movie pitch assignment

How to Write an AWESOME Movie Pitch or TV Pitch: The 10 KEY Steps

A movie pitch is one of the most important pieces of writing a screenwriter has to master in order to sell a screenplay and build a successful career. It can also be one of the hardest to get right. Don’t let its size fool you. Even if a movie pitch (or TV pitch) is only one page long it can be the key to selling your idea to an executive, producer or screenplay reader .

But often, condensing all their ideas into one page can leave writers tearing their hair out. So what are the key ways into writing a successful movie pitch? We take a look at the 10 important steps to writing a movie pitch, with some significant steps for TV pitches too. Plus we’ll provide some pitch examples to show how it’s done.

Table of Contents

What is a movie pitch, the importance of the pitch, the 10 key steps to a movie pitch, 1. a captivating logline, 2. make the key moments stand out, 3. keep your synopsis short, 4. make your characters stand out and create a familiarity, 5. explain your personal connection, 6. make the themes clear, 7. make the genre and tone clear, 8. make comparable references but mean them, 9. think about who is on the other end of the pitch, 10. leave the reader wanting more, and for writing a tv pitch…, 11. make clear what the engine of your series will be, 12. demonstrate how the characters can and will carry the series, 13. convey the depth of the story world, 14. what will drive potential future series, movie pitch and tv pitch examples.

So what exactly is a movie pitch? Well, it’s typically a document that seeks to sell your idea, either before or after you’ve written the actual screenplay, to an executive, producer, company or studio. This kind of written pitch is also known as a ‘one pager’.

It’s essentially a summary of:

• Your controlling idea , its plot and themes
• The main characters
• Your intention for the project
• The creative and market vision for the project, including its genre and potential audience.

The movie pitch can take a number of different forms. It might be a short and sweet pitch in no more than a few sentences. Or it might be a verbal pitch, taking the form of a long interview with an executive for example. The elevator pitch meanwhile is designed for the screenwriter to get across their idea in the briefest of windows.

We’ll primarily be focusing on the kind of movie or TV pitch that takes the form of a ‘one pager’. This is primarily how many writers will be asked to format and send out their pitches, so we think it’s the most useful. However, the below tips are also equally applicable to other forms of pitches, albeit with adjustments made for context, delivery and length.

Once you’ve read our tips, you can prepare your movie pitch and submit this 1-pager to Industrial Scripts’ The TITAN Awards , one of the world’s leading screenwriting contests.

So why is the movie pitch or TV pitch so important in the arsenal of skills that a screenwriter must have? Well, the pitch is an opportunity for your movie idea or TV show idea to shine through. It’s an essential introduction to you, your writing, your story idea and how you wish to practice and express your craft.

And this is why it’s a document that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Don’t just jot down the essentials of your idea into a word document and think that this is enough. No, a pitch must be a carefully constructed piece of writing.

Moreover, producers, executives or screenplay readers will read hundreds of pitches (sometimes in a very short amount of time). So it’s vital that your pitch is articulate, deliberate and effective. Otherwise, no matter how strong the core of the idea, your pitch won’t leap out, it will be left behind.

Your movie pitch/ TV pitch must grab the reader’s attention and leave them in no uncertain terms as to the next steps that need to be made. It needs to be the beginning of a conversation but disguised in the confidence of a statement. In this, it can be a vital step for a screenwriter to make, whether they’re pitching to producers, a production company, a studio or an agent .

A pitch is the first impression and we all know how important a first impression can be. Whilst in real life first impressions can be wrong and quick, in the film and TV industry, there is rarely the time to do anything else than make a crucial first impression of your idea.

So let’s look at the 10 key steps to a great movie pitch. Whilst this is largely intended to for writing a pitch document, its sentiments can be similarly applied to an elevator pitch , 20 minute pitch, pitch meeting or any similar presentation of your TV or film idea.

We’ll delve into the key points for a great movie pitch first, then highlighting some extras that apply particularly and specifically to a TV pitch.

First and foremost, you’ll need to nail your logline. This is the front and centre way in which you convey your movie idea. It will need to be pithy, capture the main narrative engine of your story, demonstrate the protagonist and lure the reader in.

It’s important to note that this isn’t a tagline. It’s not an advertisement, it’s an introduction. It may be brief but it can pack a punch and acts as the headline grabber of your movie pitch.

For more detail on how to craft the perfect logline, check out our loglines guide .

As you move away from your logline and into your synopsis , you’ll need to give a sense of what the big cinematic moments will be throughout. Think of this like a trailer, which is a compilation and condensing of the story.

As you begin to describe your plot, don’t get lost in the mechanics of the story too much. Keep as much space as you can for the key elements and the key moments that will make your film stand out. These will include:

• Main characters
• Setting and context
• The protagonist’s journey and the changes they undergo
• Where the story starts and where it might go to and end up
• The film’s key conflicts

Moreover, what are the big set-pieces, story beats and story hooks? These are the elements of your idea that are going to need to stand out to the reader. Lean on imagery and create a picture in the reader’s mind. This is a sure way to light their own imagination and get them excited about your movie idea.

Whilst you’re focusing on only conveying the essential, important parts of your story and creating a comprehensive overview of the plot, remember to keep it as brief as you can. This will typically be only a one page document after all.

But conceptually as well you don’t want to bog the reader down in the plot’s every little detail. Make conveying the key story beats your priority. And if this is something you find difficult then this is one of the benefits of writing a movie pitch. It will force you to boil your story down to its core elements, allowing you to see what is most important.

Whilst you shouldn’t lose sight of the details either, as these will make up the script eventually, calcifying what’s most important to your script in terms of getting across the story is vital.

Your pitch is where you’re introducing the producers, executives or screenplay readers to your characters. And in doing so, you want to create a familiarity with them as quickly as possible. Make it so that your characters already feel familiar to the reader midway through the synopsis .

This reflects the way that the audience will experience the film itself. You want to engage the reader in the protagonist ‘s character arc as quickly as you can, within the outline of the first act. Then you want to set up as many effective supporting characters as you can too, in addition to the antagonist .

One shortcut to familiarity is to make it clear, whilst still staying succinct, what makes your characters stand out.

• If each character has a sentence or adjective that you can ascribe to, what would it be?
• Remember that the reader is going to be taking in a lot of information in a short amount of time.
• And so shortcuts are a great way to make sure they maintain engagement across the pitch.

This is also achieved by setting out a clear structure to the character arc, visible within the pitch. Demonstrate where your character starts, where they go and where they end up.

Where did your movie idea come from? Give a little bit of background to why you want to tell this story.

• Is there anything that connects your story to that of your movie idea?
• Is there anything that gives you specific insight into the themes, characters or narrative?
• Why are you drawn to tell the story in the specific way you have outlined?
• What are your interests as a writer in general?

However, there is no need to go into too much detail or get too personal. In the end, this pitch isn’t about you, it’s about your story. Whilst it is conveying you as a writer, you want your film idea to mostly do this for you. Hide within the pitch, rather than being quite so explicit and overt about presenting yourself.

As well as demonstrating your plot and key characters, you must give a tangible sense of what your script is actually about at its core.

• What are the themes that audiences will take away from this film?
• What is this film about and what in this idea distinguishes it from other films?

You need to do this in as efficient a way as possible. If someone were to ask you what the film is about, what would you say?

This is where the discipline of constructing an elevator pitch comes in handy. There needs to be a top-line summary of what your script is about, away from the plot, away from the characters, away from the genre or stylistic flourishes.

Try and move away from the comfort of writing elegant and lengthy sentences describing your thematic aspirations. Instead, imagine yourself in a pitch meeting. Get to the meat of what you are seeking to say with your film in an as simple and easily digestible a way as possible. Be practical and make the reader immediately comprehend why and how your film is saying something distinctive.

You’ve established the what and why of your film idea. Now you need to establish the how. This is essential to understanding the feel of your movie as well as its potential marketability.

How is your film going to come across? What is the genre lens through which you wish to tell your story? And moreover, why is this your chosen lens?

Genre is essential to understanding how your film will fit in within the industry landscape. It gives an idea of the potential audience as well as potential production practicalities. This might be essential for producers reading your pitch, for example, helping them understand where they could potentially market your film and how to get the best out of its potential.

It’s crucial to convey tone too, as this is the way in which your film will be received.

• And you needn’t do this by explicitly stating what the tone and genre are within the movie pitch itself.
• Although a sentence highlighting the style you intend for your story is always helpful and clarifying.
• But moreover, you should interrogate as much as possible how you can convey these elements within the synopsis itself.
• What about the way your story is told intrinsically reveals the tone and genre? For example, is it fulfilling certain expected genre expectations?

You need to see your synopsis through this lens. And doing so will further strengthen your concept and its execution.

References to other movies/ TV shows can be very helpful in picturing your movie. But they have to be more than just hollow or stylistic references. They have to actually reveal something about your story and how you want it to be seen.

Saying that your film is X meets Y or like a combination of X and Y, can be a great way of summarising the inherent appeal and potential of your project. However, don’t do this only to make your film sound sexy and exciting, combining two great films to make another potential great film. Two plus two does not equal four in this case.

The best time to make references, particularly if combining them together, is to show how your movie idea is filling a gap. Here, you demonstrate that there is a precedent for the kind of film you’re seeking to tell but that there is nothing exactly quite like it. It’s only in the combination of other examples that you can express the idiosyncrasy of your movie idea.

Who is reading your pitch? Whoever it is is likely to be busy and reading many other pitches that day or week. So with this in mind, you need to try as hard as you can to create objectivity and clearly and succinctly convey your ideas to the intended audience without getting too bogged down in expressing every angle of your vision.

This is another time when it can be helpful to envision yourself in a pitch meeting with a specific audience or individual. It’s not particularly helpful to see a blank void at the other end of your movie pitch. Instead, think about how your pitch will be received.

Try and put yourself in the shoes of the person reading your document. This will only leave you wanting to make the pitch easy to read and understand as well as making it as exciting as you can.

Don’t tailor your pitch or try and second guess what the reader will want. But by balancing efficiency and effectiveness with distinction and idiosyncrasy you will make your pitch easy and engaging to read, creating a strong impression overall.

The purpose of a movie pitch above everything else is to leave the reader wanting to read the screenplay you have just pitched, whether you’ve already written it or not. And part of doing this is leaving them wanting more.

You want to leave the reader with a sense of unfinished business. Prepare them for a rich and engaging story and leave them with the sense that they haven’t quite gotten the full bite out of this meal that they potentially could.

However, be careful not to mistake being elusive and tantalising with vague. You must convey your story clearly and distinctly, giving a strong picture of how your film will look, feel and what exactly it will consist of for the duration of its runtime.

Some key ways to achieve this balance of leaving them wanting more and not being too elusive is to ask questions. Again, you want to do this confidently and not give the impression you don’t know the answers to these questions and that you need help.

But by asking questions, you ignite the search for an answer in the reader. A search that can only be answered by the execution, realisation and delivery of your screenplay.

Ready to submit your movie pitch? Submit your 1-pager to Industrial Scripts’ The TITAN Screenwriting Contest .

Many of the same rules apply to writing a TV pitch as they do a movie pitch. However, there are some key differences and important elements to consider.

Differing from movies, TV series need a justification for their form. They need a solid reason for unfolding over a longer period of time, something inherent in the concept. And you need to make what this is clear in your pitch.

• What is the question at the heart of your series which will never quite be answered (until the conclusion) and consequently drive the series?
• What is the push and pull of the series, the thing that the characters want and will continually struggle to get?

The reader needs to get a sense of what will make this series run and run. Even if it’s a limited series pitch, the idea needs to feel that it has depth and scope. How much potential is there in the story world? And what will this story world center around throughout the series?

A TV series needs to have a drive, something to continually push it forward. This is the engine, the dramatic question at the heart of the concept. For example…

• In Breaking Bad , Walter White’s unquenchable quest for power (initially masquerading as a quest for money) drives the series.
• In Succession , the Roy children continually seek their father’s approval, in one way or another. It’s something they’ll never get, such is Logan Roy’s character and so, therefore, the series could potentially go on forever.

Similarly, in your TV pitch, you need to demonstrate how the characters can and will carry the series. Show that your characters have a depth and three-dimensionality that only a series can explore. There must be visible layers to potentially unwrap.

• What are the characters’ motivations, aims, flaws?
• And is the quest to potentially resolve these enough to carry a series?
• How will the character arc develop and change throughout the series? Is there potential for a mighty rise and fall?
• Is there reward in seeing how the character deals with peaks and troughs? How strong or weak is the character?

This primarily applies to the protagonist . But it can be stretched out to the supporting characters too, particularly in relation to their dynamic with the protagonist .

For example, in The Sopranos , it’s clear from the outset that the dynamic between the different family members in relation to Tony has a lot of potential to explore.

