BEFORE YOU SUBMIT AGAIN.
Your Project Is Ready. Is Your Deck?
Donation-based — a $35 value, pay what you can.
WITH THE RIGHT STRUCTURE...
YOUR DECK DOES THE WORK FOR YOU. EVEN WHEN YOU'RE NOT IN THE ROOM.
You can read about deck structure. You can hire a designer. But until you understand how both work together, you might miss what's missing.
WHY THIS EXISTS
I've spent years helping filmmakers package their projects and doing the same for my own. What I kept seeing was the gap between how strong the work actually was and how it was being presented. A deck that looks amateur doesn't always cost you the opportunity, but it never helps you.
And in rooms where everyone is competing for the same slot, how your project is presented is the first thing people see before they ever get to your story.
WHAT THIS WORKSHOP OFFERS
This is not a design class. This is a 90-minute working session on the structure, sequencing, and strategy behind a pitch deck that communicates your project at a professional standard. But we will speak about how design impacts your deck's quality.
UNDERSTAND HOW A PITCH DECK WORKS
A pitch deck is not a summary of your project. Every slide either earns the next one — or it doesn't. You'll leave knowing the difference.
CONTROL THE JOURNEY YOUR DECK TAKES A READER ON
The order of your slides determines how a reader moves through your project. You'll understand how to make that journey work in your favor.
HEAR FROM AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKERS
Hear directly from award-winning filmmakers about the specific changes they made to their decks and what opened up for their projects after.
SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN STRUCTURE MEETS DESIGN
A participant's cover page gets redesigned during the session and revealed at the end, so you can see the difference in real time.
IDENTIFY WHERE YOUR DECK MAY BE LOSING THE READER
You'll know what to look at first and where the gaps most commonly appear.
TWO GIVEAWAYS
Designed by Shay Smith
These are optional. If you prefer to just watch and learn, no action is needed.
The Live Cover Sprint One participant is randomly selected at the start of the workshop. Shay redesigns their cover page during the session — and reveals the final version at the end.
The 10-Page Makeover Award One participant is randomly selected at the close of the workshop to receive a full professional visual redesign of up to 10 slides of their existing pitch deck designed by Shay Smith.
BONUS FOR ALL ATTENDEES: Every registered participant receives 20% off Shay's design services. Valid for 14 days following the workshop.
Submission instructions will be included in your confirmation email. Submissions must be received by Tuesday, April 14th at 11:59 PM PST to be eligible for either drawing.
MEET YOUR HOST
I’m Yhá Mourhia Wright, an NAACP Image Award–nominated producer and filmmaker with 18 years of experience across film, digital, and live production.
I’m the founder of YháWright Productions and the creator of #LoveMyRoomie, which I independently distributed on Amazon Prime Video. My work as a producer includes the award-winning short film Chocolate with Sprinkles, which premiered at the American Black Film Festival and won the HBO Short Film Competition.
Beyond my own projects, I’ve worked across development, production, and education, including serving as Director of Education and Engagement for CBS Studios’ Pipeline Challenge and Programs Director for the Black TV & Film Collective, where I helped secure partnerships with Netflix, Aspire TV, and Urbanworld Film Festival.
I’ve spent nearly two decades in professional rooms building, pitching, and evaluating projects, and this workshop is based on what actually gets people to lean in, pay attention, and say yes.
Want the full story? CLICK HERE
MEET YOUR DESIGNER
Shay Smith is a Chicago-based brand and visual designer and the founder of Shay Smith Designs, with over 8 years of experience helping creatives and small businesses bring their ideas to life through bold, strategic design. With a passion for storytelling and a background in Visual Communication Design, Shay specializes in creating visuals that not only stand out but also communicate with clarity and purpose. She has worked with authors, filmmakers, and organizations to develop branding and marketing materials that connect and leave a lasting impression.
Curious about her work? CLICK HERE
SPECIAL GUEST
Okema T. Moore is an Emmy-nominated, PGA producer, award-winning director, writer and actress whose work spans scripted, stage, branded, and unscripted content. In 2025 her short Laundry won the ABFF Director’s Showcase, and Best Director four times over. Okema also produced the Oscar-qualified, ABFF HBO winning short, Chocolate with Sprinkles and STARZ’ GLAAD-nominated series Down in the Valley in 2024. As an actress she’s been on Amazon Prime’s Harlem, BET’s So Fly Christmas and is supporting in the upcoming theatrical release Higher Love, starring Dennis Hayesbert, Telma Hopkins and Joey Pantaliano.
A proud advocate for inclusion, Okema serves on the boards of NYWIFT, The Black TV & Film Collective, and the Apollo Theater’s Fire This Time Festival, championing underrepresented voices through powerful, emotionally resonant storytelling across platforms.
SPECIAL GUEST
Kevin Saunders is an accomplished actor, director, and producer whose work spans television, film, and independent productions. With more than a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, he has built a reputation for bringing authenticity, emotional depth, and versatility to every project he undertakes.
As an actor, Saunders has appeared in a range of high-profile television series, including Hysteria!, Cobra Kai, Atlanta, Twisted Metal, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
As the founder of Aristrolle’s Quest Productions, he develops and produces projects that highlight compelling narratives and amplify diverse voices. Several of his projects have earned festival recognition, underscoring both his creative vision and leadership.
Based in the thriving Georgia film market, Saunders remains deeply engaged in the Atlanta production community. Whether on set as an actor or guiding a project from development through post-production, he is driven by a passion for storytelling and a dedication to meaningful, impactful work.
SECURE YOUR SPOT
PAY WHAT YOU CAN
I'M READYALL SALES ARE FINAL
Due to the nature of this product, all sales are final after delivery. Email [email protected] if you need help before you purchase.
I felt very lost when I first contacted Yhá Mourhia and now I feel like I have the tools to carry out my vision. With her guidance I now have a better script, poster, proof of concept teaser in process, production schedule and access to investors. Thank you, Yhá Mourhia, for sharing your knowledge and expertise to help make my first feature film a success.
____ Alicia Nunn, Filmmaker
Yhá Mourhia was instrumental in ensuring that the first private screening for our short film Missing Rhythms was a success. Her ability to secure invaluable resources and work with a wide-range of budgets is truly a remarkable gift. What I love about Yhá Mourhia is not only can she think logistically, but she also knows how to work with creatives. She's careful to comb through every detail while also keeping in mind the big picture. While our screening event was on a modest budget, Yhá Mourhia and her team ensured that the event felt both extremely professional while still remaining down to earth.
____ Regina Hoyles, Award-Winning Filmmaker/Director, Missing Rhythms
It was a pleasure speaking with Yhá Mourhia. She was personable, honest, and very resourceful. In the short time we spoke she left me with resources and I felt inspired to try a different appraoch and I appreciated she took the time to review my background. I look forward to working with her more in the future and would recommend her to anyone who is looking to maximize their production.
____ GO GET HER PRODUCTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
How do I submit my deck for the drawings?
Is this a design class?
Do I need to have a pitch deck already?
Who is this for?
What does donation-based mean?
What is the "Deck Makeover" award?
