Q: Once someone has written a script, how should she pitch it to a studio?

A: “Your agent will set up the pitch for you. Then, be excited and enthusiastic about what you’re saying. Don’t try to stand out by being gimmicky, such as dressing in hockey gear to pitch a hockey movie. You’ll look like you have a weak idea that you don’t have faith in. Also, don’t criticize the work of others. The best pitches are confident and concise. After about 20 minutes no one listens. Be brief and then let them ask you questions.”

Q: Is screenwriting male-dominated?

A: “TV comedy writing is very male, but as long as you can deal with some raunchy jokes it isn’t hard to become part of the group. Getting jobs in the beginning isn’t easy for anyone, male or female, but once Jenni and I did, we produced more and more material to keep working and build credentials.”

Q: Sounds exhausting.

A: “I have a group of extremely talented writer friends who are so supportive. We read each other’s work, give notes and go to each other’s table reads. We aren’t especially competitive with each other except when I found out my good friend was writing the next Muppet movie script. Then I was insanely jealous.”

Q: Women are often vilified for being aggressive. Have you experienced this?

A: “Actually it helps to be aggressive, as long as it makes sense in the situation and is not just for the sake of being aggressive.”

Q: Any insider tips?

A: “One advantage women have in this business is that most of the people we pitch to are women. The highest positions, like studio heads and network presidents, are men, but development and creative executives are mostly women. So don’t be afraid to get girly and talk about Oprah. If you happen to love the shoes of the woman you’re pitching to, say so. It makes things less formal. Just don’t do it as a ploy. It will sound forced.”

Q: Do you recommend any sources for advice?

A: “I like the Syd Field screenwriting book [Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting] because it gives you the basics on how to write a formulaic Hollywood script. But it helps most just to read screenplays and see as many movies and TV shows as you can for inspiration.”

Q: Did you ever make any big blunders?

A: “Not necessarily a blunder, but I thought the strength of my writing was enough to get me work. I also needed a strong personality and the ability to be the person others want to do business with.”

Q: So is there really a writer’s room?

A: “Once a show is picked up for a series, staff writers are hired. Then yes, there is a writer’s room where episodes and ideas are generated. For better or for worse it’s like a giant, non-stop dinner party. I never dreamed my career would involve spending all day, every day at a dinner party.”

Ladies Who Launch is asking you … what do you think of Ali’s advice? Let everyone know in the Comments section below!

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