• Carmella is the mob boss wife struggling to deal with her relation to Tony’s work, as well as struggling with Tony’s explosive personality, infidelities and lifestyle.
• Meadow, Tony’s daughter, is both the apple of Tony’s eye but also doesn’t shy away from questioning the truth of his work.
• Anthony, Tony’s son, irks Tony both in the way that he seems to mirror his younger self but in the way he is errant and unfocused.

These dynamics reach peaks and troughs throughout the series. But they’re always there rumbling on in the background as supporting narratives. And they of course compliment the primary series character arc, focused around Tony’s never-ending struggle for mental contentment and his attempt to control the crime family he’s in charge of.

Whilst the setting and story world is important in movies, it’s much more crucial to a TV series concept. It’s another element of the idea that will convey how much depth and reach the series could have.

• How much is there for a potential series to mine in the world?
• How three-dimensional and fleshed out is the world?
• And is this enough to drive many series, or enough to stand at the forefront of a limited series?

For example, in a limited series (also known as mini-series), the context and story world might be so rich that it serves as one of the series’ main themes. And you’ll notice that a lot of limited series are based on true stories for this reason.

• Take Band of Brothers , The People v. O.J. Simpson or John Adams for example.
• These are all series that take have the historical context at the forefront of the series’ themes. They have to, such is the weight of this context.
• So in your TV pitch, make this clear. Justify and argue for why your context is important and what it has to say about universal, timeless themes.

For continuing series, take Game of Thrones as the perfect example…

• The richness and scope of the story world is such that not only was there enough for eight seasons, with a very large ensemble of characters, but there is enough for spinoffs, fan theories and endless lore based around just the world.

So in your TV pitch, no matter how large the scope of your story world, lean into its richness as much as possible. Demonstrate why it is unique and distinctive and give a hint of how much there is to explore.

You don’t have to go into great detail at this point or in a short pitch, but you need to convey the ability of your story to carry future series. This is a key part of how to sell your series to those within the industry – conveying how much there is a vision for the series beyond its first.

It goes without saying that industry investment in your idea is more likely if you demonstrate there will be a greater return on their investment. And multiple series is what a lot of studios, production companies or producers will be looking for as there are longer term gains to be had.

Don’t do this section by halves, however, no matter how brief it may be. You might only be writing a sentence or two about the potential for series 2 or 3. But it’s important to do the work outside these two sentences, making sure there is a weight there to be filtered through.

• You don’t want to give some vague sense of how the series could develop, based around some hazy idea of the plot line.
• Instead, you want to succinctly sum up how the series’ main tenets will develop from series to series.

How will the stakes escalate? How will the protagonist ‘s journey intensify?

Break down your series development into concrete steps and show why you will need more than one series to truly, fully explore the depth of your characters, world and themes.

So what does a movie pitch and TV pitch look like? Well, there’s no need to be strictly prescriptive here. But your pitch should be broadly made up of the following simple steps.

Movie Pitch Example

Then if you have the space…

Themes/Writer’s Statement:

The themes/writer’s statement section will be where you might include how you came to write this idea, why you want to tell it, your aspirations for the project and a little about its intended tone, style and audience. If you’ve managed to keep your synopsis short enough, you’ll have this luxury.

TV Pitch Example

The TV pitch will follow much the same formula, with a few differences.

Series Outline /Future Series:

In the series outline /future series section, you will outline the overall vision for the series and how it might develop after the first season. This is where you might highlight the series engine and the themes or intention of the series overall. Again, this is a luxury that you can afford yourself by achieving a succinct synopsis .

Ready to submit your film or TV pitch? Enter The TITAN Awards now!

A movie pitch is a document that seeks to sell your idea, either before or after you’ve written the actual screenplay, to an executive, producer, company or studio. This kind of written pitch is also known as a ‘one pager’.

1. Create a captivating logline 2. Make the key moments stand out within the synopsis 3. Keep the synopsis short and succinct 4. Make your characters stand out and create a familiarity with them 5. Explain your personal connection to the idea or material 6. Make the themes clear 7. Make the genre and tone clear 8. Make comparable references but only if they really demonstrate your idea’s distinction 9. Think about the person on the other end of the pitch 10. Leave the reader wanting more

A movie pitch and a TV pitch share a lot of the same structure and need to include the same elements. However, there are a few extra elements that a TV pitch needs to include: 1. You need to give a sense of what the series engine will be – what will carry the plot over multiple episodes or seasons? 2. Convey the depth and reach of the story world. 3. Demonstrate how the characters and their complexity can and will carry the story engagingly through a whole or multiple seasons.

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3 Successful Elevator Pitches Examples for Movies

• Written By Lindsay Tigar
• Updated: August 13, 2024

It’s the dream of many creatives and authors: seeing their big idea and characters take to the biggest screen of all in Hollywood. What may be surprising for many scriptwriters is where movies begin: with an elevator pitch!

Unlike the spiel you give when job searching that’s based on facts and figures, a movie elevator pitch is more about eliciting emotion. After all, the reason people tune in to their beloved comedies, romances, and thrillers is to escape, challenge themselves, or process feelings. Capturing a potential producer’s attention is the same. And remember, an elevator pitch for a movie is different than pitching a TV show .

If you’re worried, don’t be! This guide will give you a simple and straightforward template so you can walk into your next pitch meeting with absolute confidence.

The Movie Elevator Pitch

There are various versions of a movie pitch, including the 20-minute pitch and writing a movie bible (that’s another conversation).  For our purposes, we’re going to focus on the most basic form that gets you through the door.

Whether you’re writing an email or speaking face-to-face, keep your elevator pitch for a movie between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. The goal, of course, is for the listener to be intrigued enough to receive your screenplay and set up a follow-up meeting.

That’s why you must include these details:

• Who you are . This should include how you came up with the idea and give context to why it’s an important story to tell.
• The genre . Your introduction should tease this information but your next line should confirm it.
• The plot line . And by this, we mean a brief summary, not a deep dive. You should introduce characters and talk about the rise and the fall without giving away too much detail.
• Existing movie examples . While your masterpiece will, of course, be different, providing existing examples of successful films can quickly illustrate your vision.
• A closing that serves as a call to action . Is it a meeting? Sending over the manuscript? A cliffhanger? You choose, but make it clear.

And if you want to upgrade your pitch skills even further, check out our guides on how to write pitches that win prospects and also grow your business .

3 Movie Elevator Pitch Examples

If you’re curious about the pitches that made cinema magic — and even won awards — read on for examples:

1. ‘A Quiet Place’:

“Imagine a world where dangerous creatures have killed most of the human race, leaving just a small percentage of the population left in hiding, struggling to survive — only these survivors can’t make a single sound because the quietest noise instantly attracts the creatures. My script is called ‘A Quiet Place’ and tells the story about a post-apocalyptic world where a family is forced to live in silence while hiding from monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing. It all builds to the final moment of the wife having to give birth while her family has left her alone. And she has to do it in silence to avoid triggering the creature’s sensitive hearing. And the father has to sacrifice his own life to save his children by drawing the creatures away from them with a scream! It’s ‘War of the Worlds’ meets ‘Hush.’”

Why it works : It’s easy to imagine this new dystopian world, even though it’s only a short paragraph. Because it leaves the listener wanting to learn more while also being super-clear, it’s a successful approach .

2. ‘The Man From Earth’:

“Imagine a group of college professors that gather to say goodbye to a colleague, only to listen to his claims of being an immortal man. My screenplay is called The Man From Earth, and tells the story of an impromptu goodbye party for Professor John Oldman that becomes a mysterious interrogation after the retiring scholar reveals to his colleagues that he has a longer and stranger past than they can imagine — he has been walking the earth for 14,000 years. It’s ‘12 Angry Men’ meets ‘The Twilight Zone.’”

Why it works : There’s intrigue, there’s humor and there’s human interest. Most people have been to school, right? And had a professor they loved? Being able to visualize the story makes this one enticing.

“Imagine a tourist island that is ravaged by an unstoppable great white shark that nobody can catch. My book is called ‘Jaws’ and tells the story of a killer shark that unleashes chaos on an island resort — and it’s up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down before it kills again. It all builds to the final moment of the police chief — remember that he’s afraid of water — alone on the end of a sinking boat in the middle of the ocean with a rifle pointed at this gigantic and menacing great white shark that is swimming towards him with a barrel of compressed air stuck in its jaws. Smile you son of a b—h. Boom! It’s slasher flick meets ‘Moby Dick.’”

Why it works : Considering ‘Moby Dick’ is essential reading in most school systems, an exciting version of the long, long book is a fun twist. And, with a thrilling, fast plotline with a killer shark, this feels like a blockbuster already.

Ready to Pitch?

Now that you’re awesome at movie elevator pitches, it might be time to expand. If you’re looking to get a leg up on your career, joining our Talent Network might be the next best step. Check it out, and if you feel like it’s right for you, we’ll get you working with top brands that match your skills and expertise.

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Film Pitch Deck Examples & Templates That Stand Out

Learn how to create a pitch deck for movies or TV series. See examples and get templates that sell your screenplay to publishers, investors, and producers.

9 minute read

helped business professionals at:

Short answer

What is a film pitch deck?

A film pitch deck is a concise, visually engaging presentation used by filmmakers to showcase their movie concept. It highlights key elements like storyline, characters, and visual style, aiming to persuade investors or studios to back the project.

Without a solid film pitch deck, your project will never come to life

In the high-stakes world of film, a weak pitch deck is like a leak in a ship – it can sink your project before it even sets sail.

Imagine your groundbreaking movie idea getting lost in a sea of pitches because it lacked that compelling presentation. This isn't just disappointing; it's a missed opportunity in an industry where first impressions are everything.

But crafting a movie pitch deck that resonates deeply with producers, publishers, and investors is a fine art.

This post will equipping you with the tools to win. I’m here to help you craft a compelling screenwriting pitch deck that no producer could say no to.

Let’s get started!

What makes a successful film pitch deck?

A successful film pitch deck captivates with a clear storyline, compelling visuals, and a unique selling point. It should weave the film's vision, target audience, and potential market appeal, to persuade investors and producers of its commercial potential.

What does a film pitch deck include?

Crafting a movie pitch deck is an art form, blending storytelling with marketing to captivate potential backers. It's not just about listing elements; it's about weaving a narrative that showcases your film's potential.

10 critical film pitch deck slides:

Title slide: This is your first impression. Feature your film's name and logo prominently, setting the stage for what follows.

Synopsis: Your story's heart. Offer a concise, compelling summary of your film's plot, capturing its essence in a few gripping sentences.

Moodboard: Visual storytelling at its finest. Use images or collages to convey the film's tone and aesthetic, giving a taste of the visual experience.

Main characters: The soul of your film. Provide detailed descriptions and visuals of key characters, making them memorable and relatable.

Setting/Location: More than a backdrop. Showcase visuals and descriptions of main settings, highlighting how they contribute to the story's mood and narrative.

Key scenes: Your script's highlights. Present pivotal moments or sequences that are crucial to the story, demonstrating the emotional or dramatic peaks.

Target audience: Know your viewers. Clearly define who the film is for and its appeal, backing it up with market analysis to show its potential reach and impact.

Budget breakdown: Transparency builds trust. Offer a clear overview of estimated costs, showing you've thoughtfully considered the financial aspect of bringing your vision to life.

Market analysis: Show your business acumen. Include data on potential audience size, competitors, and distribution opportunities, proving your film's market viability.

Team overview: The driving force. Introduce key members behind the film, highlighting their roles, experience, and contributions to the project's credibility and potential success.

Each element of your pitch deck should tell a part of your film's story, from the creative vision to the practicalities of production and marketing.

Remember, a successful pitch deck for movies is more than a collection of slides; it's a compelling narrative that brings your film to life for potential investors and collaborators. To have an easier time, perhaps consider a screenwriting software to write a screenplay before working on your film pitch deck.

Film pitch deck examples that stand out

Let's explore some standout movie pitch deck examples. Whether you're a budding filmmaker or a seasoned director, these examples will provide invaluable insights into what makes a screenplay pitch deck effective.

Similarly to a startup pitch deck , a film pitch deck rises above the noise through a strong story. But unlike a startup deck, a film deck relies heavily on visualizing the story to claw its way to the top of the pile.

You can also use each of these examples as a template to create your own movie pitch deck.

Film production proposal

This example offers a comprehensive layout for presenting film production projects, with sections for character descriptions, location details, and a comprehensive marketing and distribution plan, making it ideal for presenting a well-rounded film proposal.

What makes this film pitch deck great:

The template features segmented content in tabs for easy navigation and organization of film project details.

An expandable 'Read more' section allows for detailed storytelling without overwhelming the initial presentation.

The timeline slide visually tracks character evolution and project milestones, enhancing narrative clarity.

Film investment proposal

Designed for pitching film investments, this example includes an executive summary, financial projections, and a marketing strategy section, making it perfect for presenting a compelling case to potential investors.

A narrated slide for the moodboard creates an immersive storytelling experience, setting the tone of the film.

Multiple image placeholders enable personalized visual storytelling tailored to the film's theme.

