Types of Pitches You Have to Prepare: Be Ready for Every Opportunity

From my experience as a screenwriter, one thing has become crystal clear: having only one pitch is never enough. If you want to succeed in the film industry, you have to be ready for any possible situation when a producer or agent shows interest in your project. Sometimes, you’ll only get a few seconds to grab their attention; other times, you might have a phone call or need to send a polished written query. Each format demands a different style and level of detail.

It’s crucial to prepare multiple types of pitches — from a quick elevator pitch to a detailed pitch deck and a formal query letter. At the same time, your screenplay must correspond perfectly to your pitch. You should never lie or exaggerate to make your story sound better; honesty and clarity build trust and credibility.

In this article, I’ll explain the key types of pitches you should have ready, how they differ, and why mastering each one will boost your chances of getting noticed.

ELEVATOR PITCH: YOUR 1-MINUTE HOOK

✅ The elevator pitch is a short, compelling summary of your story — usually about 30 seconds to 1 minute long.

✅ It’s called an elevator pitch because you should be able to deliver it during a brief elevator ride, catching interest fast.

✅ The goal is to hook the listener and make them want to hear more.

✅ It focuses on the core concept, main character, and unique twist without too much detail.

✅ Use vivid language, emotional hooks, and clear stakes.

✅ This pitch is perfect for chance meetings, festivals, networking events, or informal introductions.

PHONE PITCH: EXPANDED AND CONVERSATIONAL

✅ The phone pitch is longer — typically 5 to 10 minutes — and allows for some back-and-forth discussion.

✅ It’s more detailed than the elevator pitch but still concise enough to keep the listener engaged.

✅ You can add information about characters, themes, and key scenes.

✅ It’s important to be flexible and ready to answer questions or pivot the conversation based on the listener’s interest.

✅ Phone pitches are common when producers or agents want to explore your idea before scheduling a meeting.

PITCH DECK: VISUAL AND STRUCTURED

✅ A pitch deck is a polished presentation document that outlines your project visually and structurally.

✅ It usually includes a logline, synopsis, character breakdowns, tone and style references, and market positioning.

✅ Visuals like mood boards, color palettes, or concept art can help convey the feel of your project.

✅ A pitch deck is professional, clear, and persuasive — perfect for meetings or email submissions.

✅ It shows that you understand your story and the market, and that you’ve done your homework.

✅ This format works well for longer projects like feature films, TV series, or animation.

QUERY LETTER: POLISHED AND PROFESSIONAL

✅ A query letter is a formal, concise written pitch sent via email or post to agents, producers, or managers.

✅ It must be carefully polished, error-free, and respectful of the recipient’s time.

✅ Typically, it includes a brief introduction, your logline, a short synopsis, and your relevant writing credits or background.

✅ The tone is professional but engaging — your goal is to get a meeting or request for the full script.

✅ A strong query letter shows professionalism and attention to detail and often serves as your first impression.

WHY YOUR SCREENPLAY MUST MATCH YOUR PITCH

✅ Consistency between your pitch and screenplay builds trust and credibility.

✅ If your pitch promises a high-concept thriller but your script reads like a slow drama, producers will be confused or disappointed.

✅ Don’t exaggerate plot points or character traits just to make your pitch sound better.

✅ Honesty in your pitch respects your audience and sets realistic expectations.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Being prepared with different types of pitches is a powerful strategy for any screenwriter or filmmaker. Each pitch serves a unique purpose and suits different stages of the industry conversation. Mastering them takes practice but dramatically increases your chances of capturing attention, generating interest, and ultimately getting your project made.

Remember: preparation shows professionalism, and professionalism gets doors opened.