Build a pitch Deck For Your Film With This 5 step guide & Template

• Title: “[Film Name]: A Story That Resonates”
• Content:
  • 1-2 Sentence Synopsis:
    • “A gripping tale of [main character’s struggle or journey], set against the backdrop of [unique setting]. This film explores themes of [key themes], promising an emotional and unforgettable cinematic experience.”
  • Genre and Intended Audience:
    • “Genre: [Drama, Comedy, Thriller, etc.] | Target Audience: Ages [range], [specific interests like ‘fans of X movie,’ ‘art-house cinema,’ or ‘thrill-seekers’].”
  • Tagline:
    • A punchy, memorable line that summarizes the essence of the film, e.g., “Some truths can’t be hidden forever.”
  • Visuals:
    • Optional: A powerful image or still from concept art that immediately sets the tone.

If you need more tips on how to build this slide, check out my elevator pitch article.

Slide 2: Investor Highlights

• Why This Film is a Smart Investment:
  • Market Opportunity:
    • “The [genre] category has grown X% over the past Y years, with recent hits like [example films] grossing $[amount].”
  • Proven Track Record:
    • Highlight the team’s previous successes: “[Director Name]’s last film earned [statistic], was featured at [festival].”
  • Compelling Story for Broad Appeal:
    • “This project is a blend of [familiar elements from well-known films] with a unique, untapped angle.”
  • Clear Distribution Strategy:
    • “Targeting distribution through [Netflix, HBO, theaters, etc.] with a release planned for [timing, e.g., summer blockbuster or awards season].”
  • High ROI Potential:
    • Compare to similar successful films: “[Film] was made on a $[budget] and earned $[box office or streaming revenues].”

Slide 3: The Problem/Opportunity

• Why This Film Now?
  • Cultural Relevance:
    • “With audiences craving stories about [topic/issue], this film aligns perfectly with current conversations around [social, emotional, or cultural themes].”
  • Underserved Market:
    • “There’s a gap in the market for [genre] films that are both [adjective] and [adjective]. Our research shows [statistical insight, e.g., X% of streaming audiences are looking for this genre].”
  • Universal Appeal:
    • “Themes of [e.g., love, redemption, courage] resonate with audiences across demographics, making it accessible yet profound.”
  • Urgency:
    • “As recent events [mention trends] highlight the importance of this story, this is the ideal time to bring it to life.”

Slide 4: The Story

• Synopsis:
  • A concise narrative overview that captures the heart of the plot:
    • “In [setting], [main character], a [role/trait], faces [main challenge]. Forced to confront [obstacle/antagonist], they embark on a journey of [adjective, e.g., self-discovery, survival, redemption]. The film reaches a crescendo as [key turning point or climax].”
  • Key Characters and Arcs:
    • • “[Protagonist]: A [brief description of the lead].
    • “[Supporting Character]: Their relationship with the protagonist and pivotal role.”
  • Unique Selling Points of the Plot:
    • “Unlike traditional [genre], this story weaves [specific twist or element, e.g., nonlinear storytelling, an unexpected revelation].”

Slide 5: The Vision

• The Film’s Artistic Identity:
  • Director’s Vision:
    • A direct quote or summary of the director’s goal: “This film aims to blend the emotional depth of [influential director] with the visual spectacle of [renowned film].”
  • Visual Inspiration:
    • Describe the aesthetic, referencing other films or artistic styles:
      • “Think the atmospheric tones of [film name] meets the gritty realism of [another film].”
  • Innovative Elements:
    • Highlight what sets it apart: “Utilizing [new camera techniques, creative lighting, or groundbreaking VFX].”
  • Concept Art or Mood Boards:
    • Include one to two impactful visuals that immediately transport the audience into the film’s world.