A video on the cover slide immediately engages viewers with a cinematic preview of the film concept.

Documentary proposal

Tailored for documentary pitches, this example features a strong narrative structure, character exploration sections, and conservation themes, ideal for presenting impactful and emotionally resonant documentary concepts.

The cover includes the average reading time , setting expectations and respecting the viewer's time.

The ability to embed videos directly into the deck allows for a rich, multimedia presentation of the documentary concept.

A smart CTA at the end effectively prompts viewers to take action, enhancing engagement and response.

Film pitch deck

A versatile pitch deck example for films, offering a narrative-focused layout with character breakdowns, thematic explorations, and directorial vision, suitable for a wide range of film genres.

The layout is clean with ample white space , ensuring a focus on content without visual clutter.

Character and plot elements are presented in a visually engaging manner, enhancing the narrative appeal.

The design incorporates a balance of text and visuals , making the pitch both informative and visually appealing.

Movie pitch deck

This example is designed for movie pitches, featuring detailed sections for plot development, character arcs, and a comprehensive marketing and distribution plan, perfect for presenting a complete movie concept.

A scroll-based design offers an interactive and modern way to explore the movie concept.

The built-in analytics panel provides insights into viewer engagement and interactions with the deck.

The design facilitates a smooth narrative flow , keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.

TV series pitch deck

Ideal for pitching TV series concepts, this example includes sections for episode breakdowns, character development, and thematic elements, along with a marketing strategy, tailored for both comedy and drama genres.

Dynamic variables can be added to personalize the deck for each reader, creating a unique experience.

The design is mobile-responsive , ensuring accessibility and a seamless experience across devices.

The template includes interactive elements that enhance viewer engagement and understanding of the TV series concept.

TV series pitch deck for Wednesday

A specialized example for TV series pitches, focusing on character development, setting, and mood, with additional sections for marketing and audience engagement, appealing to fans of gothic and dark humor.

Branded elements throughout the deck ensure a consistent and professional presentation of the TV series.

Grayed-out content for competitors focuses attention on the main content while providing context.

Easy to use, intuitive editor makes it easy to replace the image and text placeholders with your own content.

How to create a film pitch deck?

Embarking on the journey of creating a film pitch deck is much like directing a movie itself. It requires a blend of creativity, strategic storytelling, and a keen understanding of your audience.

This guide is designed to walk you through the process step by step, helping you craft a movie pitch deck that not only showcases your unique vision but also resonates deeply with those who have the power to turn your cinematic dreams into reality.

Here's how to create your deck:

1) Dive deep into your project

Before anything else, immerse yourself completely in your project. Understand every nuance of your story, from the overarching themes to the minute details of your characters and settings.

This depth of knowledge will lend authenticity and richness to your pitch, making it more compelling.

2) Conduct thorough research

Begin with extensive research. Look into similar films or shows, market trends, and audience preferences. This step is crucial not just for understanding your competition but also for identifying gaps your project can fill, and trends it can capitalize on.

3) Craft a compelling logline

Your logline is the heart of your pitch. It should be a concise and catchy sentence that sums up the essence of your story. Think of it as the hook that will grab your audience's attention.

For example, for a thriller, your logline might be, "A retired detective is drawn back into the game when a serial killer he once chased resurfaces, leaving clues only he can decipher."

4) Create a narrative flow

Your pitch deck should narratively unfold like your film would. Start by setting the scene, introduce the main characters, outline the conflict, and give a sense of the journey and resolution.

This flow helps your audience visualize the film and connect with its story.

A useful strategy is to draw inspiration from existing movies. For example, if your film is a blend of genres or styles, you might describe it as "The whimsical charm of 'Amélie' meets the gripping suspense of 'Inception'."

This kind of comparison can quickly give investors a clear idea of the unique visual and thematic blend you're aiming for.

Here's our recommended pitch deck storyline:

5) Choose visuals that tell a story

When selecting visuals for your pitch deck, think of them as an extension of your storytelling. They should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also convey the mood, style, and essence of your film.

"The key thing is to be creative and offer an engaging visual presentation for industry insiders to consider.

If you have too much information (too much text), you're going to lose them. Focus on the broad strokes. Paint a picture of the story you want to tell, and showcase how you intend on telling it."

—Ken Miyamoto, Screenwriter and former Sony Studios liaison

6) Demonstrate commercial viability

A market analysis is vital to show you understand your audience and the market. Discuss audience demographics, compare with similar successful projects, and outline potential distribution channels and marketing strategies.

Here's a great example of a marketing and distribution plan slide:

7) Be transparent about the budget

A detailed budget breakdown shows you're realistic and prepared. Include production costs, media and entertainment software , distribution, and any other significant expenses. This transparency is key to building investor confidence.

8) Showcase your team

Highlight the strengths of your team. Detail their previous successes and relevant experiences to build credibility. Your team's track record can be a significant factor in securing investment.

Here's an example of a team slide:

9) Address potential risks

Acknowledge and address potential risks in your project. This could include budget overruns, production delays, or market changes. Show that you have thought about these risks and have plans to mitigate them. This level of foresight can significantly enhance investor confidence.

10) Tailor your pitch to different audiences

When it comes to pitching your film, one size does not fit all. Different investors and producers have varied interests and priorities, and understanding these nuances can make or break your pitch.

Here’s how to tailor your pitch:

Studio executives: Focus on marketability, potential for return on investment, and audience appeal. Highlight aspects like genre trends, potential for sequels, or merchandising.

Independent investors: Emphasize the creative aspects, unique storytelling elements, and artistic vision. Discuss how your project stands out creatively in the current market.

Equity investors: Concentrate on the financial returns. Provide detailed market analysis, expected revenue streams, and a clear exit strategy.

Producers: Align your pitch with their past projects and interests. Show how your project fits into their portfolio and meets their artistic and commercial goals.

11) Conclude with a call to action

A compelling conclusion is as crucial as the opening of your pitch deck. It's the final act that leaves a lasting impression and prompts action from your audience.

Whether it's setting up a meeting, reviewing a script, or considering investment, your CTA should be direct and easy to follow. Use decisive language and make it clear what the next steps are and how they can be taken.

Consider embedding your calendar directly into your pitch deck. This innovative approach allows potential investors or collaborators to see your availability and schedule a meeting with you instantly.

Here's an example of a CTA slide:

How to design a film pitch deck?

Designing a pitch deck for a movie is like setting the stage for your film's narrative, where each slide is a crucial scene in its own right.

This section will guide you through the essential elements of designing a movie pitch deck that not only showcases your vision but also connects with your audience on a personal and professional level.

Here’s how to do it:

1) Embrace scrollytelling

Scrollytelling , a method of storytelling that combines scrolling with multimedia elements, can be a game-changer for your screenplay pitch deck. This approach allows you to create a narrative journey, guiding the viewer through your story in a dynamic and interactive way.

Use this technique to unfold your story as the viewer scrolls, integrating images, text, and other elements that bring your film to life.

Here's an example of scrollytelling:

2) Create personalized slides

Address specific investors, producers, or studio executives by name and customize content to reflect their interests or past projects. This level of personalization shows that you've done your homework and are serious about your proposal.

3) Maintain visual consistency

Maintain a consistent visual theme throughout your deck. This includes using a uniform color scheme, typography, and layout style. Consistency in design not only looks professional but also helps in creating a cohesive visual story.

You can also use custom designs that echo the tone, style, and color palette of your film. For instance, if your film is a noir thriller, use a dark, moody color scheme and imagery that reflects the genre's aesthetic.

4) Add engaging visuals

Your visuals should do more than just look good; they should speak. Use high-quality images, concept art, or stills that give a glimpse into your film’s world. These visuals should be powerful enough to convey the mood and tone of your film without needing much explanation.

Here's a great example of a visually engaging deck:

5) Include interactive elements

Consider incorporating interactive elements like clickable links or embedded videos. These features can provide a deeper insight into your film, such as showing a teaser trailer, director’s statement, or behind-the-scenes content.

6) Tell a story through data

If your pitch includes market analysis or budget breakdowns, present this data in a storytelling format. Use infographics, charts, and graphs that are easy to understand and visually appealing. This approach makes complex information digestible and engaging.

Interactive film pitch deck templates

Staring at a blank slide can be daunting, even for the most creative minds. So let our interactive film pitch deck templates lead the way.

These templates provide a solid foundation and were optimized based on real-world performance. They're completely customizable, allowing you to infuse your unique vision while maintaining an effective structure.

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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How to Pitch a Movie Idea

Generating compelling movie ideas combines inspiration, observation, and imagination. It often starts by observing the world around you, exploring intriguing themes, or delving into personal experiences. Engaging with diverse genres, literature, and current events can spark unique concepts. Collaborating with others, brainstorming, and allowing yourself to ponder “what if” scenarios can lead to the birth of innovative and captivating movie ideas. The most powerful stories often emerge from the intersection of relatability, novelty, and a touch of unexpected brilliance. When you think of a great story, however, how do you pitch it?

A moving, persuasive pitch can be the difference between seeing your story idea come to life on the big screen or leaving it in your mind to be forgotten. Few industries are as competitive as film, meaning your movie pitch needs to stand out from the thousands of others. The following are many ways you can bring that pitch of yours as close to perfection as possible.

1. Use the power of emotion.

Just like every novel ever written or song ever recorded, the purpose of a film is to elicit emotion. People want to play games , watch movies, and read books that will make them feel something that they can’t or normally don’t feel as powerful in their own lives. Similarly, a successful story pitch is one where you give the listener a positive emotional experience by convincing them that your idea will either be a hit or something they’d enjoy watching. Instead of saying that you’re passionate about the project, let it show in the way you describe your story.

2. Show your personal connection with the film.

Sometimes, even the best ideas can fall flat if those at the helm of the project are driven only by money or fame. Film is arguably one of the most powerful storytelling mediums out there, and people made some of the most iconic films of all time with tremendous passion for the idea or emotion they wanted to share. In other words, a movie pitch is the perfect time to show your personal connection to the story and its themes. Make it clear why this story needs to be told and why you’re the filmmaker destined to help tell it .

3. Make it clear why your film is unique yet bound for success

While agents and offices do look out for film ideas that are creative and special, it’s not always enough. You have to make sure your unique pitch is also something that will most likely attract diverse groups of people and, thus, be a success. A good exercise to prepare you for this is to write down why your film is unique and a second list of reasons why your film would be a hit in today’s market.

4. Comparisons are OK, but don’t overdo it.

Many people are afraid to compare their film ideas to similar existing films for fear of sounding unoriginal. However, comparisons can be a powerful way of giving your listener a clearer image of what your movie is all about. The trick is not to overdo it or confuse your listener by saying your film is a mix of “The Fellowship of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones” without explaining how or why.

5. Avoid telling your whole story.

When pitching your idea to an office or agent, you’ll rarely get more than a few minutes of time. A common mistake is to waste most of your time by trying to tell your entire story as quickly as possible from start to finish. For one, trying to do so only leaves you with less time to convey why the idea is good. But more importantly, if your story can actually be told in as little as five minutes, then it’s probably not a great story . Do your best to give the important plot points and details without boring the listener while misusing your time.

6. When you think your pitch is done, forget it and return later.

A movie pitch isn’t something you prepare in one night. Just like Stephen King would put away a rough draft for weeks before rereading and improving it, you should step away from your pitch for a while to get it out of your head. Coming back to it with a fresh mind will help you trim off the unnecessary while improving the stronger points. There’s nothing wrong with rinsing and repeating this process until you feel satisfied.

7. Happy with your latest pitch? Now, record and practice it.

Recording your own pitch and listening to it is one of the best ways of figuring out what needs to go and what can be said better. It may seem awkward listening to yourself, but doing so will give you a good idea of how you’re presenting your idea. Do video recording if you’ll be pitching in person to make sure you have the right expressions and looks when convincing the listener to consider your project.

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How to Pitch a Movie Idea in Hollywood

Use our free template to prepare for your next appointment with an executive..

Bull Durham

The most important skill any writer can have is not on the page. I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but I've found that the ability to pitch yourself, and your movie ideas , in a concise way is extremely powerful.

Let's be honest—as much as budgets and marketing matter, it all starts with a great story. In the competitive world of filmmaking, a pitch focused on the narrative itself is your key to grabbing a producer's attention and making them yearn to see your vision on screen.

But a compelling movie pitch isn't just about logistics—it's about selling the heart and soul of your story. So today, we're going to walk you through how to pitch a movie idea.

As Annie Savoy says in Bull Durham, "The world is made for people who aren't cursed with self-awareness."

Is that relevant? Find out below.

Pitching is one of those things you just have to learn how to do by doing (like in Bull Durham ).

Early in my career, I bombed so many pitches. It wasn't that I wasn't prepared. It's that I had no idea what I was doing. I went too long; I went too short, I missed the important details, it was all pretty bad.

Now, I think I'm fine.

