Completing a screenplay is no small task. If you’ve finally put the finishing touches on your script, you’re probably eager to start pitching it to production companies. After all, what good is a script if it never gets made into a film? This article “How To Write A Pitch Your Screenplay To Producers” will give you some tips on how to pitch a movie idea. We’ll cover everything from how to reach out to producers, to how to create a professional film pitch presentation. These tips will help you to give your script the best possible chance in a competitive marketplace.
What is a Film Pitch?
If you’re fairly new to screenwriting, you might not be familiar with the concept of a film or movie pitch. A pitch is a relatively brief verbal presentation designed to sell producers on your script or film idea. While you may have a brilliant, unique idea for a film, you’ll struggle to make it a reality without the financial backing, experience, and support of a production company.
In some cases, writers pitch rough ideas to a company or a producer. Successful pitches will result in funding for the writing process. If you already have a screenplay ready to go, you will also need to create a verbal pitch. Most producers don’t have the time to read an entire screenplay. Instead, they’ll want to hear a concise presentation of what the film is about first.
The Elevator Pitch
The “elevator pitch” is the most well-known version of a film pitch. As the name suggests, this type of pitch should only take about 60 seconds – about the time of an elevator ride. Some of the most famous movie pitches have been spur of the moment elevator pitches. Every screenwriter should be prepared to give a killer elevator pitch for their script.
This type of pitch can come in handy if you happen to meet a producer at a film premiere or event. You may also be asked to give this mini-pitch in your initial meeting with a production company.
The Full-Length Pitch
If you’re lucky enough to schedule a pitch meeting with a producer, you’ll have a little bit more time to sell your script. A full-length pitch should be between 15 and 20 minutes. If the producer asks for a specific pitch length, try to stick to it.
In this longer film pitch, you’ll be able to go into more detail about the structure of the story, the central characters, and the impact you hope to achieve from the film.
Getting a Pitch Meeting
The first task in selling your screenplay will be getting in the door. You can’t pitch your screenplay or film idea without first securing a meeting with a production company. If you’re just starting out, you probably don’t know where to begin.
While established writers tend to have a writing manager or agent to help them secure meetings and deals with producers, you may not have that luxury at this stage in your career. You’ll likely need to seek out film pitch opportunities yourself.
Writing to Production Companies
A great place to start is reaching out to production companies. Start by doing some research. Ask yourself which films you admire. Look for films that are similar to your script in mindset, style, and production scale. Find out which production companies were involved in creating these films.
Create a spreadsheet listing all of the companies you want to approach with your idea. Use social media and IMDb Pro to figure out the names and email addresses of the relevant people in the company. For small, young production companies, you may be able to contact people directly over social media.
The Networking Game
In the film industry, networking is a vital part of career progression and success. In addition to your online research, head out into the world with your elevator pitch at the ready. Some great places to network and build relationships include small film premieres, parties held by friends who work in the industry, and industry-led writing workshops.
Connect with Young Producers Online
First-time producers are a great place to start your search if you’re pitching a low budget short film or pilot. … Not sure how the platform will work – but thought this might be a good place to soft sell FILMD.
How to Write a Pitch for your Screenplay
Once you’ve secured a meeting with a potential producer for your film, begin preparing your pitch. You’ll get one chance to sell your idea to this company, so you’ll want to be as prepared as possible.
Whether you are writing a quick 60-second pitch, or you’re preparing to present a longer pitch, you should always stick to the essentials. Great movie pitches are clear, concise, and focused, so try to keep your pitch to the point.
Establish Genre
Begin the pitch by establishing the film’s genre and context. You might also give a brief introduction as to why you were inspired to write this story. This introduction to genre and context should give the producers a good idea of the style and feel of the film.
Imagine It as a Verbal Film Trailer
Avoid extraneous details that will overcomplicate your pitch and reduce its impact. A good way to make sure your pitch is snappy and hard-hitting to imagine it as a verbal film trailer. How do you visualise the trailer of this film? Does it focus on atmosphere, character development, or story? This will give you a good idea of what to discuss in order to sell your script.
Ask Yourself What is Important?
In order to hone in on the key aspects of your script, make sure you know exactly which elements are most important. Ask yourself if it is primarily plot-driven, character-driven, or thematic in focus. Once you’ve established the main point of the script and story, you will know what to focus on in the pitch.
This is a crucial step, as some scripts are not plot-driven. This means that the pitch shouldn’t always be about what happens, but rather what impact the film will have. Some pitches will, therefore, need to focus more on style and theme to show what will make the film brilliant.
