Pitching a script is an art form all its own. You might have the most brilliant screenplay in the world, but if you can’t sell it in a room full of decision-makers, it’s going nowhere. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking—producers want you to wow them in minutes (sometimes seconds).
So how do you craft a pitch that not only gets attention but lands your script in production? Let’s dive into five proven techniques, backed by real stories from Hollywood success stories, to help you master the art of the pitch.
1. Start With a Killer Logline
Your logline is your script’s elevator pitch. It’s the one-sentence summary that captures the essence of your story and makes people want to know more. A strong logline hooks producers instantly and sets the tone for your entire pitch.
What Makes a Great Logline:
- Clarity: It’s simple and easy to understand. No jargon, no overcomplication.
- Contrast: Juxtapose opposites or unexpected elements for intrigue.
- Stakes: Highlight the tension or the emotional hook.
Example: “A weatherman finds himself reliving the same day over and over again.” (Groundhog Day)
It’s short, it’s intriguing, and it raises immediate questions.
Success Story:
When Jon Favreau pitched Iron Man to Marvel, he boiled the concept down to a simple phrase: “A billionaire genius with a heart problem builds a suit of armor to save his life—and the world.” That logline not only sold the idea but launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Pro Tip: Practice your logline on friends who aren’t in the industry. If it confuses them, revise until it clicks.
2. Lead With a Big Idea
Producers love high-concept stories—ideas that feel fresh, unique, and easily marketable. Start your pitch by framing the big idea of your script. What makes it stand out from the hundreds of others on their desks?
How to Highlight Your Big Idea:
- Showcase Originality: Is it a new twist on a familiar trope? A genre mashup? A bold theme? Make it clear.
- Explain Its Appeal: Why will audiences flock to see this movie? Mention potential marketing angles or fan appeal.
- Keep It Visual: Paint a picture of your story in their minds with vivid, cinematic language.
Example: James Cameron pitched Aliens with just two words: “Alien. Marines.” The simplicity of his big idea instantly sold the sequel as a fresh, action-packed take on the original.
3. Connect Emotionally With Your Audience
Movies are emotional experiences, so your pitch should be too. If you can make a producer laugh, cry, or feel genuinely excited, you’re already ahead of the game.
Tips for Emotional Connection:
- Share Your Passion: Why does this story matter to you? Your excitement is contagious.
- Highlight Relatable Themes: Frame your script in terms of universal emotions—love, loss, fear, hope.
- Use a Personal Hook: If the story was inspired by your own life or experiences, weave that into the pitch.
Success Story: When Emma Donoghue pitched Room, she shared how the story was inspired by her fears as a parent and her fascination with survival psychology. This personal connection helped sell the script to producers and ultimately led to Oscar wins.
4. Be Ready for Comparisons
Producers need to understand where your script fits in the market. Comparisons to existing films can help, but they need to strike the right balance: familiar yet fresh.
How to Do It:
- Combine Familiar References: Use two successful films to create a clear picture of your script’s tone or genre. For example, “It’s Jaws meets The Social Network.”
- Highlight the Unique Twist: Immediately follow up with how your story stands out from those comparisons.
Example: The creators of Stranger Things pitched the series as “a love letter to ’80s sci-fi, like E.T. meets Stand by Me with a Stephen King twist.” The familiar touchstones combined with their unique vision made it an easy sell.
Pro Tip: Avoid comparing your script to blockbuster classics like Titanic or Star Wars unless you’re absolutely sure it can live up to that level of success.
5. End With a Cliffhanger
Just like your script’s first page needs to hook readers, your pitch’s final moments need to leave them wanting more. Close with a question or a tantalizing detail that sticks in their minds long after you leave the room.
How to Do It:
- Tease the Ending: Share just enough about your story’s climax to intrigue them, but don’t give everything away.
- Drop a Provocative Question: Pose a “what if” scenario that ties directly to your script’s theme.
- Suggest a Sequel or Franchise: If your story has potential for expansion, hint at how it could grow.
Example: When pitching The Sixth Sense, M. Night Shyamalan ended with: “The kid isn’t the only one who sees dead people. His therapist doesn’t realize he’s dead until the very end.” That shocking twist sealed the deal.
Behind-the-Scenes Hollywood Insight
How George Lucas Pitched Star Wars:
Lucas knew his concept was ambitious and complex, so he leaned on comparisons and visuals. He pitched Star Wars as “a Western in space, like Flash Gordon meets The Hidden Fortress.” He also brought concept art to his meetings, helping producers visualize the galaxy he was trying to create.
How Reese Witherspoon Helped Sell Gone Girl:
Witherspoon pitched Gone Girl to studios as a dark, twisty thriller with mass appeal, highlighting the book’s bestseller status and teasing the morally ambiguous ending. Her pitch leveraged the book’s popularity to secure major backing.
FAQs About Pitching a Script
Q: How long should a pitch be?
A: Keep it under 10 minutes. Producers are busy, and concise pitches show you respect their time.
Q: Do I need visual aids for my pitch?
A: Not necessarily, but they can help. Concept art, mood boards, or sizzle reels are great if they complement the pitch without overshadowing it.
Q: What if they say no?
A: Don’t be discouraged. Ask for feedback, refine your pitch, and try again with someone else. Rejections are part of the process.
Final Thoughts: Confidence Is Key
Pitching is nerve-wracking, but remember—you’re the expert on your story. Be clear, passionate, and prepared, and you’ll leave a lasting impression, even if they don’t buy your script right away. And if you hear a “no”? Take it as an opportunity to refine your pitch and keep going. Success in Hollywood often hinges on perseverance.
Further Resources:
- Stage 32 for pitch coaching and networking.
- Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder for crafting marketable scripts.
- The Pitching Bible by Paul Boross for mastering the art of the pitch.