The truth is, Zoom has made pitching so much easier, because you can read your pitch document off the screen and it seems like you're delivering a perfect monologue.

but last week, I got called to pitch in person, so that's why I am writing this now.

It still happens.

This is how I format my pitch.

Movie Idea Pitch Template

When I sit down to prepare my movie pitch, I actually start by writing a treatment , so I can see the whole story laid out.

Then I use this template to pull details out of the treatment to formulate the pitch.

• The Personal Hook : I tell people how I came up with the idea and my personal connection to the story.
• Comps : I mention some movies in the genre I love and that I want this to feel like.
• Logline : Deliver a one-sentence distillation of your concept. Focus on your protagonist, the central conflict, and what's at stake for them —i.e. "A reclusive horror novelist plagued by terrifying visions must confront her own troubled past to stop a monstrous entity from escaping her imagination."
• Opening Scene : How does the movie open—I give visuals and a scene that solidifies the genre for the movie for the exec listening.
• Characters : I bring up my protagonist (and the antagonist ) and talk about where they are when we meet them in act one.
• Inciting Incident: Then I jump into what sets them off on their journey.
• Theme : that leads me into a brief mention of the deeper message the film explores. It could be something like survival against all odds, the corrupting nature of power, the enduring power of love—you get the point.
• Act Two: I talk about what happens in act two, in both the plot and how it takes our lead on a journey where they are discovering more about themselves. Ands I make sure to mention a few set pieces that will be in the story.
• Low Point: I go into detail when it feelsl iek the character has lost everything.
• The Finale: Then I talk about how they get their confidence back and why, and twll what happens at the end of the movie.

The most important part of this is that I try to keep the main pitch under 20 minutes, ideally aorund 15 minutes. And then spend the lionshare of the time doing questions at the end.

Tips for Pitching Your Movie Idea

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Paramount Pictures

I have been using that template for a decade, and I think I'm getting better at using it as time goes by. But I wanted to include some tips for you, where you can really grab the attention of the audience, and work like an entertainer.

• The Emotional Hook: Forget bland introductions. Your opening should spark a feeling—fear, curiosity, a thrill, or a pang of sympathy. Think "What if…" scenarios and unexpected twists of relatable ideas. Or just a hilarious story from your life.
• Focus on Character Transformations: A plot summary is a dime a dozen. What makes your story stand out are the choices your characters make under pressure and how those choices permanently change them. Emphasize the internal struggle alongside the external conflict.
• Paint with Words (and Sensory Details) : Forget describing your film, show it. Use vivid verbs and imagery to evoke the mood and atmosphere. "Dark alleyways, the flickering neon sign, the detective's haunted eyes..." Transport them into your world.
• Don't Forget the "Why?": Theme ties everything together. Is this a coming-of-age story wrapped in a sci-fi adventure? A revenge tale that's also a meditation on forgiveness? Name the big idea your film wrestles with.
• It's a Performance, Not a Lecture: Practice your pitch till it flows, but maintain passion and natural inflection. This isn't a book report, it's a sales pitch for something you deeply believe in.
• Comparisons are Key: Use Them Wisely: Sure, drop familiar movie titles, but make them insightful. Highlight the emotional impact you're chasing, not just the same genre. "It has the gritty realism of 'The Wire' mixed with the magical darkness of 'Pan's Labyrinth'."
• Know Your Audience: If you're pitching a low-budget indie flick, don't wax poetic about explosions—emphasize the unique character journey. A big-budget concept needs that visual spectacle woven into your pitch.

All of this should come together to give you the basis to build your pitch in Hollywood.

Let me know what you think in the comments

And, as Crash Davis from Bull Durham says, "Be cocky and arrogant, even when you're getting beat. That's the secret. You gotta play this game with fear and arrogance."

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Blackmagic Camera for Android Adds Support for Recording Timecode with Clips

More features, updates, and phone support are coming to blackmagic camera for android 1.3. here’s what you need to know..

While the Euro-NAB conference in Amsterdam (aka IBC 2024) wraps up, we’re still getting news from familiar names about some major and noteworthy updates to some of their most popular cameras, products, and apps—including this news from Blackmagic Design.

The popular Blackmagic Camera for Android app is getting another update with version 1.3 which is set to add support for recording timecode with clips, anamorphic de-squeeze, higher frame rate recordings on Pixel smartphones, as well as new support for your favorite Samsung Flip and Fold phones.

Here’s everything you need to know about Blackmagic Camera for Android 1.3 from IBC 2024.

Blackmagic Camera for Android 1.3

Blackmagic Camera for Android

As we saw with Blackmagic Camera for Android 1.2 adding improved stability and support for the new Pixel 9 phones, this latest update is set to add even more improvements and features and more support for the latest (and divisive) smartphones.

The big highlights here might simply be the added support for recording timecode with clips which allows customers to quickly synchronize video and audio in post-production and to use recordings from multiple cameras in a multicam edit with timecode sync.

This update will also add anamorphic lens de-squeeze functionality and lens correction settings as well as support for off-speed and time-lapse recording. The aforementioned Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 phone owners will now be able to record at higher frame rates including 120fps and 240fps at 720p and 120fps at 1080p as well.

Finally, all of you flippers and folders can now use Blackmagic Camera for Android on your Xiaomi 13T, Samsung Flip 5/6, and Fold 5/6 phones. Here are all of the new Blackmagic Camera for Android 1.3 Features:

• Support for recording timecode with clips.
• Support for anamorphic lens de-squeeze.
• Support for higher frame rate recordings on Pixel devices.
• Support for off-speed recording.
• Support for time-lapse recording.
• Support for adjusting the audio gain.
• Works with Foldable devices: Samsung Flip 5/6, Samsung Fold 5/6.
• Works with Xiaomi 13T

DJI Drone Ban Passes House and Moves One Step Closer to Fruition

The 'longlegs' ending explained, pricing and details for the blackmagic ursa cine 17k 65 are finally here, the pyxis is set to get a major upgrade with blackmagic’s new external monitor, sigma announces the powerful 28-105mm f/2.8 dg dn art zoom lens, what's the difference between color correction and color grading, does the ending of 'se7en' mean evil wins, what is motion smoothing and how can you turn it off, animate and blend 3d objects easier than ever before in adobe after effects, jennifer kent tells us what horror filmmakers need to know today.

Mastering the Art of Pitching Your Movie Idea: A Comprehensive Guide

This amazing piece of information came my way, and it’s too good not to share! Have a read and tell us what you think:

Pitching a movie idea is a pivotal moment for any filmmaker. It’s not just about presenting a story; it’s about selling a vision, captivating investors, and ultimately bringing your creation to life on the big screen. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of pitching, offering expert advice to help you craft a compelling presentation that resonates with your audience.

Understanding the Significance of a Movie Pitch

A movie pitch is more than just a summary of your script; it’s your opportunity to convey the essence of your film and convince potential backers of its worthiness. Whether you’re pitching to studio executives, producers, or investors, your pitch should showcase the unique qualities of your project and highlight its potential for success.

Types of Pitches: Conventional vs. Elevator Pitch

Before diving into the specifics of crafting your pitch, it’s essential to understand the different types available:

• Conventional Pitch : This is a structured, detailed presentation typically lasting between 15 to 30 minutes. It involves a thorough exploration of your movie concept, covering elements such as the title, logline, genre, theme, synopsis, characters, and filmmaking details.
• Elevator Pitch : As the name suggests, an elevator pitch is a concise, high-impact summary designed to be delivered in roughly 20 to 30 seconds—the time it takes to ride an elevator. It focuses on capturing the essence of your idea quickly and compellingly, leaving the audience intrigued and wanting more.

The Five Essential Elements of a Compelling Movie Pitch

When crafting your pitch, it’s crucial to incorporate the following elements to ensure maximum impact:

• Introduction : Start by introducing your movie with the title, logline, genre, and theme. Explain why your script is significant and what sets it apart from other projects.
• Synopsis : Provide a brief overview of the premise of your movie, giving the audience a glimpse into the world you’ve created without revealing too much of the plot.
• Characters : Dive into the key characters of your story, delving into their motivations, arcs, and defining traits. Make your characters come alive, allowing the audience to connect with them on a deeper level.
• Filmmaking Elements : Discuss the visual and auditory elements that will bring your movie to life, such as cinematography, lighting, music, and style. Additionally, provide information on the budget, funding status, and any notable talent attached to the project.
• Conclusion : Wrap up your pitch by summarizing the conclusion of your story, leaving the audience eager to see how it unfolds. Reiterate why you’re the perfect person to bring this project to fruition and leave a lasting impression.

Tools and Resources for Crafting Your Pitch

• Screenwriting Software : Utilize industry-standard software like Final Draft or Celtx to format your script professionally.
• Pitch Deck Templates : Create visually appealing pitch decks using templates available on platforms like Canva or Slidebean. These templates can help you structure your pitch effectively.
• Market Research Tools : Conduct thorough market research using tools like IMDbPro or Box Office Mojo to understand audience preferences, trends, and successful film models.
• Networking Platforms : Join online communities such as Stage 32 or The Black List to connect with industry professionals, receive feedback on your pitch, and discover potential collaborators.
• Pitch Events and Festivals : Attend pitch events and film festivals where you can pitch your idea directly to industry insiders and investors. Platforms like FilmFreeway can help you discover relevant events and submit your pitches.

Parting Words

In conclusion, mastering the art of the movie pitch is essential for any aspiring filmmaker. Whether you’re delivering a conventional presentation or a quick elevator pitch, the key is to convey your passion, creativity, and vision in a way that resonates with your audience. So, hone your storytelling skills, refine your pitch, and get ready to take the film industry by storm. Remember, the journey from script to screen begins with a compelling pitch.

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How to Successfully Pitch Your Movie Idea and Secure a Deal with Major Studios

Learn how to successfully pitch your movie idea and secure a deal with major studios. Master the art of pitching and selling your screenplay.

May 24, 2024

Want to pitch a movie with impact? This guide cuts straight to the chase: creating a pitch that captures interest and inspires action. Learn to articulate your movie idea vividly, persuade producers and investors, and make your pitch unforgettable. Get insights on storyline, characterization, and genre selection, plus tips for the pivotal pitch meeting. Start shaping your pitch now.

Key Takeaways

• A successful movie pitch requires a concise and engaging presentation of your film’s idea, including a well-structured plot, compelling characters, and the appropriate genre, to captivate potential collaborators and investors.
• Effective delivery of the pitch, preparedness for feedback, and strategic networking are crucial for gaining traction in the film industry, at pitch meetings, festivals, and through digital platforms like iPitch.tv or the Black List.
• Legal knowledge is essential when pitching a movie, from understanding and protecting copyrights to navigating industry norms and potential implications of unsolicited pitches.

The Art of the Movie Pitch

Transforming a movie idea into a tangible project within the film production sphere hinges on an effective pitch. It’s the pivotal moment where one transitions from solitary creative ideation to engaging industry collaborators who can realize that vision.

To craft a compelling movie pitch, it’s essential to possess not only intimate knowledge of your film concept, but also the skill to convey its essence with conviction and eloquence, captivating those in the industry capable of actualizing it.

Defining Your Film Pitch

At the heart of it, a movie pitch encapsulates:

• The condensed core of your film idea.
• A refined version that succinctly communicates the whole concept of your proposed film in a powerful and compact overview.
• Comparable to an elevator pitch – short enough to be presented during a brief elevator ride but detailed enough to captivate and stimulate interest.

Your pitch serves as your ambassador whenever you’re engaging in discussions at pitching sessions, attending film festivals, or simply mingling within industry circles. It proclaims the promise held by your film project to all potential collaborators or supporters.

The Importance of a Compelling Pitch for Every Film Genre

In the film industry, transforming a concept into a cinematic reality is fraught with challenges. To overcome these barriers, crafting an engaging pitch is critical. This pitch serves as the essential first step that opens avenues for cooperation, secures financial backing, and sets production in motion – all foundational elements of movie-making. Your story must be presented through your pitch not just uniquely, but also with infectious enthusiasm and undeniable confidence.

Striking the right balance between clear communication and allure is key when delivering your pitch to studio executives. They should emerge from it with both a comprehensive grasp of your film’s genre and an irresistible desire to witness the complete side pitch a movie idea come alive on screen.

Crafting Your Story for Impact

In the realm of crafting a successful movie pitch, it’s essential to meticulously and inventively intertwine the elements of your tale. The story you bring forth is integral to your pitch. It needs to exude originality and emotional impact. Prior to entering a pitch meeting, one must possess an intimate understanding of their narrative - including its characters, plotlines, and underlying motivations. It involves more than just delineating the basic outline. Rather, it’s about highlighting what makes your storyline shimmer against the backdrop of other films, already in existence.

Consider that input from various pitch meetings should not be seen merely as criticism, but rather as invaluable guidance for refining both your story and overall pitch strategy.

