How can you create an emotionally resonant pitch for your film?

You have a great idea for a film, but how do you convince others to invest in it, collaborate with it, or watch it? One of the most crucial skills for any filmmaker is to craft a compelling pitch that captures the essence, the vision, and the emotion of your story. In this article, you will learn how to create an emotionally resonant pitch for your film that engages your audience and makes them care about your project.

1 Know your audience

Before you start writing your pitch, you need to know who you are pitching to and what they are looking for. Different audiences have different expectations, interests, and preferences. For example, a producer might want to know the budget, the genre, and the market potential of your film, while a festival programmer might want to know the theme, the style, and the social impact of your film. Research your audience and tailor your pitch accordingly. Use language and examples that resonate with them and show that you understand their needs and goals.

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Karim Oubai

Brand Manager / Project Manager
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Prenons l'exemple d'un réalisateur indépendant qui a créé un film à petit budget avec des éléments sociaux importants. En se penchant sur son public cible, il a découvert que son film avait le potentiel d'attirer l'attention des programmateurs de festivals axés sur les questions sociales. Dans son argumentaire, il a mis en avant le thème percutant de son film, illustrant comment il aborde des problèmes pertinents et engageants. En conséquence, son film a été sélectionné dans plusieurs festivals et a remporté des prix, démontrant l'importance de comprendre son public.

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Charlie T Savage

Annoyingly hilarious Producer, Coordinator and Screenwriter | California Film Commission
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Crafting an emotionally resonant pitch involves infusing passion into every word. I focus on the core emotional journey of the characters, connecting it to universal human experiences. Expressing genuine enthusiasm and belief in the project fosters an authentic connection with the audience. Strategic storytelling, highlighting poignant moments, and using evocative language create a pitch that not only conveys the narrative but also resonates on a deep emotional level, leaving a lasting impression on potential investors or collaborators.

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2 Hook them with a logline

A logline is a one-sentence summary of your film that captures the main character, the conflict, and the stakes. It should be clear, concise, and intriguing. A good logline hooks your audience's attention and makes them want to know more. It also helps you focus on the core of your story and avoid unnecessary details. Think of your logline as the elevator pitch of your pitch. You should be able to say it in less than 30 seconds and spark curiosity and interest.

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3 Show them the heart of your story

After you hook them with a logline, you need to show them the heart of your story. The heart of your story is the emotional core, the theme, and the message of your film. It's what makes your story unique, meaningful, and relevant. To show them the heart of your story, you need to answer three questions: Why do you want to tell this story? What do you want your audience to feel? And what do you want your audience to take away from your film? Use personal anecdotes, emotional appeals, and universal values to connect with your audience and show them why your story matters.

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Ziyanda Yono

Freelance Features Writer and Multimedia Journalist
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One thing I have realised is that people also enjoy a lot of emotional stories, especially those that replicate a true past event. For instance creating a narrative that a certain group of people might relate to through history or current relevance resulting from a recent incident. It could be a movie about apartheid South Africa or the story of the Rwandan genocide or even a movie about a child surviving cancer. One should never underestimate the power of emotional appeal and maybe some triggers come from a positive point of view. For instance we can tell the story a 16 year old Australian girl that sailed around the world in her boat. The storyline was envoking positive emotions that inspired courage.

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4 Paint them a picture of your vision

Your pitch is not only about what your story is, but also how you plan to tell it. You need to paint them a picture of your vision, your style, and your approach. How will you use the cinematic elements, such as cinematography, sound, editing, and music, to enhance your story and create an immersive experience? How will you balance the artistic and the commercial aspects of your film? How will you differentiate your film from other similar films in the market? Use visual references, comparisons, and contrasts to illustrate your vision and show them how you will bring your story to life.

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5 Engage them with a question

The last part of your pitch is to engage them with a question. A question is a powerful tool to invite feedback, generate discussion, and build rapport. It shows that you value their opinion, that you are open to collaboration, and that you are confident in your project. A question can also create a sense of anticipation, suspense, and curiosity. It can challenge, provoke, or inspire your audience. Choose a question that relates to your story, your vision, or your audience. For example, you can ask them how they would react to a moral dilemma in your story, what they think of a creative choice in your vision, or what they hope to see in your film.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you create an emotionally resonant pitch for your film?

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1 Know your audience

2 Hook them with a logline

3 Show them the heart of your story

4 Paint them a picture of your vision

5 Engage them with a question

6 Here’s what else to consider

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