16 Slide OTT Documentary Pitch Deck Template

Let’s cut to the chase: You’ve got a series that’s ready to captivate audiences, and now it’s time to get people hooked from the start. Introducing [Your Series Title]—a story that’s as compelling as its title suggests. This isn’t just another show; it’s a gripping tale that pulls viewers into a world of [genre, e.g., mystery, intrigue, or suspense], with a logline that sums up everything your audience will crave: “[Insert logline here].”

I’m Viktor, a pitch deck expert and creative business strategist. Over the past 13 years, I’ve helped businesses secure millions of $ in funding thanks to my approach and I’m sharing it here in this pitch deck guide.

This template is designed to help you present your series with the same precision and impact that will have producers and networks eager to learn more. We’re starting with the basics—the title and logline—setting the tone for a pitch that’s clear, engaging, and impossible to ignore.

Ready to get them on the edge of their seats? Let’s dive in.

16 Slide OTT Documentary Pitch Deck Template | Google Slides

Slide 1: Title & Logline

Series Title: [Your Series Title]

• A catchy and apt name that gives a sense of the series theme or mood.

Logline

• A one or two-sentence summary that encapsulates the essence and hook of your series, communicating its unique angle and general plot.

Example: “[Protagonist], a [character description], finds themselves embroiled in a web of mysteries and deceit as they navigate through [setting], unearthing dark secrets that could change everything.”

Slide 2: Genre & Format

Genre: [Primary] / [Secondary] (if applicable)

• Identify the genre and any sub-genres that define the series.

Format:

• Series Type: (Limited Series, Ongoing, Anthology, etc.)
• Seasons: [Number]
• Episodes per Season: [Number]
• Episode Length: [Time] minutes

Example: Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Format: Ongoing series, 3 Seasons, 10 Episodes per season, 50 minutes per episode.

Slide 3: Target Audience

Primary Audience:

• Age Range
• Interests
• Viewing Habits

Secondary Audience:

• Age Range
• Interests
• Viewing Habits

Market Insights:

• Key statistics or trends that highlight the potential for your series to succeed within the target demographic.

Example: Primary Audience: Age 28-45, Interests: Mystery, True Crime, Psychological Thriller, Viewing Habits: Binge-watching on weekends.

Slide 4: Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Key Unique Elements:

• Discuss 2-3 elements that distinctly set your series apart within the genre.

Emotional Hook:

• Identify the emotional core of your series that will resonate with the audience.

Engaging Differentiators:

• Highlight any innovative narrative techniques, character dynamics, or other aspects that provide a fresh take on the genre.

Example:

• Key Unique Elements: Set in a rarely explored environment, employing a non-linear narrative structure, integrating local myths into the mystery.
• Emotional Hook: A deeply personal journey of revenge and redemption intertwining with the central mystery.
• Engaging Differentiators: Utilizing virtual reality sequences to provide immersive experiences of key mystery elements.

Slide 5: Overview/Synopsis

Overview

• Provide a brief, yet detailed summary of the series, highlighting the primary plot, conflict, and stakes without giving away essential mysteries or twists. Ensure the narrative’s unique qualities and compelling aspects are illuminated.

Example Text: “Set against the [distinctive setting], [Your Series Title] weaves a complex tale of mystery, betrayal, and unexpected alliances as [Protagonist] uncovers layers of secrets hidden within [context/realm/organization]. Each revelation propels them further into a labyrinthine enigma that blurs the lines between ally and adversary.”

Slide 6: Main Characters

[Character 1 Name]

• Role:
• Age:
• Brief Description: Provide insight into their personality, motivation, conflicts, and how they propel the plot.
• Character Arc: Highlight their developmental journey through the series.

[Character 2 Name]

• Role:
• Age:
• Brief Description:
• Character Arc:

(And so on for the key characters)

Example Text for Character: “[Character Name], a [age/occupation], becomes an unlikely hero(ine) in a quest for truth, driven by [motivation]. Despite [obstacles/conflicts], their journey from a [starting point in character development] to [endpoint] offers viewers a multifaceted character to root for amidst the enveloping chaos.”

Slide 7: Season Arc

Key Plot Points & Arc Highlights

• Outline the overarching plot trajectory for the first season, spotlighting essential developments, twists, and character evolutions. Illuminate how the narrative will progress and maintain viewer engagement across episodes.

Example Text: “Season One initiates with [starting event/conflict] and gradually unravels deeper mysteries, revealing unexpected connections between characters and secrets. Mid-season brings a pivotal twist with [mid-point event], propelling [Protagonist] and allies into new, treacherous territories, culminating in a finale that simultaneously resolves and introduces mysteries, ensuring viewers are hooked for Season Two.”

Slide 8: Episode Breakdown

Episode 1: “[Episode Title]”

• Synopsis: Offer a brief overview of key events, conflicts, and character developments. Ensure it illustrates how the episode sets the stage for the overarching narrative.
• Key Events: Bullet point or succinctly describe vital plot points and character actions.

(Repeat for additional episodes, as necessary)

Example Text for Episode: “[Episode Title] kicks off with [starting event], immediately immersing viewers in [Protagonist]’s world, characterized by [key atmosphere/setting elements]. [Protagonist] encounters [key characters/events], initiating their descent into the core mystery. The episode ends on a cliffhanger as [event] occurs, compelling viewers to proceed to the next episode.”

