How to Write a Film Pitch

Co-authored by Travis Page

Last Updated: February 27, 2022

Writing a pitch is not as complicated as it seems. The whole point of a pitch is to 'sell' your idea. In this case, to sell your film. It's likely that the people you'll be pitching your idea to have other things to do, so you need to tell them why your film is worth their time and/or investment.

Steps

1
Think of a tagline. This should be a sentence (one line) that describes your film. It's purpose is to grab your reader's attention. Once you've thought of one, it'll be easier to expand on your story without writing too much. Your tagline may determine whether or not your reader will read on.
2
Make sure you write about your film highlights. (Think: movie trailer.) They show enough for the audience to know what it's about and decide to go out and watch the film, but they don't reveal the entire contents of the film. When elaborating on your film, remember to try and keep your story original, so it doesn't sound like every other film ever made.
- For example, a young teen enters a grocery store. As he's paying for items, armed men enter to rob the store. Shopkeeper doesn't cooperate and gets killed. The young teen is a witness. (A very basic and familiar story beginning, right?) Armed men decide to kidnap the young teen and decide to hold him hostage in hopes they will get paid for his return. Except no one turns up looking for him. (This is the beginning of your twist and originality).
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3
Use your character's name in order to carry your listener along. Also, if there is a well known character from another film that is similar to your character, mention that to give your listener a better sense of your character. For example, if your character is a Jack Sparrow type, saying "Jack Sparrow type" will let them better understand what you mean.
4
Avoid making your pitch too long. The general rule for writing and delivering a pitch is, "the shorter, the better." This also depends on who will be receiving the pitch. In some situations, a time/word/page limit is given. (If so, be sure not to exceed it!) Try to keep it down to a few sentences if possible. If you don't need to elaborate, don't.
- For example, 'Wedding Crashers' can be described using only the title. It's a film about people who crash a wedding. The only elaboration needed would be to explain how these wedding crashers are different from any others. What's their story? Do they have a motive?
5
If you have a surprise ending, include it. You're pitching to someone you want to invest or pay attention to your film, you need to be sure to pitch your entire story. Again, keep it short and sweet. Your aim is to intrigue your readers, not bore them to death.
6
Think about why you have a cliffhanger if your film ends with one. Is it absolutely necessary? If it is, steer clear of common, frequently repeated cliff-hangers such as " ...and the rest is history." Writing about your whole plot may help in selling your film.
7
Keep in mind who will be reading or listening to your pitch. Pay attention to how busy and influential they are. And whether they will have time to read through it all. Time is of the essence. Pay attention to the demands of the reader.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Travis Page
Video Content Specialist
Expert Interview. 27 June 2019.} If your pitch is voluntary (the reader hasn't actually invited you to send a pitch), don't write too much. If they are interested in your story, they will contact you for a longer treatment or script.
8
Include your contact details if your pitch is voluntary. This includes your name, email address, and phone number. If it is appropriate, you can include an address or P.O. box to which that they can mail letters.

Community Q&A

Question

How long should my script be?

Community Answer

Consider that each page is one minute of dialogue. So if you have 30 pages of script, that translates into 30 minutes of film/dialogue.
Question

What if I want to submit a movie idea for licensing and royalties. But do not have screenwriting experience? Do you know of any reputable companies that I can submit to?

Yakubu Dakleshelleng Musa

Community Answer

Most companies look for the "next big thing" but they also look for credibility. The first thing you need to do is to write. After that, you can start by gaining more experience by writing scripts and submitting them for film festivals or competitions. As you keep on writing, more people will become familiar with your works and who knows, you may just get there.
Question

So you can write anything you want but it has to be interesting and specific?

Cool_Coder9

Community Answer

Yes, if it isn't interesting, no one will make it. And if isn't specific ,your movie will not be interesting, which means (as previously said), they won't make it.

Warnings

It isn't guaranteed that your reader will invest or even like your film. If your film isn't what the reader is looking for, you may not get the answer you expect. Prepare for negative feedback or no feedback. Although, this doesn't mean that another reader will feel the same way. Perseverance is important.

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