How can you tell if your screenplay is ready to pitch?

You have a great idea for a movie, and you've spent months or even years crafting your screenplay. But how do you know if it's ready to pitch to producers, agents, or managers? Pitching your screenplay is a crucial step in getting your script noticed and optioned, but it also requires preparation, confidence, and strategy. In this article, we'll share some tips on how to tell if your screenplay is ready to pitch, and how to avoid some common pitfalls.

1 Know your genre and audience

One of the first things you need to do before pitching your screenplay is to know your genre and audience. What kind of story are you telling, and who is it for? Is it a comedy, a thriller, a drama, or a mix of genres? Is it a mainstream blockbuster, an indie gem, or a niche cult film? Knowing your genre and audience will help you craft a pitch that highlights the unique elements of your screenplay, and also shows that you understand the market and the expectations of the industry.

Add your perspective

2 Polish your logline and synopsis

Another essential step before pitching your screenplay is to polish your logline and synopsis. A logline is a one-sentence summary of your screenplay that captures the premise, the protagonist, the conflict, and the stakes. A synopsis is a one-page summary of your screenplay that covers the main plot points, the characters, and the theme. Both of these tools are important for grabbing the attention of potential readers and partners, and for demonstrating your ability to communicate your story clearly and concisely.

Add your perspective

3 Get feedback and revise

No screenplay is perfect on the first draft, or even the second or third. Before pitching your screenplay, you need to get feedback and revise. Feedback can come from various sources, such as peers, mentors, consultants, or script readers. The key is to find honest and constructive feedback that helps you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your screenplay, and gives you suggestions on how to improve it. Revising your screenplay means being open to criticism, making changes, and rewriting until you are satisfied with the final product.

Add your perspective

Alan A. Mehanna

Jr Editor at CBR
Report contribution
Being open to feedback is crucial in this industry especially when you are first starting. Many before you have had experiences within the industry that could be beyond helpful. Do table reads with friends, and listen to their feedback. Find mentors and script readers on sites like Coverfly, or ScreenCraft, or even higher a freelance reader. Seek out constructive criticism, don't settle for positive feedback. Watch films or series in your genre, that could be comparables, and learn from them. The best way to grow is to be open to learning and listening.

Like

4 Research your targets and tailor your pitch

Once you have a polished screenplay, logline, and synopsis, you need to research your targets and tailor your pitch. Your targets are the people or companies that you want to pitch your screenplay to, such as producers, agents, managers, studios, or networks. You need to research their background, their credits, their preferences, and their submission guidelines. You also need to tailor your pitch to suit their needs, interests, and goals. For example, if you are pitching to a producer who specializes in horror films, you might want to emphasize the scares, the twists, and the market potential of your screenplay.

Add your perspective

5 Practice your pitch and prepare for questions

The final step before pitching your screenplay is to practice your pitch and prepare for questions. Your pitch is your opportunity to sell yourself and your screenplay, and to make a lasting impression on your target. You need to practice your pitch until you can deliver it confidently, passionately, and succinctly. You also need to prepare for questions that might arise from your pitch, such as what inspired you, what are the themes, who are the actors, what are the comparable films, and so on. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to ace your pitch and get your screenplay noticed.

Add your perspective

Celestine Davis

Writer | Artist | Educator | Community Arts Leader | Film Festival Director @Down East Flick Fest
Report contribution
You, like most of us, may have developed the idea that your words are you. In show "business" they are not. They are a commodity. Be prepared to make some compromises. Before pitching, know your limits. Where will you draw the line with your "artistic vision?" Remember, it may be art to you, but an investment for a film company.

Like

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?

Add your perspective

How can you tell if your screenplay is ready to pitch?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your genre and audience

2 Polish your logline and synopsis

3 Get feedback and revise

4 Research your targets and tailor your pitch

5 Practice your pitch and prepare for questions

6 Here’s what else to consider

Film Industry

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Film Industry

More relevant reading