Introduction
Imagine stepping into an elevator, minding your own business. The door closes and as you turn, you notice a big-shot producer standing next to you. Leaping into action, you realize you have less than one minute to convince them your script is worth their time. No pressure, right? Well, it’s best to be prepared for every eventuality in the film and TV world, including having a killer elevator pitch up your sleeve.
Yes, it may sound daunting no matter who you’re presenting to: it could be a friend or a Hollywood executive. What matters is knowing how to craft a punchy, effective pitch – an essential skill for every screenwriter.
Let’s face it, many of us dream of pitching to studios or the streaming service giants such as Netflix, Apple, and Disney. First, we need a first-class script, and a first-class elevator pitch to go with it.
In today’s blog, we’ll dissect what an elevator pitch is, why every writer needs to use them, the key elements of a powerful pitch, and a guide on how to create your own.
So, let’s step into the elevator and learn to pitch like a pro and maximize you and your work’s chances of getting noticed.
What is an Elevator Pitch?
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive summary of your screenplay, usually delivered in 30-60 seconds (the time it takes to ride in an elevator). It summarizes your script’s essence into a bite-sized, intriguing pitch that leaves the listener wanting more.
Originating from the business world, elevator pitches are a great way to entice a producer or executive to want to know more about your story.
Elevator pitches are a completely different animal to a full synopsis; it isn’t meant to tell the entire story. Instead, it’s designed to spark curiosity and excitement, making the listener eager to hear the full details later.
A great elevator pitch typically will include:
- A clear and engaging premise
- A unique hook that makes the story stand out
- A strong emotional connection to draw the listener in
Why Every Writer Needs One
Let’s face it, the film industry moves at an incredibly fast pace, and opportunities can arise at any moment. If you can’t sell your script in seconds, someone else will. Here are four reasons why you need elevator pitches in your writer arsenal.
1. Opportunities are Everywhere
Producers, agents, and directors are constantly bombarded with script material and pitches. If you stumble upon an opportunity, which will most likely not hang around for very long, you need to make it count.
2. First Impressions Matter
In Hollywood, you’ll find that when an opportunity comes your way, you’ll have just one shot to get your pitch right. A weak, rambling pitch can sink your chances, but a well-crafted one can open doors.
3. Clarifies your Story Vision
Even if you’re not quite at the pitching stage yet, by condensing your script into a concise pitch, you’re forced to focus on its core elements – theme, conflict, and uniqueness.
4. Great for Networking
Whether at a film festival, a writer’s workshop, or a casual meeting, a kick-ass elevator pitch can make both you and your script memorable.
The 3 Key Elements of a Powerful Pitch
Now you know more about what an elevator pitch is and why you need to be creating them, let’s explore what you need to include with the help of some of our favorite blockbusters. First, is the hook. Begin your pitch with a compelling on-liner that instantly grabs someone’s attention. It could be a question, a bold statement, or a unique premise. One of the most common statements for writers to ask is a “what if…” question, immediately planting a supposition in the listener’s mind.
“What if your dreams were actually someone else’s memories?”
As well as the hook, you need to introduce the conflict. Make it clear what’s at stake and why it matters.
A struggling musician discovers he’s the only person who remembers The Beatles—and decides to pass their songs off as his own. – Yesterday (2019)
Addressing the emotional connection of your story answers the question of why people should care about your story. Remember, your listener and eventual audience needs to buy into the story you’re telling. Emotion makes stories unforgettable.
A man stranded on Mars fights to survive and get back to his crew and to earth,
who all believe he is dead. – The Martian (2015)
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Elevator Pitch
Much like screenplays themselves, elevator pitches need to be planned and revised to ensure you present your story in the best possible light. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to write your kick-ass pitch:
Step 1 | Identify the Core of Your Story
First, ask yourself three questions.
- What’s my story really about?
- What makes it unique?
- Why should people care?
Once you have a clear understanding of these questions, write down your story in one or two sentences. Focus on the protagonist, their main goal, and the obstacle they face.
Strip away any unnecessary subplots or details, shining a light on the heart of your narrative. The clearer your story’s core, the stronger your pitch will be.
Step 2 | Craft a Hook
Start with a punchy sentence that grabs people’s attention, utilizing irony, curiosity, or surprise.
A great hook should be intriguing and memorable. Take inspiration from how movies are marketed, and the loglines/taglines filmmakers use to entice audiences in. If your hook can spark an immediate reaction, you’re on the right track.
Make sure to include the genre of your script, as well as some comparisons to existing movie or TV examples. Of course, your script will be different, but providing some comparisons like this can quickly give a listener a sense of what you’re trying to achieve in terms of tone and theme.
Take the elevator pitch for The Lion King: as the idea was being discussed, it was described as “Bambi in Africa”. Bambi having been released years earlier, everyone knew exactly what it was about, giving them a clear idea of the story and commercial success The Lion King could have. For more on the impact of The Lion King’s pitch, check out this awesome article from Forbes.
