Making the Cut: How to Pitch Your Movie Idea Like a Pro

First and foremost, unless you’re a well-established screenwriter with significant industry clout, Hollywood no longer buys pitches. You can thank the advent of comic book movies and the death of middle class movie productions for that. However, you may get the opportunity at some point, whether it’s pitching to Hollywood, producers, production companies, or independent investors.

You’ll need to pitch your movie in some shape, fashion, or form, even if it’s using a logline for your elevator pitch.

Pitching a movie idea can be difficult, but with the right approach and preparation, it can be a successful way to get your project off the ground. Here are some pointers for pitching your film concept to potential investors and industry professionals.

Know your audience.

Before pitching your idea, you should have a good idea of who your target audience is and what kind of film they are likely to be interested in. Conduct market research to learn about current trends and what audiences want from a film. This will help you tailor your pitch to your audience’s specific interests.

Be ready.

A clear and well-organized pitch deck outlining the key elements of your project, such as the story, characters, budget, and marketing plan, is essential. Make your pitch deck visually appealing and simple to understand.

Tell a compelling story.

Because the story is at the heart of your film concept, you must be able to convey it in a way that captures the audience’s attention and makes them want to see the film. Make sure your synopsis is well-written and provides a clear idea of the film’s plot, characters, and themes.

Show your passion.

It is critical to demonstrate that you are enthusiastic about your project and have a clear vision for how you intend to bring it to fruition.

Be practical.

Be open and honest about the project’s costs, including how the funding will be used and the potential return on investment. A detailed budget breakdown can assist investors in understanding the project’s financial risks and potential rewards.

Make a strong call to action.

Finish your pitch with a strong call to action, such as requesting a meeting or a follow-up call to discuss the project further. Make it easy for the person to whom you are pitching to take the next step.

Follow up.

After your pitch, make sure to contact the person to whom you pitched. Send them a thank-you note in which you remind them of your project and why you believe it is a good investment.

Remember, pitching a movie idea is not just about securing funding; it is also about building relationships and networking with industry professionals. These are not hard and fast rules, just guidelines to help increase your chances.

What are different ways to pitch your movie idea?

There are several ways to pitch a movie, depending on the stage of the project and the audience you are trying to reach. Some of the common ways to pitch a movie include:

Create a movie pitch deck.

When it comes to getting a movie made, a pitch deck is one of the most important tools a filmmaker can have. A “pitch deck” is a visual presentation that outlines the key elements of a film project, including the story, characters, budget, and marketing plan. It’s used to pitch the project to potential investors, studio executives, and other industry professionals in the hopes of securing funding and getting the movie made.

But a pitch deck is not just a way to get funding for a movie. It’s also a powerful tool for shaping the direction of a project and communicating the vision of the filmmaker. By creating a clear and compelling pitch deck, a filmmaker can ensure that everyone involved in the project is on the same page and working towards the same goal.

Oral pitch.

An oral pitch is a verbal presentation of your movie idea, where you present the key elements of your project to a live audience. This can be done in person or via video conference. The audience will typically be a small group of executives, if not a few. This process is where you’ll need to truly become a salesman.

Make a short film or trailer.

A short film or trailer is a way to give a taste of what the movie would be like. It can be used to showcase the visual style and tone of the film and give a sense of the story and characters.

There are a good number of filmmakers who used short films or trailers to break into the industry. The movie Saw started off as a short film with the purpose of being made into a feature.

The movie “Mama” also started off as a short film that went viral before it was picked up by Hollywood.

Another good example is the trailer titled “Panic Attack” which went viral on YouTube and caught the attention of Sam Rami, who gave the filmmaker his first deal.

Attend pitch festivals.

Pitch festivals are events where writers, directors, and producers can pitch their movie ideas to industry professionals, such as agents, managers, and executives. These events can be a great way to network and get your project in front of the right people.

Check crowdfunding platforms.

Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo can be used to pitch your movie idea to a wider audience and raise funds for the production.

Ultimately, the best way to pitch your movie will depend on the stage of the project and your target audience. A combination of different methods can be used to get your movie idea in front of the right people, and increase your chances of getting it made.

What if you’re not a screenwriter and you’re trying to sell your movie idea?

In this case, you’ll need to either become a producer or partner with one who may already have contacts in the industry. At the bare minimum, educate yourself on what producers actually do. You can also consider hiring or partnering with a screenwriter who can execute your movie idea.

Remember, ideas alone are pretty worthless and are a dime a dozen. Everybody has “ideas.” Ideas don’t become valuable until they’re fully fleshed out with a story, characters, and everything else that makes a good movie.

Look for a screenwriter who is experienced in writing the genre of your movie and has a track record of getting their scripts produced. You can find screenwriters through networking, industry events, online platforms (facebook groups, reddit, etc), or agents and managers.

There are several online platforms that connect filmmakers with screenwriters, such as The Black List, InkTip, and Script Pipeline. These platforms allow you to post your project and connect with potential screenwriters.

Some professional organizations, such as the Writers Guild of America, the Writers Guild of Canada, and the Australian Writers’ Guild, can provide you with a list of their members that are available for hire.

Finding producers for your movie can be a challenging task, but there are several ways to increase your chances of success. Some of the best ways to find producers for your movie include:

Networking.

Building relationships with industry professionals is one of the most effective ways to find producers for your movie. Attend film festivals, industry events, and networking gatherings to meet other filmmakers and producers.

Reach out to agents and managers.

Consider hiring an agent or manager to help you find producers for your movie. They have the industry connections and experience to help you get your project in front of the right people.

Visit popular online platforms where filmmakers hang out.

There are several online platforms that connect filmmakers with producers, such as ProductionHUB, ProductionBeast, and Stage32. These platforms allow you to post your project and connect with potential producers.

Go to your local film commission.

Film commissions are local organizations that help connect filmmakers with resources and funding. They can also help you find producers and other industry professionals, such as screenwriters, in your area.

Check crowdfunding websites.

Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo can be used to raise funds for your project and can also help you find producers who are interested in investing in your movie.

Ask for referrals.

Ask other filmmakers or industry professionals if they know of any producers who might be interested in your project. Personal referrals can carry a lot of weight in the industry.

Remember, finding the right producer for your movie is about building relationships and networking. Be persistent, and don’t give up if you get rejected; it’s not uncommon to be turned down multiple times before finding the right producer for your project.

It’s also important to note that it’s not always necessary to have a producer to get a movie made; depending on the scale of the project and the resources you have, you can take on the role of the producer yourself. But in general, a good producer can help you navigate the industry and bring the necessary resources and expertise to make the project happen.