Lights, Camera, Pitch! The Guide to Film and TV Pitch Decks

It's all about the pitch. Whether you're pitching an idea for a script or seeking funding for your film, your pitch deck is the first thing producers and investors will see. Statistics show that investors only spend about 4 minutes reviewing a pitch deck. Therefore, intriguing and high-quality film pitch decks are crucial for getting your project financed. In this guide, we will show you how to create a pitch deck from scratch in less than 2 hours.

What is a Film Pitch Deck?

A film pitch deck is a PowerPoint presentation designed to attract investors. It consists of a short, open-ended story that gives the reader an idea of what you have in mind for the movie or TV show. You can use this section to discuss the plot, your vision for the project, how you plan on creating it, and why you feel it will be successful. The pitch deck also includes key slides highlighting your plans and a list of team members with their credentials.

The next section should be made up of six slides highlighting your plans to create the project, including the production company you work for, where you plan on shooting it, and why people should invest in it. It's also worth showcasing your experience in filmmaking.

In short, a film pitch deck is a document containing information about the project you are pitching, your target audience, and what makes your project unique. A good pitch deck should include an introduction, synopsis, risks and challenges faced by your team, budget breakdowns, and a marketing plan.

What Goes in a Film Pitch Deck?

This section outlines everything that should be included in a pitch deck for a film. The structure of a film pitch deck differs somewhat from a normal Pitch Deck Outline. These decks help the creators of a film express their vision and show potential financiers what they plan to do. They can also be used as a tool for filmmakers to present their idea to actors and other important people in the industry. Every slide in the deck must be thoughtful and well-designed, so it is a good idea for any aspiring filmmaker to consider how they want their deck to look before presenting it.

The first thing that a movie pitch deck should have is a storyboard for the film. The storyboard should be detailed and show enough of the story for an investor to be able to picture it. It should include a brief summary of the plot, as well as some character bios and key scenes from the film.

Storyboard Film Pitch Deck

A Film Pitch Deck should include a breakdown of all expenses associated with making the film and projections on how much money it will generate once released. It should also feature relevant social media accounts, websites, or other outlets used to promote the project. Finally, the deck should conclude with an executive summary that briefly summarizes the content and provides an estimate of when more information will be available.

The following components are required for a Film Pitch Deck:

• Storyboard
• Brief summary of the plot
• Character bios
• Key scenes
• Breakdown of all expenses
• Promotion and marketing strategy

6 Tips for Creating a Great Movie Pitch Deck

A presentation deck is one of the most important documents a filmmaker will create. It is a crucial tool for obtaining funding for your film. In this section, we will guide you through the process of creating a pitch deck for a movie. Here are six tips to help you create a great one:

1. Research and Organize Your Idea

The first step is to thoroughly research your idea. The world is a small place, so it's possible that someone else has already implemented a similar idea. Before proceeding, check whether similar work has been done before and how you can improve upon it. During the research process, you can also find additional points to include in your pitch.

After that, organize your idea and plan how to pitch to investors. Write down the plot, the vision you want people to see through your project, and the essential team or resources you will need to make it happen.

2. Understand Your Audience and What They Want

To create a successful film pitch deck, it's crucial to understand your audience and their desires. Consider the underlying emotions and societal factors that will help viewers connect with your film. Building an emotional attachment is important for engaging them. However, this doesn't mean you should compromise your unique idea for something more conventional. Remember, creativity always wins. If your idea is original and compelling, even if it doesn't conform to traditional expectations, it can still attract investors successfully.

3. Consider the Best Way to Present Your Idea

The film industry is packed with talent, and competition is tough. Self-funding can be a heavy burden, so it's crucial to showcase your idea in a way that investors won't think twice about funding your project. To grab their attention, identify the unique selling point, include relevant statistics, captivating imagery, and distinctive points. All of these elements should be convincing enough to impress them. For more tips, check out our article on how to present a pitch deck to investors.

4. Create a Storyboard to Ensure You Understand What You Will Say

Storyboarding is an excellent planning tool that should be created before developing the final presentation. It can be used to depict a story or the flow of your presentation. Creating a clear storyboard gives you a better understanding of how to convey your idea to investors. You can visualize your idea and think of more creative ways to present it.