Slide 9: Visual Style and Tone

Visual Style

• Aesthetic: Describe the overall look of your series, considering locations, costumes, and cinematography.
• Color Palette: Discuss the significant colors to represent the mood or themes.

Tone

• Emotionality: Indicate if it leans towards dark, light, melancholic, optimistic, etc.
• Pacing: Discuss whether it’s fast-paced, slow-burn, etc.

Example: “The visual style intertwines [Period/Modern] aesthetics with a [specific] color palette to underscore the prevailing [emotion/ theme]. The tone oscillates between [emotion 1] and [emotion 2], providing a rich, [adjective] viewing experience with [adjective] pacing that keeps audiences engrossed.”

Slide 10: Comparable Shows/Films

• [Show/Film 1]
  • Highlight similar themes, styles, or audience appeal and any key successes that might be relevant.
• [Show/Film 2]
  • Discuss the aspects where your series aligns and where it offers something new or different.

Example: “[Show/Film 1] captured audiences with its [specific elements] and narrative arcs, reflecting a proven market interest in [genre/theme]. [Your Series Title] diverges by [unique elements], providing fresh and unexpected narratives within a beloved genre.”

Slide 11: Marketability and Audience Appeal

Target Audience Appeal

• Discuss how your series taps into current trends, interests, or unmet needs of your target audience.

Cross-Demographic Appeal

• Explore how the series might unexpectedly attract viewers outside the primary demographic through certain themes, characters, or narrative structures.

Example: “[Your Series Title] not only captivates [primary target demographic] through [specific elements/themes] but also enthralls [secondary demographic] by exploring [additional themes/elements]. Its multilayered narrative and [unique selling point] ensures broad marketability and multifaceted audience appeal.”

Slide 12: Production Considerations

Locations and Sets

• Detail primary filming locations and any set builds that might be required.

Special Effects & Technical Needs

• Outline the scope and scale of special effects, CGI, stunts, or any specific technical requirements for bringing the narrative to life.

Preliminary Budget Estimate

• Provide a rough budget estimate for the pilot or per episode, highlighting any specific areas (such as special effects, talent, or locations) that may require significant investment.

Example: “Filming primarily at [location/set type], [Your Series Title] intertwines practical and CGI effects to create [specific visuals/ scenes]. With a preliminary budget of [$$] per episode, investments are allocated towards [high-cost area], ensuring a visually spectacular and narratively immersive viewer experience.”

Slide 13: Revenue and Monetization Strategies

Direct Revenue

• Subscription Fees: Exploring profits from platform subscriptions.
• Pay-Per-View: Income from one-time viewing payments.

Merchandising

• Highlight potential for merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, etc.) that can be sold as an additional income stream.

Sponsorship and Ad Revenue

• Opportunities for sponsors and ads during episode breaks if the platform allows.

Example: “Monetizing through both subscription fees and pay-per-view options, [Your Series Title] also opens avenues for merchandising, tapping into the fanbase with branded products. Strategic sponsorships and ad placements during episodes further bolster revenue without compromising viewer experience.”

Slide 14: Marketing and Promotion

Pre-launch Marketing

• Teasers and Trailers: Creating intrigue through early visuals.
• Social Media Campaigns: Engaging potential viewers across platforms.

Launch Promotions

• Premiere Events: Hosting an event or online premiere.
• Collaborations: Partnering with influencers or brands for promotions.

Ongoing Engagement

• Fan Interactions: Continual engagement through social media, forums, etc.
• Additional Content: Releasing behind-the-scenes or bonus content to sustain interest.

Example: “Kickstarting with enigmatic teasers, our multifaceted marketing strategy encompasses dynamic social media campaigns, riveting premiere events, and mutually beneficial collaborations. Ongoing viewer engagement will be maintained through regular interactions and exclusive additional content, ensuring sustained buzz and viewer loyalty.”

Slide 15: Risks and Mitigations

Identified Risks

• Point out any potential risks, e.g., shooting delays, budget overruns, or casting challenges.

Mitigation Strategies

• Detail how you plan to manage or mitigate these risks to keep the project on track.

Example: “While cognizant of risks such as [specific risk 1] and [specific risk 2], mitigation strategies like [strategy 1] and [strategy 2] have been devised to navigate challenges without compromising the project’s integrity and timeliness.”

Slide 16: Closing/Call to Action

Summary

• Reiterate the USP, viewer appeal, and profitability of your series.

Gratitude

• Express thanks to the audience for their time and consideration.

Next Steps/Ask

• Clearly state what you are asking for (funding, distribution, etc.) and suggest the next steps.

Example: “In summary, [Your Series Title] melds [USP elements] to create a series ripe with viewer appeal and revenue potential. Thank you for considering our project. We seek [specific ask] and are eager to discuss how we can collaboratively bring this enthralling series to screens globally.”

Last Words

Let’s bring it all together:

So, you’ve walked your audience through the essence of your series—starting with a title that grabs attention and a logline that leaves them wanting more. With this pitch deck template, you’ve laid out everything they need to see why [Your Series Title] isn’t just another show—it’s the next big thing in [genre, e.g., mystery, thriller, etc.].

You’ve highlighted what makes your series unique, who it’s for, and how it’s going to stand out in a crowded market. Now, it’s time to take that momentum and turn it into a green light.

Thanks for taking the time to go through this with me. You’re now ready to pitch a series that not only tells a story but also sets a new standard for what [genre] can be.

Let’s make this happen. You got this!