How to Pitch Your Screenplay to a Film or TV Studio: A Step-by-Step Guide

With Christopher Lockhart, Story Editor for William Morris Endeavor- the largest buyer of scripts on the planet.

Breaking into the entertainment industry as a writer can seem like a daunting task, but, as I tell each of my screenwriting students, it all starts with mastering the art of pitching. (After, of course, you have written the best screenplay that you possibly can.) A successful pitch not only conveys your story but also ignites excitement and curiosity in the minds of decision-makers. Below is a detailed guide to help you craft a pitch that captures attention and increases your chances of success.

KMP Entertainment screenwriting students practice pitch with Producer John Duffy.

Before you pitch, you need to have all the essential elements of your story fully developed and polished. The following components are crucial for a successful pitch:

A Compelling Logline
The logline is your story distilled into one or two sentences. (Typically, movies have one and tv gets two because it involves series.) It should immediately convey your story's concept, key character(s), and central conflict—what professionals often call the "Three C’s."

Example of a logline:
A zany attorney must trust the sleuth work of a ghost in order to prevent her client from going to prison.

Your logline should intrigue and leave the listener wanting to know more.

A Catchy Title
A strong title grabs attention and hints at the tone and content of your project. Titles should be memorable, relevant to the story, and resonate with your target audience.

Tips for crafting a great title:

Keep it concise

Reflect the genre or theme (ie: Stranger Things hints at mystery)

Avoid being overly vague or generic

The Genre and Theme
Be prepared to explain where your story fits in terms of genre (e.g., comedy, thriller, drama) and its overarching theme. Themes give depth to your story, while the genre sets audience expectations.

Example of genre and theme pairing:

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Theme: The consequences of unchecked ambition

KMP screenwriting student conducting a practice pitch with WME Story Editor, Christopher Lockhart

Character Descriptions
Characters are the heart of any story. Describe your protagonist, antagonist, and key supporting characters. Focus on what makes them unique, relatable, or compelling.

Example:

Protagonist: Sarah, a brilliant but emotionally detached surgeon who struggles to reconcile her past mistakes.

Antagonist: Dr. Harris, an ambitious hospital administrator willing to sabotage Sarah to further his own career.

A Strong Synopsis or Treatment
A treatment is a summary of your story, typically 1–5 pages long, that outlines the plot, characters, and key moments. It serves as a roadmap for the script while giving producers a clear picture of your project.

What to include in a treatment:

Introduction of key characters and setting.

Major plot points, including the inciting incident, turning points, and climax.

Resolution or ending (yes, you need to reveal how it ends!)

So with all that said, when it comes to crafting and delivering the Perfect Pitch, make sure you…

1. Know Your Audience
   Research the studio, network, or producer you're pitching to. Tailor your pitch to their preferences and demonstrate how your story fits their portfolio or target audience.

2. Start with the Hook
   Lead with your logline or an attention-grabbing question. This immediately sets the tone and piques interest.

3. Explain the Core Elements
   Follow your hook with a concise explanation of the genre, theme, and characters. Paint a vivid picture of the world your story inhabits.

4. Build Excitement with the Treatment
   Share the key plot points, focusing on the stakes and emotional journey. Highlight what makes your story stand out.

5. Be Passionate but Professional
   Enthusiasm is contagious. Let your passion for the story shine through, but stay concise and focused.

6. Be Ready for Questions
   Studio executives or producers may have questions about your characters, story arcs, or even potential budget concerns. Be prepared to answer thoughtfully and confidently.

Your pitch is only as strong as the materials supporting it. Ensure your logline, treatment, and script are polished and error-free. Have trusted industry peers review them and provide feedback before you pitch.

Next Steps: Getting Your Pitch Seen

1. Getting a Literary Agent
   Many studios won’t accept unsolicited pitches, so having a literary agent is essential. Agents can open doors and help you navigate contracts and negotiations.

2. Leveraging Pitch Events
   Industry pitch events and competitions are excellent ways to get your story in front of decision-makers.

3. Networking
   Build relationships with industry professionals at film festivals, writer workshops, and networking events.

4. Join the WGA
   Once you have a script sold or produced, consider joining the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Membership gives you access to resources, legal protections, and industry connections.

Crafting and pitching a story or script to a film or TV studio is both an art and a skill. With preparation, passion, and perseverance, you can turn your ideas into a project that resonates with audiences and industry professionals alike.

Remember, your story matters—so pitch it like it’s the next big thing. Who knows? It just might be.

**You can view some practice pitches of my students here.

A KMP screenwriting student conducting a practice pitch with Christopher Lockhart, Story Editor for William Morris Endeavor