5. Draft Your Script

Drafting a script gives you a planned outlook on what you will say based on the content shown during your film pitch deck. This script will assist you in planning ahead as you prepare the various components that will come together to form the final output. Once you have finished storyboarding, it's time to write a script to support your presentation. Write a powerful introduction, take pauses, and mention statistics or facts that will impress the investor.

6. Ensure the Script Flows Smoothly from Point to Point and Is Easy to Follow

Once you have drafted an unstructured script, it is time to organize and write it formally. Make sure the script's content flows smoothly, aligning perfectly with the storyboard you designed. The best way to do this is to practice your script alongside the slides; this will help you make final tweaks and come up with better ways to communicate your message. While rehearsing, focus on your body language as well. Understanding which gestures go well with the script has a positive impact on attracting investors.

The Importance of Visuals and Design in Your Film Pitch Deck

A film pitch deck is not just about words and ideas; it's also about visual and design elements that can help your presentation stand out. The right visuals can help investors understand your story and vision, as well as create an emotional connection with your project. Consider incorporating compelling visuals and design elements in your fundraising campaign to increase interest and attract potential investors. Here are some tips for incorporating visuals and design into your film pitch deck:

1. Use High-Quality Images and Graphics

High-quality images and graphics are essential for creating a professional and engaging pitch deck. Use high-resolution images that are relevant to your project and help convey your vision. Consider using graphics, charts, and diagrams to illustrate your points and make your pitch more visually appealing.

2. Choose a Cohesive Color Scheme

Choosing a cohesive color scheme can help tie your pitch deck together and create a consistent visual theme. Consider using colors that reflect the tone and mood of your project. For example, warm colors like red and orange can create a sense of excitement and energy, while cooler colors like blue and green can create a sense of calm and serenity.

3. Use Typography to Create Hierarchy

Typography can help create a hierarchy of information in your pitch deck, making it easier for investors to follow along. Use larger font sizes for headlines and titles, and smaller font sizes for body text. Consider using bold or italicized text to emphasize important points.

4. Keep It Simple and Clean

While visuals and design can help enhance your pitch deck, it's important not to go overboard. Keep your design simple and clean, with plenty of white space to help your visuals stand out. Avoid cluttered layouts and busy designs that can distract from your message.

5. Consider Using Video

Video can be a powerful tool for showcasing your project and creating an emotional connection with investors. Consider including a short video clip in your pitch deck that highlights the key elements of your project and brings your vision to life. Keep the video short and impactful, and make sure it is of high quality.

Incorporating visuals and design into your film pitch deck can help make your presentation more engaging and memorable. By using high-quality images and graphics, choosing a cohesive color scheme, using typography to create hierarchy, keeping your design simple and clean, and considering using video, you can create a pitch deck that stands out and captures the attention of investors.

Crafting a Compelling Logline or Tagline for Your Film

A logline or tagline is a brief, catchy phrase that summarizes the premise of your film in a memorable way. It is often the first thing that investors, producers, or audiences will hear about your film, so it's essential to get it right. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling logline or tagline for your film:

1. Keep it Short and Simple

Your logline or tagline should be short and to the point. A good rule of thumb is to keep it under 10 words if possible. This makes it easy to remember and repeat, which is crucial for building buzz around your film.

2. Focus on the Core Idea

Your logline or tagline should focus on the core idea of your film. Identify the central conflict, the main character, or the unique premise of your film and distill it down to a single sentence.

3. Make it Memorable

Your logline or tagline should be memorable and attention-grabbing. Use vivid language, humor, or wordplay to make it stand out. A memorable tagline can help your film stand out in a crowded marketplace and generate buzz among potential investors or audiences.

4. Avoid Clichés

When crafting a logline or tagline for your film pitch deck, it's important to avoid clichés and focus on finding a unique angle that sets your project apart. This will help you stand out from other films in the same genre or with similar themes, which can be especially important when reaching out to potential investors through investor outreach programs.

5. Test it Out

Once you have crafted a logline or tagline, test it out on friends, family, or colleagues to see how it resonates with them. Ask for feedback and make tweaks as necessary to ensure that it is compelling and memorable.

