What are the most effective ways to pitch a film to journalists?

1 Know your audience

Before you pitch your film, you need to research the journalists and outlets that you want to target. Find out what kind of stories they cover, what their tone and style are, and what their deadlines and preferences are. You want to pitch to journalists who are relevant to your film's genre, topic, and audience. You also want to customize your pitch to suit their angle and format. For example, if you are pitching to a podcast, you might emphasize the audio aspects of your film, such as the soundtrack or the dialogue.

3 Provide the details

After you have hooked the journalist, you need to provide some more details about your film and your pitch. This is where you can explain what your film is about, who is involved, when and where it will be released, and what kind of coverage you are looking for. You can also include some relevant information that supports your hook, such as testimonials, reviews, statistics, or quotes. However, you should avoid giving too much information or spoiling the film. You want to keep your pitch short and sweet, ideally no more than a few paragraphs.

4 Include a call to action

The last part of your pitch is the call to action. This is where you ask the journalist to take the next step, such as requesting a screener, scheduling an interview, or writing a review. You should make it easy for them to respond by providing your contact information, links to your press kit or website, and any deadlines or embargoes. You should also thank them for their time and interest, and express your enthusiasm for working with them.

5 Follow up

Once you have sent your pitch, you should follow up with the journalist after a reasonable period of time, usually a few days or a week. You can send a polite and friendly email or call to remind them of your pitch, ask if they have any questions, and offer any additional information. You should also be prepared to handle rejections or feedback, and respect the journalist's decision. If you get a positive response, you should confirm the details and deliver on your promises.

6 Be professional and respectful

Throughout the process of pitching your film, you should be professional and respectful to the journalists. You should avoid spamming, pestering, or pressuring them. You should also respect their time, preferences, and guidelines. You should be honest, courteous, and grateful for any opportunity they give you. By being professional and respectful, you can build trust and rapport with the journalists, and increase your chances of getting positive and effective coverage for your film.