Structuring Your Plot

The core of your movie pitch lies in the plot, which acts as a crucial framework to guide your story’s progression. To captivate the audience from the outset the entire movie, whether you utilize a traditional three-act structure or opt for cutting-edge narrative methods is vital. The objective is to weave intrigue and suspense into your tale while providing clear direction on where your main characters are headed and what central conflict they’ll face.

It’s imperative that when structuring this journey you do so with deft precision, drawing in viewers with finesse rather than leaving them bewildered by complexity. How well you articulate this backbone within your pitch could be decisive in determining whether it grips or loses its intended audience.

Creating Memorable Characters

Your own movie ideas and concepts hinge on the characters you envision. They are the soul of your story. These individuals should be fully developed and resonate with audiences, possessing identifiable motives and unique dialects that linger beyond the confines of a pitch meeting. When presenting your characters, do so compellingly to captivate studio executives from the outset, ensuring they grasp their critical roles within the narrative.

These figures grant your storyline its resonance and guide the progression of events in your plot. Through them, both voice and direction emerge for what will ultimately become a captivating movie when these unique elements are woven together skillfully during a pitch.

Selecting the Right Film Genre

Selecting an appropriate genre is a pivotal step in the development of your movie pitch, as it not only delineates the narrative’s mood and artistic direction but also defines its intended demographic, ultimately affecting how marketable your film will be.

The following are examples of popular horror film and genres:

When crafting your story for the big screen, take into account both the tale you desire to convey and what feelings you aim to stir within those who watch it. This consideration should guide your choice of genre.

In determining whether to lead viewers down eerie passageways typical of horror films or through more light-hearted scenarios common in comedies, make sure that whichever genre embodies your motion picture aligns with current industry trends while delivering a distinct promise about the experience awaiting them.

Essential Elements of a Movie Pitch

When crafting a movie pitch for the entertainment industry, consider it the foundational blueprint akin to that of an architect or the inaugural brushstrokes from a painter’s palette. This presentation must encapsulate all fundamental aspects of your film idea. Ensure each component, starting with the title and culminating in the final scene, is carefully designed to engage and hold the interest of those listening. Your main characters should be introduced by their names along with detailed descriptions of their journeys and what makes them intriguing, all elements that contribute towards making an indelible mark within the realm of movie pitches.

Emphasizing your personal connection to this story reinforces its depth during your pitch. Articulate how central themes resonate on a deeper level for you personally, which enriches your proposal further. Subtly suggest sequel potential when discussing future prospects in standard pitch – envisioning broader narrative possibilities not only excites but also serves producers’ and investors’ commercial objectives.

The Power of a Strong Logline

The crux of your film pitch lies in the logline, an elegantly concise sentence designed to capture and intrigue your audience by encapsulating the heart of your story. It deftly presents the main character, unveils the inciting event, and touches upon the central struggle while subtly suggesting the presence of an antagonist.

An effective logline offers a glimpse into your movie’s dramatic core in much the same vein as revered films such as ‘The Godfather’ or ‘Bird Box,’ setting up expectations for what’s to come without spoiling all its secrets. Striking this harmony between enticement and mystery is akin to performing a high-wire act with narrative finesse.

Building an Engaging Synopsis

The summary serves as the narrator of your pitch, providing a concise but engaging account that unveils the universe you have crafted. It needs to encapsulate the main components of your story by focusing on the principal struggle and significant moments, while avoiding overburdening the audience with excessive particulars.

Much like an adept artist employing just select brushstrokes to intimate at a landscape, your synopsis ought to summon up the soul of your narrative and captivate listeners in its emerging action.

Visual Aids: Enhancing Your Pitch

Your pitch decks are enhanced by visual aids, which serve as portals that reveal the essence of your film’s narrative. These components should encapsulate the story’s mood, environment, and emotive resonance, offering stakeholders a vivid preview of what the cinematic universe entails.

Incorporating images from existing movies, films or television series that share similarities to yours within these visuals provides a recognizable framework for your audience. This strategy allows you to distinguish your project by highlighting its distinctive qualities amidst familiar references.

Preparing for the Pitch Meeting

The pitch meeting is the moment of truth, where preparation meets opportunity. Rehearsing your pitch until it becomes second nature is key to delivering it smoothly and confidently, ensuring that you make a strong first impression.

A typical pitch meeting unfolds through five stages, from building rapport to leaving a memorable impression, and mastering each stage is vital. It’s crucial to remember that each interaction, from small talk to addressing questions, is a chance to build relationships and showcase your vision.

The five stages of a pitch meeting are:

• Building rapport
• Setting the agenda
• Presenting your pitch
• Addressing questions and objections
• Leaving a memorable impression

Perfecting Your Delivery

To ensure your pitch is impactful, you must hone its delivery through rehearsal and readiness for inquiries. It needs to be concise, direct, and presented with a mix of assuredness and relaxed communication. You can enhance your execution by polishing your script, filming yourself while pitching, and rehearsing in different environments—allowing for critical assessment and modifications of how you perform.

Knowing Your Audience

Grasping the preferences and inclinations of the studio executives or producers to whom you’re pitching offers a tactical edge. When you custom-tailor your pitch to align with their unique preferences, you enhance the chances that it will strike a chord rather than miss its mark. Being cognizant of your audience’s tastes can be pivotal in making an impactful presentation.

Handling Questions and Feedback

Demonstrating poise and clear communication when addressing queries and reactions showcases your thorough preparation. Prepare for typical questions in advance to ensure a confident and coherent exchange throughout the whole pitch process and meeting.

Embrace feedback with an open mind, thoughtfully weighing producer suggestions for possible enhancements to either your pitch or screenplay.

Making Connections in the Film Industry

Understanding the importance of social dynamics within the film industry is equally critical as perfecting your movie pitch. Taking advantage of every chance to present your film ideas, be it at film festivals, writing competitions or pitch fests, is essential. In this realm, agents are crucial for bridging the gap with studios and producers. Cultivating relationships at various industry gatherings can yield significant contacts.

With digital progression comes new platforms such as iPitch.tv and the Black List that provide opportunities to introduce your pitches to a wider audience in today’s interconnected world.

Networking Strategies

To forge vital connections within the industry, it’s crucial to employ successful networking tactics. Some strategies you might adopt include:

• Being present at various film festivals
• Making use of submission tools such as FilmFreeway for your projects
• Prioritizing events renowned for their networking potential
• Seeking out supportive environments like those found at the Hollywood Pitch Festival or engaging in pitch competitions at events like the Austin Film Festival.

Leveraging Writing Competitions

Participating in writing competitions offers screenwriters an opportunity to showcase their talents and secure visibility within the industry. Services such as Coverfly provide a venue for entering diverse contests, which can attract the attention of industry experts on the lookout for new talent.

Legal Considerations When Pitching

Navigating the process of pitching a movie requires not just artistic flair, but also an acute understanding of legal intricacies. It’s imperative to have familiarity with intellectual property rights and standard industry practices in order to steer clear of potential hazards. To evaluate screenplays, production companies frequently mandate that a written submission release be furnished, delineating protective measures that may also reduce their legal exposure.

For those introducing creative work into the film industry, it is essential to establish ownership over your screenplay or concept before agreeing to any contractual arrangements with production entities.

Protecting Your Work

The concept of copyright law is designed to shield the manifestation of your thoughts, which includes protection for unique lines, scenes, and ways in which characters are portrayed entirely fiction. Though it isn’t compulsory to register a copyright, doing so can greatly benefit you in legal conflicts by creating an official documentation of your creation.

It’s important to consider that when you’re pitching your idea, there may arise an unspoken agreement. This could mean that if someone utilizes your ideas without providing remuneration, they might be legally bound to compensate you.

Navigating Unsolicited Pitches

Many production companies tend to disregard unsolicited pitches without the endorsement of an agent or entertainment lawyer. Hence, selecting a suitable production company that aligns with your project is crucial.

In order to increase the chances of your pitch being considered and to circumvent possible legal complications to accept unsolicited pitches, it’s advisable to have representation for your work. This strategy can grant you access to those companies typically resistant to accepting unsolicited pitches.

Advancing Your Pitch at Events

Film festivals serve as more than just venues for displaying cinematic art. They are also crucial platforms that can propel your movie idea forward. These events offer a chance to attract investment, build connections within the industry, and expose your film to an expanded audience. Acting as centers for creative conversation among decision makers, these gatherings encourage exchanges and form alliances that prove advantageous while pitching your film concept.

Services such as FilmFreeway provide avenues through which you can submit your films and establish direct communication with those in the industry.

Identifying the Right Events

When crafting your film pitch, it is critical to choose events that resonate with the particular themes and categories of the festivals you are aiming for. By doing so, you can greatly improve your odds of a successful pitch. Expressing gratitude for their evaluation during your presentation shows appreciation and professionalism.

Preparing for Event Pitches

Be ready at all times to present your elevator pitch, particularly during events within your industry where unforeseen opportunities might emerge.

Look into festivals that provide workshops and a series of connected events because these platforms can yield significant advantages when you submit your projects.

In conclusion, the art of pitching a movie is a complex dance of storytelling, strategy, and legal savvy. From defining your film idea to mastering the pitch meeting and navigating the legal landscape, each step is crucial to the success of your film project. Remember that your pitch is not simply a presentation, but a performance that must captivate, convince, and ultimately, compel action. Carry forward the insights from this guide and step into your next pitch meeting not just as a writer but as a storyteller poised to make an indelible mark on the film industry.

A film pitch deck is a crucial tool for obtaining funding for a movie or TV show.

To create a successful film pitch deck, thorough research and organization of the idea is important, as well as understanding the audience and what they want.

Visuals and design elements are important, as they can help investors understand the story and vision of the project.

Potential risks and challenges should be identified and addressed in a film pitch deck, along with strategies for mitigating these risks.

Tailoring the film pitch deck to different types of investors and producers can increase the chances of securing funding.

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Good in a Room: A Guide to Pitching Your Movie Script

By stephanie palmer.

During my time as MGM’s Director of Creative Affairs, I had over three thousand pitch meetings where writers, directors, stars and producers would try to persuade me to buy their ideas.  Over a period of years, I identified the techniques that were being used in all of the successful meetings.  I also found three common meeting pitfalls to which even experienced writers fall prey.  They are:  

Question Traps

Unexpected Interruptions

Testing Behavior

In a pitch meeting, a question is a trap if it falls outside your specific area of expertise.  As an example, executives will often ask, “What are your ideas about casting?”  Your answer conveys your sense of taste—which may be very different from the executive’s taste.  So it’s not to your advantage to speak first.  If your ideas don’t jibe with the exec’s ideas, your project is less likely to be considered.

Plus, professional writers know that they do not have the best information with which to answer the casting question.  Executives have access to up-and-coming actors and get to see clips and reels from movies that haven’t been released.  They are supposed to know which stars are cooling off and who might be the next big thing.  You aren’t—and when you offer your advice, you’re trespassing on the executive’s turf.

Here’s how to handle this situation:  prepare to mention a couple of well-known stars and well-regarded independent film stars and then turn the question back to the executive, e.g., “I think George Clooney, Ben Affleck, Javier Bardem or Gerard Butler would be great, but I’m open.  Who do you think would be right for the part?”

Sure, talking about casting is fun.  It’s exciting to think about which stars will be in your movie.  But questions you get about casting, budget, production schedules or anything else that isn’t the story are traps.  Your job is to provide a thoughtful, flexible answer, then turn the question back to the executive. All issues related to producing the script are their bailiwick.  Your job is to stick with what you know:  the story. 

Some writers expect to have the executive’s full attention during the meeting, and feel that any interruption is disrespectful.  However, when the executive’s phone rings, their assistant enters the room, or another type of interruption occurs, this is not a personal slight.  This reflects the simple reality that anything that is a speculative project is a lower priority than a project that is actually in progress.

When you’re interrupted, this is the technique I recommend:

• Give the executive some space.  Stay in the room and remove your attention from the executive if that’s appropriate.  You can busy yourself with your waiting room materials. 
• If appropriate, give the executive some more space.  Offer to step outside the room or even to come back another time.
• Provide a summary.  When the interruption is over, recap what’s happened so far.  An effective summary reinforces your message and demonstrates your competence. 

Executives will sometimes play devil’s advocate and grill a writer past the point of what seems necessary.  This is partly because the executive may be expecting to receive a similarly rigorous interrogation if they take your idea to their colleagues and superiors.  Also, sometimes executives want to know if writers can handle themselves under pressure.  Making a movie is a difficult process, and if you can’t handle some tough, even annoying questions, you’re not someone the executive can count on.  The way to handle this is to always keep your cool.  Don’t get provoked, and don’t let the executive’s tone throw you off.  Just answer the content of the questions and stay calm.

Now that you know how to handle these three common pitfalls, here’s one more mistake that most writers make: not following up.  There were so many times that I’d be interested in working with a writer (just not on their current project), and I would ask them to follow up with me in a month and let me know what was going on.  Less than one in ten ever did.  The few that did follow up were much more likely to sell their projects or be hired for rewrite work.