Crafting a compelling logline or tagline is an important part of creating a successful film pitch deck. By keeping it short and simple, focusing on the core idea, making it memorable, avoiding clichés, and testing it out, you can create a tagline that captures the essence of your film and generates interest among potential investors and audiences.

Identifying and Addressing Potential Risks and Challenges in Your Film Pitch Deck

When pitching your film project, it is important to identify and address potential risks and challenges that may arise during the production process. This will demonstrate to investors that you have thoroughly thought through your project and have a plan in place for any potential issues that may arise.

Some of the potential risks and challenges that you may need to address in your film pitch deck include:

• Budgetary constraints: Making a film can be expensive, and staying within budget can be a challenge. It is important to have a detailed budget breakdown in your pitch deck, along with strategies for staying within budget.
• Scheduling conflicts: Scheduling conflicts can arise when working with actors, crew members, and other team members. It is important to have a contingency plan in place in case someone becomes unavailable during the production process.
• Weather and location issues: Filming on location can come with its own set of challenges. Weather and location issues can arise, such as unexpected rain or permit issues. It is important to have a plan in place for how to handle these issues.
• Technical difficulties: Technical difficulties can arise during the production process, such as equipment malfunction or data loss. Having backup equipment and data storage solutions can help mitigate these risks.
• Legal issues: Legal issues can arise during the production process, such as copyright infringement or contract disputes. It is important to have a plan in place for how to handle these issues.

When addressing these risks and challenges in your film pitch deck, it is important to be upfront and transparent about the potential issues that may arise. Investors will appreciate the honesty and will be more likely to invest in your project if they feel that you have thought through all potential risks and have a plan in place for how to handle them.

In addition to identifying potential risks and challenges, it is also important to demonstrate how you plan to mitigate these risks. This could include strategies for staying within budget, contingency plans for scheduling conflicts, backup equipment and data storage solutions for technical difficulties, and legal support for potential legal issues.

By addressing potential risks and challenges in your film pitch deck and demonstrating how you plan to mitigate these risks, you can show investors that you have thought through every aspect of your project and are prepared to handle any potential issues that may arise.

How to Tailor Your Film Pitch Deck to Different Types of Investors and Producers

When pitching your film to investors and producers, it's essential to tailor your pitch deck to your audience. Different investors and producers have different preferences, and understanding their needs can increase your chances of securing funding. Here are some tips for tailoring your film pitch deck to different types of investors and producers:

1. Studio Executives and Distributors

When pitching your film to studio executives and distributors, focus on the marketability of your project. They are looking for films that will appeal to a wide audience and generate substantial revenue. Highlight the unique selling points of your film and how it stands out in the market. Include data on audience demographics, box office projections, and marketing strategies to demonstrate the viability of your project.

2. Independent Investors

Independent investors are often more interested in the creative aspects of your film than its commercial potential. They are looking for films that are unique, innovative, and have the potential to win critical acclaim. When pitching to independent investors, focus on the artistic and creative elements of your film. Highlight the vision and passion behind your project and how it will contribute to the film industry.

3. Equity Investors

Equity investors are looking for a return on their investment and want to see a clear path to profitability. When pitching to equity investors, focus on the financial aspects of your project. Include a detailed budget breakdown, revenue projections, and a clear plan for recouping their investment. Highlight the potential for ancillary revenue streams such as merchandising, licensing, and international distribution.

4. Producers

Producers are looking for projects that align with their creative and business goals. When pitching to producers, research their previous work and identify how your project fits into their portfolio. Highlight the aspects of your film that align with their vision and demonstrate how your project can contribute to their brand. Be prepared to discuss your production plan and how you plan on executing your vision.

Tailoring your film pitch deck to different types of investors and producers can increase your chances of securing funding. By understanding their needs and preferences, you can highlight the aspects of your project that are most likely to appeal to them and communicate your vision effectively.

