Though completing a script feels like a lot of work, it’s really just the beginning of making a film, and a script itself isn’t necessarily enough to properly introduce your story or you as a creator. Enter: the pitch deck. As Yang Bongiovi puts it, “We create it to accompany your screenplay to give it more life, to give it more action.” Show When trying to find all the necessary resources for financing, producing and distributing a movie, you will need to be able to communicate what you are trying to do with your project, giving as much information as possible to really help grab the attention of those who can help you. Pitch decks are sent to a number of industry professionals, including but not limited to additional producers, development executives, sales agents, financiers or grantors, interview subjects, casting directors and a myriad of other potential collaborators. Communicating with so many people in so many different areas of focus requires a very clear vision to ensure that everyone reading about your project will be on the same page. “Are you trying to get a producer on your project, financing or possibly distribution, or talent? It's about who you're going after, and it's the shortcut of getting engagement,” explains Yang Bongiovi. “And then, of course, your script’s going to have to be strong, because once someone sees your pitch deck and it looks incredible, that script is going to have to match the vision.” Rhodes has plenty of experience in tailoring a pitch deck for certain audiences. She recalls, “For Chasing Coral, we ended up making 23 different decks at different phases in that project. It really was for us trying to speak to the individual audiences that we are trying to communicate with, whether that was an academic institution, a financier, a composer, etc.” It may be helpful to start with a lookbook, or a collection of images. “That's the director's vision, so that's probably the first place I go so I can assess the filmmaker since I love to be part of his or her journey. So the lookbook is really a visual story of what they envision and hope to achieve,” says Yang Bongiovi. “Not all of my peers are going to read a screenplay. And if they do, it could possibly go awry, because if they don't understand what the intention and the visuals are. The lookbook really calms anybody's nerves by knowing that this is the vision of this filmmaker.” Sapna Gandhi is an actor, singer-songwriter, and content creator. In addition to TV credits such as BOSCH, SHAMELESS and SCANDAL, she has appeared in numerous shorts, features, and series, including festival darlings IN ABSENTIA (Raindance) and THUMPER (Tribeca). Gandhi has produced several series and films under the umbrella of her production company Elegant Grotesque (most recently SCRAP, starring Anthony Rapp and Vivian Kerr, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ STRANDED ON THE EARTH, directed by Mike Bruce). She is also 1/2 of the musical duo, VATAVARAN, was born in England, raised all over the states, studied English and Women’s Studies, and trained at the American Conservatory Theatre in SF.‘Have you really? That’s awesome. Yeah, send it over, I’d love to read it. And I will, honestly, it’s on the pile, but a feature script’s a pretty long read and I…’ You get the idea. *If I had a pound for every time someone’s said that to me, I’d be investing in films myself. What’s the pitch?But you really do have a great idea, a mindblowing script, maybe even the beginnings of a solid creative team. How do you cut through the noise and get the attention of film execs and investors? Because no matter how fantastic that script of yours is, it doesn’t matter. If no one reads it, no one will fund it. Show, don’t tellWell, we’re talking a bunch of time-poor, idea-hungry people who work in a visual medium. You need a quick, visual way to communicate your idea, wow them with how unique and original (and commercial) it is, and basically make it impossible for them to say no to you and your team. You need a pitch deck.  What’s a pitch deck?A pitch deck is a short presentation document for your film that introduces the storyline and world of the film, outlines who’s already involved and tells the reader what makes it special. For indie filmmakers in particular, it should be short and sweet – generally no more than six pages or so – just enough to give a taste of your project and leave people hungry for more. What should be in your pitch deckCover Page – Like a mini poster for your film, this sets the tone for everything that comes next. Overview – Include any key info about your film, the logline, films it’s similar to, any relevant background such as it being the adaptation of a book or the development of an existing short film. Synopsis – Pretty self-explanatory this one! Here’s where you outline the events of the film from start to finish. A word to wise, forget about out any plot twists so as ‘not to spoil the film’ – your investors want the whole picture. Moodboard – This one isn’t always used but is worth considering – it’s a great way to showcase the kind of visual feel that you’re aiming for. Talent – Bios for any key talent who are attached to the project, whether that be producers, directors, actors or whoever. Showing who’s already involved is a great way of building confidence in the project by demonstrating the people have already committed to it. More than wordsThe above sections make a great blueprint for the essentials of your pitch deck, but think of them as a bare bones structure. This is the first impression of your film and as such, it should feel like your film. High quality visuals, layout and colour palette all need to come together to showcase the world of your film in a coherent, visually engaging and emotionally exciting way. A carefully designed pitch deck should feel like a journey through your story. It will serve as a perfect primer for reading your script and ultimately – signing on the dotted line. Do I need one?You can’t take back a first impression. A bad impression will always give you something to work against whereas a good impression will set you up to succeed. A great pitch deck will not only sell your film, it will sell you as a professional to be taken seriously. It could be the difference between you getting your films funded now – and in the future. Did you know?
Adam Blakemore Adam Blakemore is a graphic designer specialising in design for film and theatre. After over 10 years working in the industry, he recently founded his own agency Strelka – where some of his favourite projects have included poster designs for Neill Blomkamp’s Zygote and The Vanishing starring Gerard Butler. What goes in a pitch deck for film?A film pitch deck is a presentation that includes all the information about your project that you want potential investors to know. It should include a plot synopsis, a description of the characters, a list of the locations, and any other details relevant to your film idea production.
How do you write a pitch document for a movie?How Do You Write a Movie Pitch?. Create a captivating logline.. Make the key moments stand out within the synopsis.. Keep the synopsis short and succinct.. Make your characters stand out and create a familiarity with them.. Explain your personal connection to the idea or material.. Make the themes clear.. How long is a film pitch deck?For indie filmmakers in particular, it should be short and sweet – generally no more than six pages or so – just enough to give a taste of your project and leave people hungry for more.
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How to create a pitch deck for a film
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