Getting the opportunity to pitch your screenplay to Hollywood producers, directors and agents is an exciting milestone for any screenwriter. But it can also be nerve-wracking to condense your 120-page masterpiece into a compelling verbal pitch that hooks their attention in just minutes.
Whether during an impromptu elevator ride or a formal sit-down meeting, you’ll need to be ready to passionately pitch your story, characters, and cinematic vision. Master these techniques for pitching screenplays and you can convince industry insiders to beg for the chance to bring your script to screens big and small.
Prepare an Engaging Logline
The foundation of any killer movie pitch is a strong logline. This 1-2 sentence summary neatly encapsulates the protagonist, main conflict, and unique premise of your story. For example:
When a terminally ill scientist downloads his mind into a computer to achieve immortality, he discovers the dangers of human consciousness trapped in the digital realm.
Loglines are typically no more than 30 seconds when read aloud. They should clearly define the tone and genre while hinting at the character’s emotional arc. An effective logline is intriguing yet concise while avoiding too many specific details.
Here are tips for crafting a compelling logline:
- Identify the protagonist and their defining characteristics
- Establish the main conflict or challenge they face
- Include the unique premise and what sets your story apart
- Use vivid descriptive language to create intrigue
- Keep it under 15 seconds when read out loud
Avoid logline mistakes like focusing too much on Act 1 setup details rather than the core arc. Don’t get trapped in dense world-building minutiae. And resist cramming multiple story threads into a single convoluted sentence. A simple, evocative logline is best.
Master this vital elevator pitch foundation before expanding your story pitch. Loglines help screenwriters practice summing up their central concept in a snap.
Craft Your Pitch
With a killer logline ready, it’s time to develop a full pitch that expands on your story and characters. A pitch should run 5-10 minutes maximum. Any longer and you risk losing their interest.
Structure your screening pitch in three acts, just like a screenplay:
- Act 1 – The Setup Briefly set the scene by introducing your protagonist and the world they inhabit. For example, a detective pursuing a serial killer in gritty 1970s New York. Give just enough background to orient the listener while hinting at the main conflicts ahead.
- Act 2 – The Core Story Dive into the events that transpire as your protagonist pursues their goal and faces increasingly difficult obstacles. Take the listener on an emotional journey through the most pivotal scenes and turning points. Share key details about supporting characters that raise the stakes.
- Act 3 – The Resolution Describe how the story resolves, without giving everything away. Share how your protagonist is transformed physically and emotionally by their journey. Leave them wanting more.
Avoid getting bogged down on subplot threads or minor characters. Focus on the protagonist’s character arc and the escalating challenges they face. Use vivid imagery and evocative language to paint a picture. Help producers visualize how your story would look on screen.
Know Your Audience
An impactful pitch also requires understanding your audience. Do thorough research on the producer, director, or agent you’ll be pitching. Study the types of films, TV shows, and scripts they’ve previously worked on successfully. This will reveal their interests and creative sensibilities so you can tailor your pitch accordingly.
If they have a track record with gritty crime dramas, emphasize those elements. If they favor big-budget sci-fi epics, talk up the visual spectacle your story offers. Adapt your tone and degree of humor to their preferences.
Prepare by brainstorming questions they may ask about story elements, characters, marketing potential, and more. Having answers ready shows you’ve thought through how your story would successfully translate to screens. Confidently address any concerns they may have.
Practice Your Delivery
An eloquent script pitch requires meticulous practice. Refine your pitch until the flow feels natural and conversational while hitting all the key story beats. Time yourself to ensure you come in under 10 minutes.
Practice pacing, tone, volume, pauses, and emphasis. Subtle performance flair can help hold their interest, but avoid going overboard. Overly Memorized pitches can sound robotic.
Be ready to smoothly field any questions that pop up during an impromptu pitch session. Common queries include clarifying character motivations, expanding on plot points, or justifying story logic. Relish the chance to dive deeper into your brilliant ideas.
Prepare Supporting Materials
Visual materials can supplement your verbal pitch, but use them sparingly as the focus should be your words. A 1-page synopsis can help orient producers and refresh their memories afterward. For complex stories, a treatment detailing all plot points may be warranted.
Concept art, character/location images, music playlists, and book/comic spinoffs also help sell your cinematic vision. But avoid dragging out your full-length script unless specifically requested to do so in advance.
Physical leave-behinds like a title concept poster or T-shirts with iconic catchphrases from your script also help your pitch stick in their minds. Take advantage of the rare chances you have to meet creators in person.
By mastering the art of pitching compellingly, screenwriters can open doors to new opportunities and bring their creative visions to life on screens worldwide. Remember, every great movie starts with a writer passionately pitching their idea. With practice and perseverance, you can be the next great success story.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pitch a screenplay?
To pitch a screenplay, prepare a logline, craft a 5-10 minute oral pitch highlighting the protagonist, main conflict, and story arcs, research the audience, practice smooth delivery, and provide visual aids like concept art if possible. Focus on engaging the listener through vivid storytelling.
How do I sell my idea for a screenplay?
To sell a screenplay idea, first copyright and register it to protect your intellectual property. Then condense your idea into a logline and pitch, network to get referrals to producers seeking scripts, approach production companies accepting submissions, and highlight what makes your idea appealing and marketable.
What does it mean to pitch a script?
Pitching a script involves verbally summarizing your screenplay’s story, characters, themes, genre, tone, and visual style in a compelling way to capture the interest of industry professionals like producers, directors, or agents. The goal is to get them excited to read the full script.
Can I send my script to a production company?
You can send your script to production companies, but most do not accept unsolicited submissions. Target companies that do accept queries and follow their submission guidelines closely. Getting a producer or agent to request your script is ideal.
Can anyone pitch a screenplay?
Anyone can pitch a screenplay, but getting professionals to buy it requires storytelling talent and industry contacts. Emerging screenwriters should focus on craft, networking referrals, contests, and small successes to build credibility for major pitches.
Who accepts unsolicited scripts?
A few production companies and contests accept unsolicited scripts, but it’s challenging. More often, scripts are sold through referrals by managers, agents, and producers. Building relationships and having your material requested is key.
How much is the average screenplay sold for?
Sold script prices vary wildly, but the average speculative screenplay from an unproduced writer typically sells for a few thousand dollars up to about $35,000 if fully optioned, versus millions for established screenwriters.
How hard is it to get a screenplay sold?
Selling a screenplay is very difficult, especially for amateur writers, due to immense competition and industry barriers. On average, less than 1-2% of scripts submitted to agents ever get sold. Perseverance and relentlessly improving your craft is key.
What are the odds of selling a screenplay?
The odds of selling a screenplay are extremely low, estimated to be less than 1 in 10,000 for amateur writers. But they can be improved through diligent practice, networking, contests, querying small productions, and never giving up.
