Formula of an Oral Elevator Pitch — How to Pitch Your Screenplay in 2 Minutes

When it comes to pitching your screenplay, the oral elevator pitch is one of the most important tools you can master. From my experience, this quick yet powerful pitch is what can open doors in meetings, networking events, or chance encounters with producers and agents. Imagine you are an agent hearing about a movie for the first time — how would you want it to be pitched to you in just two minutes? Learning to craft a concise, engaging, and clear pitch is key to capturing attention and sparking interest.

In this article, I’ll share a practical formula for the 2-minute elevator pitch, explain why each element matters, and give you an example using one of my all-time favorite movies from childhood — The Mask with Jim Carrey. By breaking down this pitch mathematically, you’ll see how to organize your thoughts effectively and confidently deliver your story in any situation.

WHY THE ORAL ELEVATOR PITCH MATTERS

✅ It’s your chance to make a strong first impression.

✅ It forces you to clarify your story’s core essence and hook.

✅ It helps you communicate quickly without overwhelming or losing your listener.

✅ It’s versatile — perfect for industry mixers, phone calls, or even casual conversations.

THE FORMULA FOR A 2-MINUTE ELEVATOR PITCH

The structure of your pitch should be easy to remember and cover these core parts:

(1) HOOK + GENRE + SETTING (20%)

Start with a captivating one-liner that gives the listener an instant sense of what your story is about, including the genre and setting.

(2) MAIN CHARACTER + GOAL (30%)

Introduce your protagonist and their main objective or motivation, which drives the story forward.

(3) CONFLICT + OBSTACLES (30%)

Explain the primary challenge or antagonist standing in your character’s way.

(4) UNIQUE HOOK + TONE + WHY IT WORKS (20%)

Wrap up with what makes your story special, its tone, and why it will resonate with audiences.

THE MATH FORMULA: PITCH = HOOK + CHARACTER + CONFLICT + UNIQUE HOOK

You can think of your pitch like a math equation:

Pitch = (Hook + Genre + Setting) + (Main Character + Goal) + (Conflict + Obstacles) + (Unique Selling Point + Tone + Appeal)

This simple breakdown helps you stay focused and cover all critical points without rambling or missing something important.

EXAMPLE: PITCHING THE MASK (1994)

Here’s how I would pitch The Mask in two minutes, following this formula:

HOOK + GENRE + SETTING:

The Mask is a wild, comic fantasy about a timid bank clerk who discovers a mysterious mask that transforms him into a mischievous, superpowered trickster.

MAIN CHARACTER + GOAL:

Stanley Ipkiss wants to impress the girl he loves and finally stand up for himself.

CONFLICT + OBSTACLES:

But when a dangerous mobster gets hold of the mask, Stanley must stop him from causing chaos and protect those he cares about.

UNIQUE HOOK + TONE + WHY IT WORKS:

With Jim Carrey’s explosive physical comedy and a perfect mix of humor and action, The Mask blends cartoon-like fantasy with real emotional stakes — making it a fun, unforgettable ride.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Mastering this formula will give you a clear framework to craft your own 2-minute elevator pitch, no matter the story you want to tell. Practicing your pitch often will boost your confidence and make sure you’re always ready to share your screenplay in a way that captivates and excites industry professionals.

Remember, the best pitches are simple, memorable, and true to the spirit of your screenplay — just like The Mask. Use this formula and make your story impossible to forget.