Being in the entertainment industry you hear that film scripts are sold by the pitch, hook or the sinker, well today I’m going to give you some personal pointers on how to make your “Pitch,” pitch perfect!
A pitch is what interest a potential buyer, seller, marketer or financier to your story! They are not interested in the full treatments they are interested in the hook! If you can sell them on the hook or the sinker of your story then the deal is in the bag. Many deals are done over paper napkins, in elevators, in taxies or anywhere where people are speaking about ideas/stories that work.
The film industry is not the only industry that has grasped the validity and value of a great pitch. These concepts have worked for marketers and major businesses for years. Marketers uses “Catch Phrases” or quick phrases that will catch your attention to buy a product they want to sell you. Ex. Just Do It (Nike), Bet You Can’t Eat Just One (Lays), Just For The Taste Of It (Diet Coke). These phrases has become so familiar that when we hear the catch phrase we automatically think of the brand of product that it derives from. Coming up with a pitch is similar to this same method. It’s the, “Film Phrase” or pitch banks at the boxoffice. Coming up with a perfect pitch takes practice. Follow theses steps and get your script noticed.
When you consider a story line you may start with a simple idea such as; A man in a tunnel. That’s a great start, now you must put a story around that line. Here’s an example.
1. A man in a tunnel. 2. The tunnel begins to leak water. 3. The man’s son appears in the tunnel 4. Precious jewels are found in the tunnel. 5. The man must decided between the life of his son or the rock that could prosper is life.
Now, looking at this example you have a lot of information. Now you must consider what is important and vital to the hook of this story. By breaking down these key points you will develop the “Film Phrase,” of your story.
“An errupting tunnel shakes a man who must choose between his trapped son and a jewel that could change his life.”
Now, with this condensed version of your story, people will get a clear message of the story, the plot, and are anticipating the outcome of the deciding choice.
These are the steps you must make to create your perfect pitch.
1. Create your main character
2. Place them in a dilemma
3. Create the challenge
4. Make an unpredictable outcome
5. Write down key points of the story.
6. Develop a one line “Film Phrase” that will sale your story.
Please remember pitches are short versions of you story. The less the better and be creative and as innovative as you can regarding your story. People will take interest in your “Film Phrase” if you take the time to “Make It Great!”
By: Talia Moore/DT Productions