Slide 6: Audience and Market

• Target Audience Analysis:
  • Demographics:
    • “Our target audience is [age range], skewing towards [gender/interest]. Key markets include [countries/regions].”
  • Psychographics:
    • “This audience values [traits, e.g., authenticity, escapism, diverse representation]. They are avid [platform/genre] viewers.”
  • Comparable Films:
    • “Comparable titles like [successful films] have grossed $[amount] globally, indicating strong demand for this genre.”
  • Viewing Habits:
    • “X% of our target demographic prefers streaming platforms like [Netflix, Hulu], while Y% still value theatrical releases.”
  • Social Media Integration:
    • “Our marketing strategy leverages platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which dominate engagement among [audience segment].”

Slide 7: The Creative Team

• Who’s Bringing the Vision to Life?
  • Key Team Members:
    • “[Director]: Known for [notable works, awards, or unique style].”
    • “[Producer]: Responsible for [past successes, partnerships with top studios, etc.].”
    • “[Writer]: Acclaimed for [notable scripts, storytelling accolades].”
  • Special Collaborations:
    • “Featuring the cinematographer behind [successful films] and a composer recognized for [awards or unique soundtracks].”
  • Why This Team?
    • “A proven track record of creating films that resonate with audiences and succeed financially.”
  • Include professional headshots or images to humanize the team.

Slide 8: Visual Style

• The Look and Feel of the Film
  • Key Visual References:
    • Use cinematic comparisons: “Inspired by the lighting and tones of [film name] and the production design of [another film].”
  • Color Palette:
    • Show a gradient or collage of colors that reflect the mood: “Warm tones for nostalgia, muted grays for tension, vibrant hues for climactic moments.”
  • Cinematography Style:
    • “The film will feature wide-angle shots to emphasize scale, intimate close-ups for emotional depth, and dynamic tracking shots for action sequences.”
  • Mood Boards or Concept Images:
    • Include high-quality visuals to transport the audience into the envisioned world.
  • Highlight any unique technology or techniques: “Leveraging [specific camera technology] for immersive storytelling.”

Slide 9: Production Plan

• How the Film Will Be Made
  • Timeline Overview:
    • “Pre-production begins [date], with a shooting schedule spanning [X weeks/months] from [start date]. Post-production completes by [date].”
  • Key Milestones:
    • Pre-production: “Casting, location scouting, storyboarding.”
    • Production: “Principal photography and VFX preparation.”
    • Post-production: “Editing, scoring, color grading, and marketing material preparation.”
  • Partnerships:
    • “Collaborations with [notable production companies, studios, or talent].”
  • Completion and Release:
    • “Expected theatrical release in [season/year] with OTT/streaming availability shortly after.”

Slide 10: Financials

• How the Money Works
  • Budget Overview:
    • High-level categories: “Production ($X), Post-Production ($Y), Marketing and Distribution ($Z).”
    • A total budget figure: “$[amount] with contingency funds included.”
  • Funding Breakdown:
    • “Secured: [percentage or amount].”
    • “Required: [remaining investment amount].”
  • Revenue Streams:
    • “Box office, streaming rights, TV syndication, international sales, merchandising.”
  • ROI Potential:
    • Include a chart comparing the budget and gross revenue of comparable films.
    • “Similar films in this genre with similar budgets have achieved an average ROI of [X%].”

Slide 11: Risks and Mitigation

• Addressing Potential Challenges
  • Key Risks:
    • “Production delays, budget overruns, market competition, unforeseen global events.”
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • “Experienced project managers ensure adherence to timelines.”
    • “Secured partnerships with established distributors reduce marketing and distribution risk.”
    • “Proven production teams ensure budget efficiency.”
  • Risk-Reward Balance:
    • Highlight why the film is a calculated risk with high upside potential: “The combination of [team expertise], [market timing], and [genre demand] makes this a highly favorable investment.”

Slide 12: Closing & Call to Action

• Inspire Action
  • Final Recap:
    • “This film is not just a story—it’s an experience that will captivate audiences, drive revenues, and stand out in a competitive market.”
  • Why Now?
    • “With our team ready and audience demand growing, this is the moment to join us in bringing [Film Name] to life.”
  • Call to Action:
    • “Let’s make this vision a reality. Contact [Producer/Point of Contact] at [Email/Phone] for more details or to schedule a meeting.”
  • Visual Impact:
    • Close with a powerful image or concept art from the film, accompanied by the tagline.