Every screenwriter dreams of that moment: a producer or agent hears your pitch and instantly says, “Let’s make this movie.” But how do you go from the first “hello” to a signed deal? The secret often lies in how you pitch your script. In this article, we’ll explore five proven pitch techniques that have landed scripts in production and show you how to use them to your advantage.
1. The One-Liner: Crafting a Hook That Grabs Attention
A one-liner pitch is a single, concise sentence that sums up your script in a way that makes producers sit up and take notice. It’s the elevator pitch, the hook, the thing that makes someone want to hear more.
Why It Works:
- Simplicity: Producers get pitched hundreds of ideas, so your pitch needs to be easy to understand and quick to grasp.
- Curiosity: A good one-liner creates immediate intrigue and leaves them wanting to know more.
What to Do Next:
- Focus on the core concept of your story. What is it about? Who is it about? What’s at stake?
- Avoid overcomplicating the pitch—use clear, strong language to express the essence of your story.
- Keep it short—aim for no more than 30 words.
Example: Inception was pitched in one sentence: “A thief who enters the dreams of others must perform the ultimate heist—implanting an idea into a target’s mind.” Simple, but it’s enough to make someone want to hear the full story.
Pro Tip: Write your one-liner, then ask a friend or colleague to listen. If they understand it and want to know more after hearing it, you’re on the right track.
2. The “What If?” Question: Sparking Curiosity with Hypotheticals
One of the most effective ways to pitch a script is by asking a “what if?” question. This technique takes your audience into the world of your script by presenting a unique hypothetical situation that sparks curiosity.
Why It Works:
- Engages the Imagination: “What if?” questions invite the listener to envision the world you’re building.
- Sets Up the Stakes: By introducing a “what if?” scenario, you immediately show the producer the stakes and intrigue of your story.
What to Do Next:
- Start with a compelling premise that presents an intriguing situation or conflict. This will be the foundation of your “what if?”
- Make sure the question is both simple and engaging. The key is to make the listener think, “I want to know how this plays out.”
Example: The pitch for The Matrix was: “What if reality is an illusion, and we are living in a simulated world?” This immediately makes you want to know more about how the story unfolds.
Pro Tip: Practice your “what if?” pitch on a friend and gauge their reaction. If they ask follow-up questions immediately, you’ve nailed it.
3. The “Character + Desire” Pitch: Making the Protagonist the Heart of Your Pitch
At the core of every great story is a compelling protagonist. One of the best ways to pitch your script is by introducing your main character and their desire. What does your protagonist want, and what’s standing in their way?
Why It Works:
- Relatable: Audiences connect with characters and their desires. A clear, relatable character goal draws in the listener.
- Emotional Connection: By focusing on the protagonist’s journey, you create an emotional hook that makes the script feel more personal and invested.
What to Do Next:
- Describe your protagonist: Who are they? What do they want? Why should the producer care about their journey?
- Focus on what’s at stake: What will happen if the protagonist doesn’t succeed? This gives the listener an immediate reason to care.
Example: The pitch for The Hunger Games might have sounded something like, “A teenage girl must fight to the death in a televised gladiator-style contest to protect her sister.” This pitch immediately highlights the emotional stakes and the protagonist’s desire to protect her family.
Pro Tip: Make sure to clearly define your protagonist’s goal and obstacle in your pitch. The simpler and clearer you make this, the more effective your pitch will be.
4. The Visual Pitch: Selling the Look and Feel of Your Story
A strong visual concept can be a game-changer in a pitch. Hollywood loves films that not only have great stories but also look amazing on screen. If you can describe how your script will visually come to life, you’ll get a producer’s attention.
Why It Works:
- Visual Impact: Filmmakers are always looking for scripts that have strong visual potential. The more vividly you can describe the visuals, the more producers will imagine your script on the big screen.
- Adds Commercial Appeal: Strong visual concepts often make films more marketable and sellable.
What to Do Next:
- Think about how your story will look on screen. Can you describe a key scene or visual motif in a way that’s vivid and cinematic?
- Use descriptive language to sell the visual style of your script—paint a picture with words that allows the producer to see the world you’re building.
Example: The pitch for Avatar might have been, “It’s Pocahontas meets Jurassic Park—but on another planet, with breathtaking visuals, floating mountains, and glowing forests.” This gives the listener an immediate sense of the visual spectacle.
Pro Tip: If your script has a unique setting or world, don’t shy away from describing it in vivid detail. This can be a huge selling point.
5. The Twist Ending Pitch: Tease the Twist Without Giving It Away
Producers love a good twist. If your script has a big reveal or twist at the end, teasing it in the pitch can be a surefire way to grab attention—just don’t give it all away.
Why It Works:
- Intrigue: The promise of a twist creates a sense of mystery and makes the listener want to know how it all unfolds.
- Emotional Investment: A twist ending can leave a lasting emotional impact on the audience, making your script memorable.
What to Do Next:
- Tease, don’t reveal: Hint at the twist without giving it away. The key is to leave them wanting more.
- Build up the tension and mystery without spoiling the final revelation. Let the twist be the hook that keeps them engaged.
Example: The pitch for The Sixth Sense might have been: “A young boy who sees dead people enlists the help of a disillusioned psychologist, but the truth about his condition is far more shocking than anyone could imagine.”
Pro Tip: If your script has a twist, practice pitching it without revealing the twist. Tease enough to make them curious, but don’t spoil the surprise.
FAQs About Pitching Your Script
Q: How long should my pitch be?
A: Your pitch should be short and concise—about 1-2 minutes. Focus on the key elements: the concept, character, and stakes.
Q: What if I’m nervous pitching?
A: Practice, practice, practice. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll feel. And remember, producers are there to hear great ideas—they want you to succeed.
Q: Should I pitch my script in person or send it in writing?
A: In-person pitches are more effective because you can engage the listener and adjust based on their reactions. However, if you’re sending a pitch via email, make sure it’s concise, clear, and engaging.
Final Thoughts: Perfect Your Pitch and Get Noticed
The key to a successful pitch is simplicity, clarity, and intrigue. By honing these five techniques, you can craft a pitch that makes your script irresistible to producers. Remember, the pitch is just the first step—what happens next is up to the story you’ve created. So, make it count.
Further Resources:
- ScreenCraft Blog: Insight into writing pitches and screenplay structure.
- Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder for tips on pitching and storytelling.
- Stage 32: A community for screenwriters with pitch events and industry tips.