How To Pitch Your Idea

I'm often asked, "What's the right way to pitch an idea?" There aren't any mandatory rules. But the term, pitch , gives the mistaken impression that when the time comes for you to discuss your idea, you're supposed to suddenly start overtly selling the idea to the listener.

A pitch is not a performance. It's a conversation to discover if there's a match between what the listener is looking for and what you have to offer. If you have a meeting with a producer or studio executive to pitch one of your projects, there are important guidelines you should follow when structuring your pitch.

An effective pitch should:

• Build rapport -- the most common mistake creative people make is that they start talking about their project before they have established rapport with the producer or studio executive. Find subject matter that creates common ground during "small talk" between you and the person you're pitching to. Doing so can be a major factor in selling your project.
• Establish a clear context for your pitch -- the simplest way to provide context is to define the genre of your script or to give a brief background of the story before you begin the detailed pitch.
• Create the experience of watching your script as a completed film -- comedy pitches should be funny and thriller pitches should have moments of surprise and suspense.
• Provide milestones for the listener -- include a few verbal cues: "As we move into Act Two," "At the midpoint of the story," or "In the final scene."
• Use concrete, specific language -- great pitches use precise words to create vivid visualizations. Avoid abstract themes and generalizations.
• Use set-ups and pay-offs to your advantage -- instead of telling the listener how everything turns out in your story, plant the seeds for the twists and surprising revelations to come.
• Recall the beginning of the meeting as you're leaving -- if you casually reference something personal that was discussed earlier, it's a very satisfying and thoughtful way to end a meeting.

Here are things to avoid in a pitch:

• Overselling -- the best meetings are conversational and interactive. Don't perform a rehearsed routine that sounds like an infomercial. If you believe in your project, your enthusiasm will shine through.
• Using comparisons -- don't compare movies to describe your project. Avoid descriptions such as, "It's Casablanca meets The 40 Year Old Virgin." These descriptions often confuse instead of clarifying. Unless you're purposely knocking off or spoofing a produced movie, avoid using movie titles to establish the context of your original idea.
• Describing every scene, character, or location -- at the most, your verbal pitch should be broken down into twelve distinct beats or segments: three for Act I, six for Act II, and three for Act III.  Keep your description simple . If the executive wants to know more, he or she will ask.
• Using a lot of names -- refer to only the four main characters by name.  It's hard to keep track of who's who in a pitch. Refer to the supporting characters by how they relate to the main characters.
• Being afraid to clarify elements of your pitch -- if the producer or studio executive looks confused, ask: "Could I make this clearer?" or "Do you have any questions at this point?"
• Disagreeing with anyone in the room -- even if you hate a studio executive's ideas or suggestions, do your best to take them at face value. It's perfectly acceptable to respond to these suggestions by saying, "Let me think about that and get back to you."

About Stephanie Palmer

Stephanie Palmer Taxy is the founder of Good in a Room , a consulting firm that works with established creative professionals to help them get their ideas the attention and financing they deserve.  In her tenure as Director of Creative Affairs at MGM Pictures, Stephanie acquired screenplays, books, articles and pitches and supervised their development.  Some of her projects include 21 , Be Cool , Legally Blonde , Sleepover , A Guy Thing , Good Boy and Agent Cody Banks .  Since 2005, she has helped clients sell spec scripts, set up TV shows, find backers for passion projects, increase quotes and receive better assignments for more money.  Her book, Good in a Room:  How to Sell Yourself and Your Ideas and Win Over Any Audience has been featured on the Today Show, CBS Early Show, NPR and Los Angeles Times.  www.goodinaroom.com

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The Screenwriters Formula for a Winning Pitch

Pitching a film or television series to an executive or producer can be terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be.

Here’s the secret: Most executives don’t want to hear how smart you are, how clever your ideas are, or how much research you’ve done on the subject you’re pitching. Sure, those things can be important, but what executives really want is the same thing all of us seek when we go to the movies: to be entertained. They want to hear you tell them a compelling story. That’s it. They want something that will wake them up from their often monotonous work weeks. They want something different, something new, something that in one way or another, they’ve never heard before. Because you can bet they’ve heard your pitch before, or at least, some version of it.

So how do you make your pitch stand out? How do you ensure it has all the elements an executive wants to hear and includes little that will waste their time? I spent the last year+ pitching movies to executives, and here is the formula I’ve found most effective — aka, the formula that has sold the most movies.

I start out every pitch, whether it’s for an original television show, film, or an open assignment, by telling the room why I am the only person on the planet who could write this thing. Your movie might be about zombies who battle vampires on the moon, but no matter how outlandish the premise is, there must be a reason why you specifically relate to this film. You need to convince executives that this movie is in your DNA, and that if given the opportunity, you could write this movie in your sleep.

Executives, like all of us, love to be told stories, so I begin my pitch by telling a story from my life about how this specific story relates to me. And thus, how I could write the shit out of it. The more personal your story, the better. I like to say things like, “Just like our protagonist, I also experienced these emotions/growth, etc…” or “And this is how I know exactly what the protagonist is facing. I’ve been there, too.” Make them feel like your hero’s story is, in some way, your story too.

The easiest way to convey the tone and themes of your film is by using comps. For example, you could say “it’s Die Hard meets Toy Story ,” or “it’s an edgier Stranger Things ,” or “it’s if Wes Anderson directed Clueless .” Using popular and well-received films to express what you hope your film will feel or look like will paint an immediate picture. Instantly, the room should get an idea of what you’re going for.

But this is easier said than done. It might feel like you’re pigeonholing what your story is about, or perhaps your story is so original, so out there, so completely different that it is impossible to describe with preexisting films. Even so, you should try. If anything, using comps is a jumping off point. A way to develop an easy foundation for what you can then expand upon.

THEMES & TONE

Every movie is more than just a series of entertaining images on screen. Every movie — OK, most movies — have something bigger to say. For example, 2017’s Get Out isn’t just a horror film about a man meeting his girlfriend’s parents, it’s a psychological thriller that explores race and discrimination. Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House is more than a story about a family who was tormented by spirits in the house they grew up in. It’s a narrative that dissects mental illness and coping with grief. And of course, movies from every genre — from horror to comedy, has something larger to say. These themes don’t necessarily need to be political, but they should say something about the human condition. And often, they should seek to present or address a bigger philosophical question — something universal, something more than one person can relate to.

It might seem obvious, but telling the executives exactly what the underlying message and themes of your project are will be paramount in selling your film.

Without diving too deep, I like to give the room an idea of who my main characters are and the personal journeys they will go through. You want to convey early on that you know exactly where your characters begin in Act One and where they will end up at the end of Act Three. Because every good movie has distinct arcs for its main (and often supporting) characters. While in television characters can remain unaltered over the course of one or several seasons, movies need completed arcs for their characters. You want to show the room you’ve done your homework, you’ve spent time figuring out the emotional turmoil your hero will go through, and how he or she will come out a changed person on the other side.  

OK, so you’ve offered a personal story about why you are the only person who can write this film, you’ve offered comps, you’ve explained what the movie is about thematically and tonally, and now you’re ready to dive into the meat of your narrative.

A few tips in doing so.

Don’t deliver every scene and plot point

You want to hit your big marks like the inciting incident, midpoint, B story, etc. but don’t go overboard. No matter how intriguing your story may be, execs will get tired if they have to listen for too long, or, God forbid, cut you off because you’ve run out of time. (This happened to me once and it was completely embarrassing. While I thought I was being over prepared by delivering a detailed story, the executive thought my pitch was far too long). Be wary of their time — keep it short and sweet.

Read the room

Almost every pitch I’ve ever been in has turned out differently than I anticipated. This is usually because I hadn’t met one or more of the execs beforehand and I didn’t know their specific taste, their sense of humor, and their general way of communicating with writers. As you begin your pitch you’ll get a sense of what the room is responding to. Sometimes they like jokes, sometimes they hate jokes, sometimes they want you to speed up, sometimes they want clarification. All this to say, be prepared to make changes and improvise on the spot.

And if the idea of improvising scares you, you’re not alone. It terrifies me. I’m someone who likes to be a hundred percent prepared before I step into a room. Yet oftentimes, the document you’ve painstakingly slaved over isn’t the exact thing that will land you the movie. So be ready to make small adjustments on the go. Think of your pitch as more of an outline to be filled in in the room rather than a monologue to be memorized.

That said, bring notes with you. You can have your entire pitch in a notebook or just a few bullet points — whatever makes you most comfortable. I’ll often bring in the full version of my pitch as a safety blanket in case I panic and forget everything I’ve prepared. (This has never happened, but it’s nice to know I have it just in case my brain completely fails me.)

Have a killer finale

Though I advise keeping your story length to a minimum, one place to luxuriate is the end. After the finale, I like to offer a final denouement — the last moment that ties together everything in your narrative. It’s the final breath in your story, an exhale that allows the audience to muse upon what they just saw. For example, In Raiders of the Lost Ark ,  it’s the moment when the arc is lugged into a warehouse to seemingly be forgotten about until the end of time. It’s a bookend and is often a parallel image to your film’s opening.

Giving them the specifics of this moment cements that you’ve done your homework. Your vision is distinct and complete. It’s also a way to offer a final emotional punch that will leave the room feeling like they’ve gained something — AKA, that same feeling you get right after watching a really good movie.

Pitching is Hard and Brutal

Writers, with all of our sensitivity and capacity for emotional storytelling, aren’t necessarily extroverts or great performers. And though being good in a room doesn’t necessarily have a correlation to how well you can write a movie, the two skills, unfortunately, go hand-in-hand. So don’t be hard on yourself: Realize that you are not alone if you find pitching difficult. Like anything, it takes practice… and maybe a pre-pitch shot of tequila.

Anna is a journalist-turned-screenwriter. She previously worked at Bustle as an Entertainment Editor, as well as Newsweek, The Daily Beast, and BuzzFeed. After winning the ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship in 2017, she went on to sign with a manager and an agent and she was hired to write two feature films at Netflix. 

For all the latest ScreenCraft news and updates, follow us on  Twitter,   Facebook , and  Instagram .

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Crafting a Winning Film Pitch Deck: Tips and Techniques

1. know your audience, defining your target audience, researching industry trends, connecting with your audience, 2. create a compelling story, developing a strong narrative, using visuals effectively, crafting a unique pitch, 3. assemble a stellar team, finding the right collaborators, showcasing your team, demonstrating team chemistry, 4. plan your budget, creating a realistic budget, securing funding, managing production costs, 5. present your deck, perfecting your presentation, networking opportunities, pitching to investors.

Creating a successful film pitch deck is a vital step in getting your project off the ground. It's your chance to showcase your vision, connect with potential investors, and ultimately bring your film to life. But how can you craft a winning film pitch deck that will stand out from the competition? In this guide, we'll explore tips and techniques to help you master the art of the film pitch deck and bring your cinematic vision to life.

Understanding your target audience is key to creating a successful film pitch deck. By tailoring your pitch to the needs and interests of your potential investors, you'll be more likely to secure the funding and support you need to make your film a reality.

Before you start building your film pitch deck, take some time to think about who your target audience is. Consider factors such as:

• Investors' interests and preferences
• Industry professionals, like producers and distributors
• Specific niche or genre your film belongs to

By understanding who you're pitching to, you can tailor your presentation to their needs and make a stronger connection.

Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the film industry to ensure your pitch deck is relevant and timely. Keep an eye on:

• Box office successes and failures
• Emerging filmmakers and their projects
• Changes in distribution models and audience preferences

By being informed about the current state of the industry, you can demonstrate to investors that you're knowledgeable and prepared to navigate the ever-changing film landscape.

Once you've defined your target audience and researched industry trends, make sure your film pitch deck establishes a connection with your audience. Use language and visuals that will resonate with your potential investors, and highlight the elements of your project that align with their interests and preferences. Remember, your film pitch deck is your opportunity to show investors why they should be as passionate about your project as you are.

A captivating and well-told story is at the heart of any successful film, and your pitch deck should reflect that. By effectively conveying your film's narrative and uniqueness, you'll be better able to grab the attention of potential investors and generate excitement for your project.

Start by crafting a clear and concise synopsis of your film's story. Focus on the main plot points, characters, and themes that make your film unique. Remember, your goal is to give investors a taste of your story without overwhelming them with details. Consider the following when developing your narrative:

• What is the central conflict or problem your characters must overcome?
• What are the key turning points in the story?
• How does the story end, and what lessons can be learned?

By addressing these questions, you can create a compelling narrative that will resonate with your audience and set your film apart from the competition.

Visuals are a powerful tool in your film pitch deck, as they can help to immerse your audience in the world of your story and create a lasting impression. Be sure to include:

• Concept art or storyboards to showcase your film's visual style
• Location photos or set designs to give a sense of the film's setting
• Character sketches or photos of potential actors to help bring your characters to life

By using visuals effectively, you can create a more engaging and memorable film pitch deck that will leave your audience eager to see your vision come to life.

