What Is A Pitch In Film? An Insightful Dive into the World of Movie Ideas

Marketing

Nov 7

Have you ever watched a movie and thought, "I had a similar idea once!"? Well, that's because movie-making often starts with a singular movie idea. But how does one transform that idea into a blockbuster or an indie hit?

Enter: The film pitch.

The Basics: Unpacking the Pitch

In the film industry, a pitch, in its most elemental form, is a presentation of a movie idea to those with the resources and interest to bring it to life.

This could be studio executives, film producers, or potential investors.

The Different Flavors of Film Pitches

Elevator Pitch: Think of this as the speed-dating version of movie pitches. You've got a limited timeframe (think an elevator ride) to impress. It's all about the essence and the emotion.
Standard Pitch: This is a more detailed version, often presented in pitch meetings. It can include an extended logline, character arcs, major plot points, and visual elements.
The Deck: Film pitch decks are visual presentations with concept art, potential cast members, or mood boards. They're your movie's potential wardrobe, so to speak.

The Key Ingredients of a Successful Pitch

While there's no guaranteed recipe for writing a successful pitch, there are some essential elements to include:

Story and Structure: Often, following the traditional three-act structure can help. From introducing the main characters to the climax and resolution, it's storytelling 101.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Whether it's "this meets that" to convey the tone or concept of your film by comparing it to other movies or highlighting a fresh twist in a familiar film genre, know what sets your story apart.
Visual Supplements: Sometimes, a picture does speak a thousand words. Visual supplements can range from storyboards to concept art, giving a tangible feel to your idea.
Know Your Audience: Who are you pitching to? Understanding the interests and past investments of a studio executive or Hollywood producer can guide the direction of your pitch.

Special Considerations

True Stories vs. Fiction: Pitching a True Story? Emphasize authenticity. When it's entirely fiction, the sky (or your imagination) is the limit, but ensure it's relatable.
The "Ask": Whether it's for funding, a green light from a production company, or just feedback, be clear on what you hope to achieve from the pitch.

The Pitching Arena

While you might have the next groundbreaking film concept, where do you go to pitch it?

Film Festivals and Pitch Fests: A mecca for budding filmmakers and writers, these events offer a platform and pitching opportunities to present your idea.
Production Houses: Got a feature film idea? Target production companies who are known for that genre. Remember, it's all about alignment.

Nifty Tips for Aspiring Pitchers

Preparation: Have a first draft of your script ready, or at least a detailed outline. It's always impressive when you're prepared.
Unsolicited Pitches: Tread carefully here. Always ensure your idea is original, and protect it legally when possible.
Practice: The more pitches you do, the better you get. Collect feedback, refine, and pitch again!

In Conclusion

Film pitching is an art, a dance between passion and pragmatism. Whether you're sharing a spine-chilling horror film idea or a heartwarming drama, the essence lies in connecting with the listener.

After all, every iconic film, from indie darlings to mega-blockbusters, started as a mere idea in someone's mind, waiting for its time in the limelight.

So, here's to your movie idea, and may the cinematic forces be with you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Film Pitches (FAQs)

What is a pitch in film?

A pitch in film, often just referred to as a "pitch," is the presentation of a movie idea or film concept to potential investors, film producers, studio executives, or production companies.

How does a movie pitch differ from an elevator pitch?

While both present ideas, a movie pitch is tailored to the film industry, focusing on a feature film project. An elevator pitch, on the other hand, is a quick synopsis that can be delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator.

It's like the movie trailer of pitches!

How do I ensure it's a successful movie pitch?

To ensure you have a solid movie pitch:

Familiarize yourself with successful pitches of other films in the genre.
Highlight the essential elements and most important elements of your story.
Make sure to create suspense and a unique twist.

Where can I pitch my film idea?

There are several avenues:

Film festivals: Many film festivals have pitching sessions.
Pitch fests: Events solely for pitching.
Production companies: Especially those known for producing films in your genre.
Studio executives: They're always looking for the next big thing.

What should I include in my pitch meeting?

Ah, the golden ticket to the film industry! Make sure you're armed with:

An extended logline: A one or two-sentence summary of your film.
A visual supplement: This can be storyboards, concept art, or even a short teaser!
Mention the main characters, the plot, and the unique style of your film.

What's the deal with "this meets that" in movie pitches?

"This meets that" is a strategy to convey the tone or concept of your film quickly by referencing other movies. For instance, "Think 'Jaws' meets 'Finding Nemo'!" - A terrifying tale of a shark who wants to be friends!

How do I pitch a true story vs. something entirely fiction?

With a true story, authenticity is vital. Highlight actual events, real characters, and the emotional truth of the story. For entire fiction, unleash your creativity, but always ground your idea in relatable emotions and experiences.

Are there any tips for pitching to a potential investor?

Absolutely!

Understand their past investments. Do they love feature films, or have they invested in horror films before?
Present them with potential returns, audience demographics, and marketing strategies.
Show passion, be prepared, and always leave them wanting more!

What are film pitch decks?

Film pitch decks are visual presentations that accompany your oral pitch. They can include concept art, character designs, potential casting choices, and more.

They're like the PowerPoint of the film world!