Leveraging Social Media and Other Marketing Channels to Promote Your Film Pitch Deck

With so many films and TV shows being produced, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. That's why it's essential to leverage social media and other marketing channels to promote your film pitch deck. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Build a Strong Online Presence

One of the best ways to promote your film pitch deck is to build a strong online presence. Start by creating a website for your film or TV show and updating it regularly with news, behind-the-scenes content, and other relevant information. You can also create social media accounts on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to engage with your audience and share updates about your project.

2. Create Engaging Content

To attract and retain your audience's attention, you need to create engaging content. This can include behind-the-scenes photos and videos, interviews with cast and crew, and sneak peeks of your project. You can also create interactive content like quizzes and polls to encourage engagement and build buzz around your film or TV show.

3. Partner with Influencers and Other Brands

Partnering with influencers and other brands can help you reach a wider audience and build credibility for your project. Look for influencers and brands that align with your project's values and target audience and reach out to them to discuss potential partnerships.

4. Attend Film Festivals and Other Industry Events

Attending film festivals and other industry events is an excellent way to network with industry professionals and promote your film pitch deck. Be sure to have physical copies of your pitch deck on hand to share with potential investors and other industry contacts.

5. Leverage Email Marketing

Email marketing can be a powerful tool for promoting your film pitch deck. Build an email list of industry professionals, investors, and other relevant contacts and send regular updates about your project and its progress. Be sure to include a call to action in each email, encouraging recipients to invest in your project or schedule a meeting to learn more.

By leveraging social media and other marketing channels, you can promote your film pitch deck and build buzz around your project. Be sure to create engaging content, partner with influencers and other brands, attend industry events, and leverage email marketing to reach a wider audience and attract potential investors.

Tips for Creating a Strong Executive Summary for Your Film Pitch Deck

An executive summary is the first section of your film pitch deck and should be well-crafted to capture the reader's attention. It's a concise overview of your project, highlighting the most important aspects that will convince investors to fund your film. Here are some tips for creating a compelling executive summary:

• Keep it brief: Your executive summary should be no more than two pages long. Use short, concise sentences to convey the most critical information about your project.
• Start with a hook: Begin with a statement that captures the reader's attention and makes them want to learn more about your project. This can be a question, a bold statement, or a surprising fact.
• Introduce your project: Briefly summarize your project, including the genre, the main characters, and the setting. You can also mention the logline or tagline for your film.
• Highlight the unique selling point: Identify what sets your project apart from others and why it will stand out in the market. This can be the story, the characters, the setting, or any other aspect that makes your project unique.
• Include your target audience: Identify who your target audience is and why they will be interested in your project. This can be based on demographics, interests, or other factors.
• Outline your production plan: Briefly outline your production plan, including the production schedule, budget, and any other critical aspects of the production process.
• Mention the key team members: Highlight the key members of your team, including the director, writer, and producer. Mention their credentials and experience in the industry.
• Include a call to action: End your executive summary with a call to action, encouraging the reader to invest in your project or schedule a meeting to learn more.

By following these tips, you can create a strong and compelling executive summary that will convince investors to fund your film. Remember to keep it brief, highlight the unique selling point, and include a call to action to encourage the reader to take the next step.

• A film pitch deck should include a detailed storyboard for the film, a breakdown of all expenses, and projections on how much money the film will generate.
• To create a successful film pitch deck, it is important to research and organize your idea, understand your audience and what they want, consider the best way to present your idea, create a storyboard, and draft your script.
• Visuals and design elements are important in a film pitch deck, as they can help investors understand your story and vision.
• Potential risks and challenges should be identified and addressed in a film pitch deck, along with strategies for mitigating these risks.
• To tailor a film pitch deck to different types of investors and producers, it is important to understand their needs and preferences and highlight the aspects of your project that are most likely to appeal to them.

Conclusion

A well-crafted film pitch deck is a crucial tool for obtaining funding for a movie or TV show. To create a successful pitch deck, thorough research and organization of the idea is important, as well as understanding the audience and what they want. Visuals and design elements are important, as they can help investors understand the story and vision of the project. Potential risks and challenges should be identified and addressed in a film pitch deck, along with strategies for mitigating these risks. Tailoring the film pitch deck to different types of investors and producers can increase the chances of securing funding. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, filmmakers can create a pitch deck that stands out from the crowd and convinces investors to fund their project.