With so many film projects competing for attention, it's crucial to make your pitch stand out. Focus on what sets your film apart from others in its genre or category, and highlight those unique elements throughout your pitch deck. This could include:

• A fresh spin on a familiar genre or story trope
• An innovative visual or storytelling technique
• A diverse and underrepresented perspective or character

By emphasizing your film's unique qualities, you'll be better positioned to capture the interest of potential investors and make a lasting impression.

Behind every great film is a dedicated team of creative professionals working together to bring a shared vision to life. Showcasing the strengths and talents of your team is an important step in convincing investors that your film is worth their support. Let's explore some ways to build and present your dream team.

Assembling a strong team starts with finding the right collaborators. Look for individuals who share your passion for the project and have the skills and experience necessary to make it a success. Consider the following when searching for team members:

• Seek out professionals with experience in your film's genre or style
• Look for collaborators who can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table
• Network within the film industry to find potential partners and connections

Finding the right collaborators will not only improve the overall quality of your film but also help to create a positive and productive working environment.

Once you've assembled your dream team, it's time to showcase their talents in your film pitch deck. Include a brief bio and photo for each key team member, highlighting their relevant experience and skills. This will help to establish credibility and build confidence in your project. You might also want to include:

• Awards or accolades your team members have received
• Examples of past projects your team has worked on together
• Testimonials from industry professionals praising your team's work

By showcasing your team's strengths and accomplishments, you'll be better positioned to convince potential investors that your film has the talent and expertise needed to succeed.

Effective collaboration is key to a successful film production, and demonstrating your team's chemistry can go a long way in winning over potential investors. Consider including anecdotes or examples of your team working well together, such as:

• Successful problem-solving during pre-production or production
• Positive feedback from test screenings or focus groups
• Shared passions or interests that bring your team closer together

By showcasing your team's chemistry, you'll help to create a sense of camaraderie and demonstrate that your project is backed by a united and dedicated group of professionals.

Creating a realistic and well-planned budget is crucial for any film project. A well-thought-out budget not only helps in securing funding but also ensures that you can manage production costs effectively. Let's dive into the key aspects of planning your film's budget.

When putting together your film pitch deck, it's essential to create a budget that accurately reflects your project's needs. Here are some tips to help you craft a realistic budget:

• Break down your script into individual scenes and estimate the cost of each, including location, props, and equipment rentals
• Factor in the fees for your cast and crew, as well as any travel or accommodation expenses
• Include post-production costs, such as editing, sound design, and visual effects
• Don't forget to account for marketing and distribution expenses

By creating a detailed and realistic budget, you'll be better prepared to manage your film's finances and avoid potential financial pitfalls.

Once you've established a budget, the next step is to secure funding for your film. There are various ways to finance your project, including:

• Applying for film grants or funding programs
• Seeking out private investors or production companies
• Crowdfunding through platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo
• Partnering with brands or product placement opportunities

Explore multiple funding avenues and be prepared to adjust your budget as needed to accommodate different financing scenarios.

Once you've secured funding, it's important to manage your production costs effectively to stay within your budget. Keep these tips in mind as you navigate the production process:

• Monitor expenses closely and make adjustments as needed
• Be resourceful and look for cost-effective solutions to challenges that arise
• Communicate with your team about budget constraints and work together to find creative ways to stay on track

By carefully managing your production costs, you'll be able to bring your film to life without sacrificing quality or going over budget.

Once you've crafted a captivating film pitch deck, it's time to showcase it to the world. Presenting your deck effectively can make all the difference in securing funding and attracting the right collaborators. Let's explore some tips and techniques to help you nail your presentation.

When it comes to presenting your film pitch deck, preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you perfect your presentation:

• Practice your pitch multiple times, focusing on your tone, pacing, and body language
• Be prepared to answer any questions or address potential concerns about your project
• Highlight the unique aspects of your film and explain why it stands out from the competition
• Keep your presentation concise and engaging, avoiding lengthy explanations or unnecessary details

By honing your presentation skills, you'll be more confident and persuasive when it's time to pitch your film.

Networking plays a crucial role in the film industry, and presenting your film pitch deck can open doors to valuable connections. To make the most of networking opportunities, consider the following:

• Attend film festivals, industry events, and workshops to meet potential collaborators and investors
• Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to filmmaking and pitch your project to like-minded individuals
• Engage with professionals in the industry and ask for their feedback on your film pitch deck
• Build relationships with mentors or experienced filmmakers who can provide guidance and support

By actively networking, you'll not only gain valuable insights but also increase the chances of your film pitch deck being seen by the right people.

Pitching your film to investors is an important step in securing funding. Keep these tips in mind when presenting your film pitch deck to potential investors:

• Focus on the return on investment (ROI) and explain how your film offers a unique and profitable opportunity
• Provide a clear timeline for production, post-production, and distribution, demonstrating your project's feasibility
• Highlight the strengths of your team and their past successes in the industry
• Be open to feedback and be prepared to address any concerns or questions investors may have

By presenting a well-prepared, engaging, and persuasive film pitch deck, you'll increase your chances of securing the funding needed to bring your film project to life.

If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of indie film composing and want to learn how to connect with filmmakers, check out the workshop ' Indie Film Composing: Finding Filmmakers ' by Daisy Coole. This workshop will provide you with invaluable insights and strategies on how to find and collaborate with filmmakers in the indie film industry.

If you're looking for guidance on how to get started as a filmmaker, check out the workshop " How To Get Your Start As A Filmmaker " by Alex Kahuam. It's a great resource for aspiring filmmakers looking to take their first steps in the industry. Good luck, and happy filmmaking!

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How to Pitch a Movie Idea and Sell Your Script With Style.

Using screenplay pitch examples and our step-by-step guide..

How to pitch a movie idea and sell your script with style. 

You’ve learned how to write a screenplay . You’ve written a few Grade A spec scripts that have received ringing endorsements from script coverage services or acquaintances who work in the industry.

You’ve learned how to sell a screenplay and now, finally, the moment has arrived… A studio executive really likes your work and wants you to come in for a meeting. Or maybe you just ran into him at a party.

In either case, now’s the time to learn how to pitch a movie idea. And that’s what this post is all about.

Here’s what’s coming up:

• What is a film pitch?

• What happens in a meeting to pitch a script?

• How to write a pitch for a movie

• How to sell a movie idea: prepare, prepare, prepare

• How to pitch a movie idea in a meeting

• Following up on a film pitch

So, let’s dive on in. (Full disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something via one of these links we get a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Click to tweet this post. 

What is a film pitch?

A “film pitch,” “screenplay pitch,” or the phrase “to pitch a screenplay,” simply means verbally selling your script to someone in the industry who may be interested in it. These people are usually studio executives or producers.

The elevator pitch.

The most common form of screenplay pitch is the “elevator pitch”—so named as it should only take around sixty seconds  to deliver. Ninety seconds is fine, but anything over and you’re probably going into too much detail.

You may be called upon to deliver one of these if you’re invited in for what’s called a “general meeting” to discuss your script. But you need to be ready to deliver one at the drop of a hat in case you run into an exec somewhere randomly like, say, an elevator.

The 20-minute pitch. 

These tend to occur more often in general meetings. A twenty-minute pitch involves getting into much more detail—laying out the story act by act, sequence by sequence.

You have much more time to describe characters, themes and specific scenes, but the general principle remains: stick to what’s essential for the listener to know.

In either case, a screenplay pitch is basically a sales pitch by telling the story in a brief but exciting way. Hopefully without sounding too aggressive or “salesy.”

Overall, the primary goal of a movie pitch is to get people excited about the concept, characters and story and working with you.

General vs. specific meetings.

A general meeting is usually it’s an informal chat about you and your projects. This is so the exec or producer can get an idea of the kind of writer you are, your writing “voice,” etc. and what you’re working on.

It’s the most common form of meeting and, in the main, what we’ll be discussing in this post.

On the other hand, you may be called in to pitch for a specific job, such a rewrite or a new project. These can get tricky because the game these days is that exec and producers will pull in a dozen writers and get a dozen different takes. Then pick the take they want and choose a writer, even if it wasn’t their take.

If you snag a one-on-one with an exec or producer about a specific project, it can help to leave a one-pager behind. Leaving a look book or pitch deck is also encouraged these days because the more you can add to your pitch package—the more you can make them see and feel your film—the better off you are.

Some scripts are easier to pitch than others. 

Movie ideas with a high concept are easier to pitch than ones with a low concept. A film like A Quiet Place , for example, would be much easier to pitch than, say,  Roma .

Here’s the logline to A Quiet Place :

In a post-apocalyptic world, a family is forced to live in silence while hiding from monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing.

Just from this logline, it’s easy to visualize the poster, the trailer and the movie—all the juicy stuff execs and producers love to do.

This is because the conflict between protagonist and antagonist is clear, and it would also be easy to break down this plot down into an exciting sixty seconds.

On the other hand, here’s the logline to the 2019 Oscar winner, Roma :

A year in the life of a middle-class family’s maid in Mexico City in the early 1970s.

If, like Roma , your movie is a slow-burner that’s light on plot, you need to find another way to engage the listener and sell the script in its best light.

The best way to do this is by crafting a pitch that also focuses on what the movie’s about , rather than just what happens. This means spending more time on character, theme and maybe broader social/political issues than would be normal for a high concept movie.

You don’t want to just talk about Cleo’s journey of “love, loss and redemption” entirely, though, at the expense of plot. All theme with no context can lose the listener, so striking the right balance is essential when pitching low concept movie ideas.

Can you pitch a movie idea without a screenplay?

Despite what you may have heard, there isn’t a market for stand-alone movie ideas. You can’t sell a movie idea. You can’t copyright a movie idea. There’s no special place you can go to submit movie ideas.

Movie ideas are essentially worthless because anyone can come up with them. It’s the execution of an idea that matters.

Execs and producers looking for movie ideas are looking for the whole package: an idea, a script and a writer they can work with.

What happens in a meeting to pitch a script?

Here’s a rough guide on what to expect if you get invited in for a general meeting to give a screenplay pitch:

• Waiting to be seen/drinking water (1-5 minutes) . Some of the most nerve-racking moments any writer spends are in a production company waiting room. Try to stay calm, maybe by practicing some breathing routines.

•   Hellos and small talk (1-5 minutes) . First impressions mean a lot, so here’s where you try to immediately build rapport by being friendly and outgoing.

•   The screenplay pitch (1-20 minutes) . The most important part of the meeting, obviously.

•   Q&As (5-20 minutes) . Your chance to explain anything they didn’t understand, but also a chance for you to ask them a question or two.

•   Wrap up (1-2 minutes) . Time to finish that water, give a firm handshake and exit.

We’ll go into more detail soon on how to navigate a pitch meeting like a pro.

Drink water. Pitch script. Repeat. 

If your screenplay starts to generate some serious “heat” you may be asked in for a series of pitch meetings on what’s known as the “water bottle tour.”

On this tour of sorts, you’ll get to pitch your screenplay to a variety of different execs and drink 60 percent more water than you usually consume.

It’s an exciting time and quite possibly the beginning of your screenwriting career. It’s also the moment you realize that writing a Grade A screenplay was just the beginning .

Now you have to sell not only your work but yourself.

How to write a pitch for a movie. 

The key to crafting a great screenplay pitch—whether it’s an elevator pitch or a twenty-minute pitch—is to stick to only the most important beats in the story.

Approach the screenplay pitch as if you have one minute to tell a friend about your fantastic movie idea. Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when learning how to write a film pitch:

How to pitch a movie idea: do’s. 

•   Start the pitch by establishing the genre and maybe giving a brief introduction as to how you came up with the idea. This will help create context for the exec before you plunge into the main story.

•   Stick to what’s important and lose everything else. What’s important is the struggle between protagonist and antagonist and the trauma you put them through. Not scene description. Not dialogue. Not minor characters. And definitely not the title.

•   Spell out the most important beats: the inciting incident, call to action, big event, Act 1 turning point, etc. There isn’t really a hard and fast rule as to whether you should reveal the ending or not. Some writers like to leave them hanging. Others prefer to tell the whole story and both options are perfectly viable.

•  Exploit genre . If you’re having a hard time making a comedy sound funny, or a horror sound nerve-shredding, there might be a problem with the script rather than the pitch.

How to pitch a movie idea: don’ts. 

• Don’t overrun your allocated time . You run the risk of boring the audience if you go over the one or twenty minutes you’ve been asked to sell your screenplay in.

•   Don’t compare your screenplay to existing movies . Saying “think La La Land meets Memento ” isn’t particularly helpful. It also makes your project sound derivative rather than fresh and original. On the other hand, some writers do this to good effect, so this one isn’t set in stone.

•   Don’t mention specific actors . Your tastes might not jive with the exec’s so it’s best not to mention who you’d love to see in the film. If asked, mention a few possibilities but make it clear you don’t really mind. You’re open and easy-going.

Screenplay pitch examples. 

One of the best ways to learn how to pitch a movie idea is to watch other writers do it .

