
In fact, if you see a writer in a suit you should get worried immediately. Producers, I find, like sweaters. The agent is wearing a powersuit back in his office waiting for me to pass. The writer has the floor, but to show that I'm paying attention, I interrupt with questions during the pitch. I usually lay the groundwork by bringing up my concerns.