KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL PITCH
PITCH TIPS
Suggestions:
Try not to go off on a tangent or bring too much detail to your explanation of the plot. Keep a clear and concise focus to your pitch. Follow the primary thru line of the story to its natural end before explaining subplots. Try to limit your pitch to 3 or 4 main characters.
Make sure you clearly state:
Who is my main character? What is his/ her primary goal? Who/ what is standing in his/ her way? What is at stake? What is the resolution? What does our protagonist learn and how do they change?
Ask yourself these questions as you prepare your pitch:
Why would your dream actor or actress want to say yes to this? What about their character in the film would appeal? Why do audiences care? How/ what/ who will my audience relate to (in) this movie? How is this movie different from what we’ve seen before? Is this an important story to you personally?
THE JUDGE’S SCORE CARD
(The judges base their scores on the criteria listed below.)
STORY: Is there a strong hook? Is the story engaging enough to sustain our attention for a full 90 minutes? As a TV show, do the concept and characters have legs?
STRUCTURE: Does the pitch mirror the film’s structure with clear beginning, middle and end? If not does it benefit the story? Does the end of act one challenge your protagonist or force him/her to make a decision?
THEME: The theme of the film is what you want people talking about when they leave the cinema. Why do we care? Beyond the story and characters, what is your film about?
CONCEPT/ PREMISE: How clear is the premise to identify with/ relate to? Is it a high concept premise, or low concept? Is it a genre driven concept, or character driven?
PLOT POINTS: Does the pitch clearly lay out the primary plot points? Do the plot points twist and turn the story in unpredictable ways? Do the plot points add to the dramatic tension, provide obstacles for the protagonist?
CONFLICT: Conflict provides dramatic tension. Conflict is the driving force of any story and usually involves physical (man v man) and emotional (man v himself) conflict. What’s at stake for our protagonist?
CAST-ABILITY/ CHARACTERIZATION: Are your characters relatable, engaging? Are the character motivations believable? Do their actions fit their personality? Is there a clear trajectory to the primary character arc? Are the characters in this film likely to attract name talent? Are these fun/ meaty roles that will challenge and excite actors/ actresses?
MARKETABILITY: How easy is this concept to market? Can the concept be conveyed easily on a movie poster? What is the merchandising potential? Does it have sequel or franchise potential?
COMMERCIALITY: How broad is the appeal of your film? Is it a 4 quadrant, 3,000 screen, summer tent-pole or is it a personal, niche oriented film destined to a limited release in art house theaters.
SALABILITY (MARKET POTENTIAL): The trends and needs of the market place change often. Is there a Zeitgeist this film connects with? How easy is this film to sell according to the current landscape of the industry?