Here are three very different screenplay pitch examples by three different writers. Pay particular attention to how engaging they are, and how they condense the story down to its most important beats.

Run a search online to find more great movie pitches and learn from the best.

How to sell a movie idea: prepare, prepare, prepare. 

Some writers overly prepare for their script pitch and it ends up coming off slightly robotic. Most, however, under-prepare. Here’s how best to strike the right balance when preparing for a screenplay pitch.

Who are you pitching your script idea to?

It’s amazing how many writers go into meetings without knowing anything about the company or studio they’re pitching to.

Find out what they’ve produced and who their key players are. Have an answer as to why you think your script would be a great fit for them.

Practice your screenplay pitch. 

Practice your pitch to get the sixty-second (or twenty-minute) timing down pat. Say it to yourself in front of a mirror and maybe record it too. You’ll notice things when you watch a recording of yourself talking that maybe you’ve always missed.

Once you’re comfortable pitching a film idea to yourself, it’s time to practice your pitch in front of other people .

Get different reactions from anyone who’s willing to listen: friends, family, co-workers, etc. and pay attention to their non-verbal cues as you speak. Do they look engaged or fidgety?

If you’re feeling really brave, test your screenplay pitch out on strangers, or acquaintances you hardly know. This will really test your nerves and prepare you better than pitching a movie script to your wife or husband.

Research more on how to pitch a movie idea. 

If you feel you need more guidance on how to pitch a screenplay in a meeting, here are some resources. These are probably the two best books dedicated to pitching movies.

•   The Hollywood Pitching Bible by Ken Aguado and Douglas Eboch

•   Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds by Michael Hague

These short videos contain some useful information too:

Plan your night, day and journey. 

You don’t want to miss an important meeting because you got stuck in traffic for half an hour on the 405.

Get to bed at a reasonable time the night before. Plan your journey to get there earlier than you need to. Research parking spots, subway times or cabs. Wait in a nearby coffee shop if you’re too early and try to relax.

Any snags before a meeting can cause unnecessary nerves to kick in, so try to remove as much stress as possible by planning every detail.

How to pitch a movie idea in a meeting. 

Here are the main do’s and don’ts to remember as you deliver your screenplay pitch.

How to pitch a screenplay in a meeting: do’s.

• Establish rapport . You’re much more likely to get a favorable response from an exec or producer if you get to know them a little. Rather than launching straight into a movie pitch as soon as you enter the room, establish some common ground. Ask how their weekend was. Look for common interests and ways to connect.

•   Be interesting . Execs and producers get pitched a lot . If there’s something unique or interesting you can say about yourself it will help you stick in their mind. If you breed rare cats, for example, or used to be in the FBI, slip it into the conversation.

•   Be the kind of writer they want to work with . In this business having a great script is not always enough. Make a point of being as open, interesting and charming as possible. Try to come across as easy-going but willing to work hard.

•   Be passionate . When delivering your pitch you want to get across your enthusiasm for the project. If they can sense that you don’t believe in your story 100 percent, they’re unlikely to either.

•   Ask if they have any questions . At the end of your pitch, listen to exactly what they want to know and answer as succinctly as possible. Avoid long, rambling answers that dive back into the story and attempt to fill in all the gaps.

How to pitch a screenplay in a meeting: don’ts. 

•   Don’t drink alcohol before a screenplay pitch meeting to “loosen up.” (Or imbibe any other mind-altering substances.) Yes, a glass or two of wine may help you relax but it can also make you nervous if you start to feel its effects more than you expected.

•   Don’t mention politics or religion or express strong opinions about anything without first knowing what they think. Saying you just left Chicago after six months because you hated it so much might not go down well with someone who grew up in Englewood.

•   Don’t be too passionate . While passion and enthusiasm is great, you don’t want to overdo it. Saying things like “This story is like nothing you’ve ever heard,” “You don’t want to miss this opportunity of a lifetime,” or “My script will make you 10 million dollars, guaranteed,” is not recommended.

•   Don’t get defensive and prickly . If an exec suggests a terrible change to your story, say you’re “open to it.” Avoid being coming across as arrogant and precious about your movie idea. Accept all suggestions gracefully and save your opinion for the bar.

•   Don’t get flustered by difficult questions . This can happen if an exec wants to see how you react under pressure. If they try to throw you off, simply answer the question with a smile and keep your emotions in check.

•   Don’t take rejection personally . Often the reason why an exec or producer doesn’t want to move forward isn’t to do with you or your pitch. There may be many reasons why they pass, so remain upbeat and friendly. You don’t want to burn any bridges before leaving the room. Hollywood’s a small place.

Following up on a film pitch. 

Having pitched your movie to an exec or producer, it can take anywhere from seven days to seven weeks to hear anything. Or longer. So don’t despair if you don’t hear back for a while.

Many screenwriters fail to follow-up and consequently miss out on assignments or sales. Don’t be one of them.

As we mentioned earlier, being interesting and stand out from the crowd can come in handy here. Rather than simply emailing the exec or producer after your pitch meeting, send a small gift as a thank you for their time. Here are some ideas for creative ways to say thank you .

We recommend then following up on your screenplay pitch after three to four weeks . Then, if you don’t get a solid answer on your script, ask when it’d be okay to check in again. You don’t want to become a nuisance, though, so make sure you leave plenty of time in-between queries.

How to pitch a movie idea: conclusion. 

Learning how to pitch a script can be nerve-wracking for many writers. It depends to a certain extent how gregarious and charming you are to begin with. But these skills can also be learned .

Consider taking acting classes, joining a toastmaster group or getting out of your comfort zone in some way to make your screenplay pitch less scary. It’s true that a lot can ride on a pitch, but if you look at it overall as a two-way conversation rather than a speech, it should be okay.

Finally, remember every single professional screenwriter has been rejected at some point in their career. Rather than getting depressed about it, keep working on other projects. If you keep refining your writing and pitching skills, you’re likely to succeed in the end.

We hope this post has helped you learn how to pitch a movie idea and given you the tools to move forward with confidence. How many film pitches have you given? How did they go? Have you made a sale after a screenplay pitch? Let us know in the comments section below!

Liked this post? Learn more on how to pitch a movie idea and sell a screenplay…

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How to Create a Film Pitch Presentation to Impress

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You’ve got a great idea for a short film, but how do you approach potential funders or backers? We’ll look at how to create a film pitch presentation, designed to impress.

Using a Template

Using a pre-made template can help when creating a pitch. It takes some of the hassle out of designing, meaning you don't have to start from scratch. 

It's important that you use a template that you can adapt and modify to suit. The  Clean PowerPoint Template  by SteelSlides, on  Graphic River , is a great example of something that is incredibly flexible. It comes with a number of themes and different slide types, so it's easy to include, say, your financial projections, all whilst maintaining the same visual style.

The Content

What is the Pitch For?

Asking what the pitch is for may seem like a silly question, but you won’t always be pitching for funds. You could be trying to recruit staff or crew, or you may be trying to convince a venue to host a screening … . There are many possibilities.

You’ll need to tailor your pitch to your end goal, but it can help to have one template that you just adjust each time, rather than starting over.

Who is the Pitch For?

You might think asking who the pitch is for is the same as asking what the pitch is for, but the questions provide different information. Considering who you will be approaching takes into account your use of language. If you’re asking for money from business owners, then they’re most likely going to want to see facts and figures with your pitch. They’ll want to know why it’s worth their while to invest in your project. This sort of pitch would need you to put aside your personal excitement about the idea and look at it dispassionately. Ask yourself tough questions and have comprehensive answers, backed up with solid research; you can bet you’ll be asked for the details when you want people to part with their cash.

If you are pitching for cast or crew rather than money, you’d probably want to get your contributors to emotionally buy into your film and get excited about it. In this instance, think about the characters in your film. Even a documentary will have a "character"—if not a person, then a town or a way of life, for example. A problem I’ve often encountered is that we expect everyone to be as taken with our ideas as we are, but remember, your audience is coming to the project cold. You need to kick-start that enthusiasm, light a fire under them, and get your audience as stoked up about your story as you are.

How Will You Pitch?

If you can, it’s always better to pitch in person. There’s really no substitute for being there to answer questions and put your personality across in the pitch. 

Presenting in person is not always possible though, so structure your pitch for someone who is coming to your presentation without you there to explain each piece. Think about whether your presentation says everything you need it to. Does it give all the information required in a succinct way?

You might want to include a short summary slide at the end to reaffirm the points you’ve made through your presentation.

Who Are You?

It seems obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up in pitching your idea only to forget to include information about you. Opinions vary about where to put your information; many film makers suggest it’s your first slide. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong place, as long as you include all the relevant information.

Based on my personal experience, I like to include a small "about us" section at the end. Hit them with the (hopefully great) idea, explain how you’ll achieve it, and then show why you are the one qualified to do it. It’s wise to include your business name and logo, and some contact information, on each slide just in case a slide ends up separated from the whole.

Who is Your Intended Audience?

Considering your audience has overlap with some of the previous points but at this stage, think about the audience for your final, finished project. You’ll have worked this out while you were planning the project, but it needs to be clear in your pitch that you know who your audience is—who this will appeal to.

Know your demographic: Does it have national appeal or local? Is it suitable for kids? Is there a gap in the market for your project or is your market oversaturated? Even if the market is busy, your project is not necessarily a bad idea. But you'll need to be able to justify why not if asked.

We're talking about the financial kind of breakdown, not emotional. Have costs (even estimated costs) for everything. Saying you need a particular amount just isn’t enough. You’ll be expected to justify every cost and to have done your research when it comes to getting quotes. Some organisations (like local councils) require three different quotes for work.

Remember to include a timeline, and again, be realistic. Do you have a particular date you’re aiming for, and is there a reason for that? Your film release might be tying in to a local event or specific date. Tagging your film onto an existing event can have added value because there may already be a crowd of people, and therefore a potential audience.

Promises, Promises

Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Keep expectations realistic or they'll come back to bite you in the end. There will always be things that you wish you could do, or that you try your very best to do, but they just don’t fit into your schedule or budget for whatever reason. This is to be anticipated, but certainly shouldn’t be happening frequently.

The Presentation

If you’re creating a film pitch, I think it’s safe to assume you’re a creative, media-savvy person. Treat the creation of the visual elements of your pitch as seriously as you would the content.

You’re a master of the moving image, so add some video to show what you can do. Keep the clips short and relevant.

Keep your bullet points direct and talk around them. Later, the bullet points should serve as reminders of what your pitch contained, rather than reading like minutes of a meeting. Include images where appropriate to break up any text, and inject humour into your pitch if it’s appropriate to do so. People do business with people; if you’re likeable and easy to work with, you’ll be a more pleasing prospect to a potential backer.

Be Prepared

The importance of being prepared cannot be overstated: do not rely on someone else’s technology or system. I recently did a talk where I needed to use a PowerPoint presentation and was told to bring it on a memory stick. I try to be prepared for any eventuality, so I also took along my laptop and an HDMI cable. When I got to the venue, I discovered that their version of PowerPoint didn’t support my newer presentation. A quick switch to my laptop for output and all was well. Without the backup, I’d have really struggled.

It’s nerve-wracking enough doing a presentation; worrying about the set-up is an added layer of complication you could do without. Bring a backup method of presenting (where possible) and you’ll cover all your bases.

Tell a Story

Telling a story is good advice for shaping the content, but I think it’s important to also tell that story visually. The story is not just about your plot or documentary subject; your whole presentation should have a narrative. Think about how you’ll get into your pitch: Will you introduce yourself or will you wow them with your film skills in the guise of a clip? How will you end? Tailing off and waiting for your audience to realise it’s over is a little awkward, so think in advance how you’ll get out of your pitch. Is there a call to action? Do you take your potential backers through the emotional wringer and leave them bereft at the end?

Give Every Page Equal Importance

No page or part of your presentation should be filler. Give each section due care and attention. If the information is redundant, scrap it or replace it with something else. Even your "about you" section should leap out and grab your listeners' attention. 

Keep things simple but effective. It’s easy to go a bit crazy with effects, whizzes, and bangs; the whole thing can become a mess and fall flat. Use your talents subtly, enough to impress but not so much that you look as if you’re trying too hard!

Consistency

Using a template is great for consistency. You can still inject some variety into each slide, but the running theme and elements will be complementary. Stick to the same fonts and styles throughout. Try and edit your footage or photographs consistently too; if you can stick to a similar colour and tone for everything, it’ll help pull your whole pitch together into a sustainable and interesting whole.

Good Luck, and Remember …

Don’t give up if you don’t get backing; it isn’t a failure. If you’re not successful, ask for feedback and use that to improve and hone your pitch for next time. Sometimes, it’s just not the right time and learning to take that on the chin is part of the whole process.

If you’re successful (congratulations!), follow up on your pitch and get that deal in writing with contracts as soon as possible. Keep in touch with key people to make sure their interest doesn’t wane, but balance your contact so as not to be a pest.