Highlight the Beats and Plot Trajectory
In a longer film pitch, you’ll have the time to get into a little more detail. Try to highlight the main plot trajectory in beats. This will give the producers a better understanding of the emotional journey the film will take.
By hitting the main beats in the story, such as turning points, climaxes, and so on, you’ll take your listeners on a mini journey through the script, giving them an idea of the emotional impact the film will have on its viewers.
While some writers choose to include the ending of the film in their pitch, others prefer to leave their audience hanging on the edge of their seat. Whether you include the ending or not is up to you. If the film’s ending is important for tying up the meaning and purpose of the film, it’s usually best to include it. However, if the film is a mystery or suspense story, you may wish to intrigue the producers by leaving them guessing as to the conclusion.
Avoid Specific Film or Actor References
While you may feel that your pitch would benefit from a reference to a relevant film, in most cases, saying that your film will be a modern-day “Fight Club,” will only make your pitch seem amateur and uninventive. Comparing your film to another film, will also taint the way your listeners visualise your film for the rest of the pitch.
You should also avoid suggesting potential actors for the film. You want to leave room in the producer’s imagination for their version of the script. Remember, although it is your idea, one a producer comes on board, the film will become a collaboration, and casting decisions will be out of your hands. Let the producers hear your pitch and visualise the casting types themselves.
Creating a Pitch Deck
The pitch deck is the visual side of your presentation. While it’s usually not necessary for pitch meeting, it can be a great tool to help your audience visualise your idea.
You may wish to include the following information in the deck:
- Title
- Longline
- Synopsis
- Lookbook
- Storyboard
Unless you’re able to create a professional, visually appealing presentation, it’s usually best to forgo the visual component. Use the visual side of your presentation to add to what you’re saying rather than distract from it. For instance, you may choose some vague photos to suggest an atmosphere, mood, or style, to help the production team imagine what your film would look like on screen.
How to Pitch a TV Series
Pitching a tv series is slightly different than pitching a film. With a tv pitch, you will likely want to explain the premise as set up in the show’s pilot episode. Figure out what your core idea really is and make this the focus of your pitch.
You may want to include some information at the end of the pitch about where you see the first series going. You might even pitch an idea about the direction the show could take about the first series.
How to Nail a Pitch Meeting
Once you’ve written a draft of your pitch, it’s time to start preparing for the meeting itself.
What to Expect from a Pitch Meeting
Most meetings with production companies go roughly the same way. If the meeting is taking place at the company’s head office, you’ll likely spend a few nerve-racking minutes sitting in the reception area frantically trying to remember your own name.
Try to take some deep breaths in the lead-up to the meeting. Focus on what you love about your idea or your script. Allow yourself to get excited and confident about having the chance to share your idea. Remember, they’ve asked you here for a reason – they’re intrigued and want you to succeed.
Eventually, you’ll walk into the room and be introduced to the team. Try to be friendly, outgoing, and professional in these first few minutes. After the introductions and some small talk, they’ll probably ask for your pitch.
After the pitch, the producers may have some questions about the script. These questions can range from queries about a certain character, a plot point, your inspiration, or the film’s style. Be prepared for this Q&A section of the meeting. After these questions, the meeting will likely come to an end.
Tips on Pitching like a Pro
The most important part of the meeting is going to be your actual pitch. Here are some tips on nailing your movie pitch in every single meeting:
- Know who you are pitching to. Do your research on the production company you will be presenting to. Check out their previous work. Notice if they tend to produce films of a similar style. This will allow you to highlight the appropriate aspects of your film.
- Sell yourself as well as the idea. While your script is the main selling point of the meeting, you also need to sell yourself. You’ll need to come across as a reliable, friendly, and professional person to work with. Once your script is picked up, you will be collaborating with the producers for months or even years to come.
- Practice pitching at home. Don’t forget to rehearse your film pitch presentation at home. Practice talking through the pitch in the allocated time. Make sure you know exactly what you plan to say. Also ensure that you practice delivering the pitch in a confident, self-assured manner. Exuding passion and excitement about your project will help others get behind it.
The Takeaway
Hopefully, these tips have given you a good idea of how to take the next steps with your screenplay. Pitching a film idea to a production company is never easy. The skills required are very different to the skills of a screenwriter, so don’t worry if the process feels somewhat alien to you.
Try to remember what you love about your script. This will help you to be unique, passionate, and captivating when you pitch your idea. With each pitch, you’ll become more and more confident and comfortable, so keep seeking out opportunities to share your script, and soon you might see your idea become a reality.
