"Pitching" an idea

PaPa

PaPa

Major Contributor
I am currently in my second year in film production at concordia university in montreal, and this year, only 6 chosen out of 18 will get to produce their own stories and film them on 16mm. The way it works, is in a few weeks from now, those who have script ides will present them to a panel of judges and pitch their ideas. What i haven't the foggiest clue about is, what does this entail?

If i were going to pitch an idea to a network, or whoever it is one pitches ideas to, what would be required of me in terms of what information i need to pass on? Should a script be ready? Do i need a synopsis? What are the key elements of selling one's idea at the time of pitching it?

Thanks!

-Jon
 
I know you've heard of the Elevator Pitch method, try that. Also, the first episode of the show Onthelot, dealt with this, you might want to check that out.

If those don't help, then I'd just practice, practice and practice, the number 1 thing you have to avoid is Nerves, I know this is almost imposible, you will be nervous, but try and not be too nervous and don't ramble.

And basically if you're pitching the idea in the sense of words, you have to know the story. And make sure you have a one sentence of what the story is about, this is also important.

And yes, have a script and synopsis ready incase your pitch is succesful, that way you can pass those on.

Pitching is a tough thing, it sounds easy but it's tough because you never really get to explain your whole movie in the 60 or whatever seconds they give you.

Good luck.
 
ya can't pitch an idea (or copyright one). They take treatmets and/or pilots.
Protect yourself first tho. They do like to have ya sign a release then run with your project without ya.
 
this is for school, so im not worried about anyone running off with the idea.

but thanks!
 
Pitching a narrative is more of an art then a science. The best advice I would give is own your project.

Meaning, know it inside out. From who your audience is, to what's your budget, production timelines, story arcs, character profiles, and the list can keep going.

Look at each element as if it was a block and pitch your "idea" as if you were building up using those elements.
 
The thing about pitching is "CONFIDENCE" to a certain extreme. Its almost like you know the whole story and are ready for production and they arent as willing to sit through you talking about it like it's "OLD" to you. My school has the exact same competition and like somebody else said earlier its an artform in itself.... making somebody believe that your movie is the perfect idea without overselling it

Good Rules To Follow:

Undersale= They will think your idea is lame and impractical
Oversale= They will think you're obnoxious

I have found that it was good practice just to DIVE right into it taking ownership of the situation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top