Step 3 | Summarize the Conflict
Clearly stage the main character, their goal, and the obstacles they face. This is where the conflict comes in.
Conflict is what drives a story, and your pitch needs to show what’s at stake. If there’s no tension or urgency, it’s easy for a listener to lose interest. Make sure to frame the conflict in a way that makes the stakes feel high and compelling.
A rookie FBI agent teams up with a manipulative cannibal to catch a serial killer before he strikes again.
– The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Step 4 | Inject Emotion
End your pitch with an emotional hook or stakes that leave them wanting more.
Remember, emotion is what makes your story resonate with people. Whether that’s through humor, suspense, heartbreak, or inspiration, your pitch should convey the emotional core of your story. You need to make people care and remember it!
A widowed father crosses the ocean to find his kidnapped son, only to discover he’s in a fish tank in a dentist’s office.
– Finding Nemo (2003)
Step 5 | Keep the Pitch Under 60 Seconds
Once you’ve written your pitch, make sure to time yourself. It should be short, sharp and easy to remember.
Practice delivering your pitch aloud. Why not try recording yourself delivering your pitch and play it back to spot any areas for improvement?
Trim any unnecessary words and refine it until it sounds natural and confident. A well-delivered, concise pitch is far more effective than a rambling one.
Remember, the more you practice, the more polished and confident your delivery will be.
Here is a wonderful example of a pitch from screenwriter Jac Schaeffer. While it’s a little longer than a minute, it hits the ball out the park.
Craft your perfect pitch with Celtx Screenwriting Software.
Start writing today!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While it’s 100% okay to make mistakes (we’re only human) when writing your pitch, there are some that are easily avoidable.
As we’ve said, the emotional core of your story is the most important, so don’t forget it. People connect with emotions, not just plot points. Focus on the human stakes in your pitch.
Vagueness is your worst enemy. If your pitch is too broad, it doesn’t give the listener a concrete reason to care. Be specific about what makes your story unique. For example, say it’s the early 2000s and you’ve been tasked with pitching Disney’s next big hit Pirates of the Caribbean. Which version would you choose?
- It’s all about love and adventure.
- A swashbuckling pirate risks everything to reunite with his lost love, but a supernatural curse stands in his way.
On the other hand, you don’t want to overload with too many details. Yes, this pitch malarkey sure is a balancing act! Too much information can overwhelm your listener, so it’s crucial you keep your pitch focused on the core premise and high stakes.
Once you have your pitch written, it’s time to practice, and not practicing enough can put you at a disadvantage. Stumbling through your pitch, using filler words like ‘um’ and ‘uh’ can put listeners off, as well as forgetting key details.
To give your elevator pitch the best chance, practice your pitch in front of a mirror, record yourself, or test it on friends to refine your delivery.
Finally, don’t ignore your audience and consider who you’re pitching to and what they might be looking for in terms of genre and story. For example, it may not be the best idea to pitch a sci-fi epic to a producer who’s looking for indie dramas.
If you’re presenting in front of a larger audience or to someone who’s open to many different projects, be aware of their reactions and adject accordingly. Knowing who your audience are increases your chances of making a meaningful connection and ultimately sell your script.
For more on what not to do when crafting your elevator pitch, screenwriter Scott Myers has more:
How Celtx Helps You Refine Your Pitch
Our powerful suite of production tools here at Celtx are here to help you in every stage of your screenwriting journey, from initial idea to shooting and beyond. But did you know our tools are ideal in helping sharpen your next elevator pitch?
Our script breakdown tools help dissect your script to find its core themes, conflicts, and emotional beats – all the essentials! Utilize our Beat Sheet to break down the key elements of your pitch into index cards, move them around. Try different configurations to see which has the largest impact and best conveys the story you’re trying to tell.
Once you’ve written your pitch, you may want to source feedback from peers and mentors. Celtx allows real-time collaboration so you can refine your pitch from the notes you receive.
With that, here’s another example of what a refined pitch looks like, this time from screenwriter David Russo. Notice the energy and personality he puts into it.
Conclusion
Mastering the elevator pitch is an essential skill for every screenwriter. It’s your golden opportunity to spark interest, showcase your story’s essence, and leave a lasting impression, all in under 60 seconds.
By crafting a compelling hook, highlighting the core conflict, and evoking emotion, you can maximize your script’s chances of being noticed.
Avoid common mistakes, practice relentlessly, and use tools like Celtx to refine your pitch.
The next time opportunity knocks, or the elevator doors close, you’ll be ready to sell your script with confidence. Now, go out there and pitch like a pro!
Ready to learn more about screenwriting? Try these articles next:
- 9 Script Editing Tips: Mastering the Art of Screenwriting
- Yes, You Need a Screenplay Outline. Here’s How to Write One
- What are Parentheticals? [When, How and Where To Use Them]
