#filmpitching

Firstly, what is an elevator pitch? 

Imagine you’re in an elevator, and the door opens and Harvey Weinstein walks in. He’s standing there, and it’s just you two standing side-by-side. You have thirty seconds or ten floors before Harvey gets out. You have the chance to pitch your film idea that you think couldl be the next Shawshank or Goodfellas. What exactly do you say in thirty seconds. 

Most people are terrible at pitching. They ramble on explaining every plot line of their story, or they umm and ahh their way through an explanation or description of a shot in their film. This is a sure way to bin the opportunity of a lifetime. Please don’t do that. 

Instead I teach my students a strict set of guidelines for pitching and then I try as much as possible, in each of my units to get them to practice pitching. I teach them to concisely describe their stories within 30 seconds-1 minute. 

Pitching is an essential part of filmmaking process. From the very inception of your film’s idea through to it’s completion. Often pitching is about perfecting your story, by repeatedly discussing your idea to anybody who will listen. It can highlight issues within your story and help you gauge whether your film speaks to audiences. 

The trick is to have a pitch that will engage people and get them interested. If they look bored, you need to work on your idea. Ensure that you rehearse your pitch and know it by heart. 

1. Introduce yourself - Simply say your name

2. Tell us the format Is it a documentary, webisode, feature or short? This is important as it provides a frame for your story. E.g. A film about a whale could be Free Willy or Black Fish.

3.Tell us the length Is it a feature or a short film? This makes a big difference in understanding your story. A short five minute comedy has more possibilities as festivals than a nineteen minute comedy. A listener can gauge whether your story will work in the allotted time. 

4. Tell us the Genre This is important as it adds to the frame that surrounds your log line. 

“A comedy about a group of ancient vampires living in a flat in Auckland” 

If you let your audience know that this is a feature film comedy, before you throw out your hook, they will envision the possibilities that could happen. The mere suggestion of ancient vampires in Auckland evokes all kinds of scenarios. 

5. Tell us your story in concise terms. Your logline is a great place to start. Not all loglines work in an elevator pitch. 

If you are rambling on and describing the way the film will be directed than you need to take your story back to the drawing board. You know, but are unwilling to admit that your story is not able to engage an audience. 

6. Tell us the hook or USP. Ask yourself, what is the hook or unique selling point of the film. This is the firs thing you want to throw out to your audience. 

“Arnold Schwarzeneger and Danny Devito as twins” 

6. Explain why your film should be seen or made. Why will audiences go to see your film?  Explain why it is original and appealing (Only do this if Harvey Weinstein is travelling to the 50th floor)