Deliver Your Best Producer Pitch
You already know how important it is for newcomers who want to break into the Hollywood market to get their story in front of the right executives.
But we haven’t really touched on what happens when you finally do land a meeting with that big-shot producer at that high-powered studio or network?
You only have a few minutes, at most, to capture their attention…
So what do you say and do to get that producer interested in your book or script?
Here are 5 tips to help you craft your perfect pitch and blow that Hollywood exec out of the water with your movie or television show idea:
1. Be The Expert Of Your Story
Prove that YOU are the perfect writer to tackle your concept. In order to do this, you must have confidence in yourself, your project and where it’s headed.
You should also establish your specific connection to this story. What inspired you to write this specific story in this particular way? Insert your personality, voice and/or experience into your pitch.
2. Keep It Simple
Don’t try to do too much with your pitch. You need to boil your story down to the most important elements by highlighting the big picture concept of your story. Include your hook, main concept, and a couple of sentences about your main character so it’s clear whom the story will follow.
Establish why the producer should care to connect to that specific character.
3. Your Characters Are The Key
Conflict drives a story and keeps people interested. So keep your characters at the forefront of your pitch; paint the picture of whom the audience will connect to, fight for, root against, etc.
Establish why your protagonist the perfect character to experience this story through.
4. Know The Best Comparison Films For Your Story
Some writers try to stay away from comparing their project to other films but most producers actually like to hear the associations.
It helps them to visualize your story. If you don’t draw the comparisons, they will do it themselves. They might also think that you haven’t done your homework on what already exists in the market if you don’t present the comparisons yourself.
Just make sure you choose film comparisons that did well in the box office and were made in the last 20 years!
5. Know The Market & Tropes Of Your Genre
You need to give the audience what they want. If they’re buying a movie ticket for a thriller/horror, your audience wants to be scared!
It’s important to be familiar with the tropes and expectations of your genre so that when you throw in a twist or unexpected outcome, the audience will be engaged rather than disappointed that your story didn’t deliver.
**Bonus Tip** Never read an excerpt from your book or screenplay during a pitch! It wastes time and you increase the risk of being too granular with your pitch.
Crafting the perfect pitch is somewhat of an art form, so use these tips to help crack the formula for success!