All filmmakers should be aware of a few key things before attempting to pitch a movie to producers. Especially if you’re a writer or director who believes you have the next big idea to take the world by storm!

In this article, we’ll go through the key techniques and suggestions for creating a great movie. Although some of them can seem more complicated than others, all of them are essential for both novice and experienced creatives. Using the filmmaking techniques outlined below can help any filmmaker avoid frequent mistakes.

If you’re only reading this speculatively because you’re still in the process of writing a script, why not check out our recent article on how to overcome writer’s block to get you on your way – better, stronger, faster!

   

What Is a Movie Pitch?

A movie pitch is effectively a presentation where filmmakers succinctly describe the key components of a film’s production, such as the idea, characters, narrative, and budget. A screenwriter, who wants to create the first draught of a feature film, will pitch the idea to those who can assist with the funding or production of the film.

The goal of the pitching process is to persuade the potential backers of the film, whether they be studio executives, distributors, producers, or directors, to invest. The writer’s main concept can be presented verbally or visually in a movie pitch, which is often written before the first draught of the film has been made. 

 

Types of Pitches: Conventional Pitch vs Elevator Pitch – How To Pitch A Movie

Depending on how much time you have with your audience, your pitch meeting may take one of two major types:

 

How To Pitch A Movie: The Conventional Pitch

The conventional pitch is a planned, practised presentation in which a screenwriter presents their movie concept to a group of financiers or production managers. In some instances, the executives may request that the creator prepare a pitch deck to go along with their oral presentation in order to elaborate on the screenwriter’s original idea for the movie. These presentations typically last between 15 and 30 minutes.

 

How To Pitch A Movie: The Elevator Pitch

The conventional pitch is greatly condensed into an elevator pitch. The goal is to make your pitch in as little time as possible—roughly the length of an elevator ride. In little more than 20 to 30 seconds, a good elevator pitch should summarise the central idea of the concept.

 

The 5 Elements Of A Movie Pitch – How To Pitch A Movie

You should clearly and persuasively convey the most important aspects of your story or production when writing a movie pitch. Follow the guidelines below to learn how to write a movie proposal.

 

Introduction

The title, logline, genre, and theme of the movie should all be included at the opening of your movie pitch. Mention whether your story is wholly fictitious or inspired by an actual event. You might wish to explain why this particular script is significant to you and what it means to you in some circumstances.

 

Synopsis

Include a segment that outlines the premise of your movie in your presentation, whether you’re doing it orally or using a deck. Without giving away the entire story, discuss the main plot of the story.

 

Characters

In your pitch, include a section that describes your key characters in detail. Describe the main character, any antagonists, and any significant supporting characters that are crucial to the story. Discuss the fascinating qualities of these characters, such as their motivations, story arcs, or key characteristics.

 

Filmmaking Elements

If certain forms of cinematography, styles, lighting, or music inspire you or help set the mood for your movie, you can incorporate them in your pitch. Include any special aspects of the filmmaking that could improve your chances of getting a pitch accepted. Mention the budget, any present funding, and any linked directors or actors.

 

Conclusion

Discuss how the story concludes when your pitch comes to a close. You can also leave your audience with a cliffhanger, but make sure it leaves them wanting more information rather than confused or unsatisfying them. You can also talk about the need of filming your movie right now and any other intriguing personal details that might assist sell your concept. Then, you want to persuade your viewers that only you are capable of producing this film.

   

 

How to Pitch A Movie Idea

Every filmmaker should follow these steps to ensure they have given the most captivating pitch possible:

 

Find the right people to pitch to

Verify that the financiers or producers are a good fit for your script. For instance, unless your story is a comedy horror picture with comic elements, don’t try to schedule a meeting with a production company that solely produces horror films.

 

Source the best pitching opportunities

To try and get people interested in your ideas, go to pitch fests or take advantage of networking opportunities. To find out if they accept unsolicited submissions from new writers, get in touch with production companies. When calling the people you want to pitch, be polite but assertive.

 

Be sure to know every aspect of your film

Before entering the pitch room, practise your pitch and make sure you are comfortable with all the aspects of your story. Starting at the beginning and working your way through the plot, keep your pitch to the essentials of your movie. Be careful not to go over the time provided to you.

 

Have an answer ready for everything

Even if the story you’ve been practising may make perfect sense to you, keep in mind that it is a whole different story to someone else. Be ready to respond to queries from your audience by being prepared ahead of time.

 

 

Demonstrate your passion and confidence

You need to persuade your audience that their time or money would be better spent on your concept. Even a fantastic concept might not sound enticing if you come off as uncertain or uneasy. Being confident will probably encourage your audience to become as enthusiastic about your film idea as you are.

 

Check back in

Some executives may take a few weeks, or even longer, to respond to your pitch. Send a polite follow-up email to the people you pitched to after roughly a month has elapsed.

 

If at first, you don’t succeed…

After your opening pitch, if you hear “no,” don’t take it personally. There are various requirements for purchasing a film script, and occasionally particular concepts don’t fit inside a studio’s agenda. You can always shop the idea around to other studios if one studio doesn’t work out. Don’t give up on your writing since you should believe in it.