The Elevator Pitch: How to Sell Your Film Story in 30 Seconds

The elevator pitch is your chance to share the important information about your film with anyone, anywhere, at any time, in about thirty seconds. Here is how to shape it, section by section.

Film comparisons

The quickest way to convey the tone, style and atmosphere of your film is to compare it to recognisable films that already exist. You may have heard filmmakers say "it's X meets Y": E.T. meets The Goonies, or The Thing meets Halloween. This should only take a few seconds. Do not dwell on comparisons for long, because you need the time to pitch what is unique about your idea.

A clear logline

A logline is a one-sentence summary of the entire film that tells the listener the concept, the character and the general story arc. For example, the logline for The BFG is: "An orphan befriends a benevolent giant who takes her to Giant Country, where they attempt to stop the man-eating giants that are invading the human world." It is the best way to begin pitching your idea, because the listener will instantly understand the kind of story you are telling. A logline can be broken down into a simple template:

[The protagonist] has to [action or journey] to stop [the antagonist or threat] after [inciting incident].

You can rearrange or remove any of the elements, depending on what suits your story best.

An extended short synopsis

Now that you have explained the main idea, expand on it clearly and concisely. This shows that your narrative has depth. Keep it brief: aim for four to six sentences. Practise covering the essential skeleton of your story, from the first incident all the way to the climax. Do not be shy about divulging the ending. Showing that you have a gripping third act will drastically strengthen their belief in the story.

The protagonist and the antagonist

Now that you have them hooked on the concept, dig a little deeper into your protagonist. What makes them new, different or special? Why is it important that the story is told from their perspective? The BFG is told from Sophie's perspective because, after escaping the horrors of her real world, she builds a relationship with an unlikely father figure she ought to fear. That reflects the film's main theme of not judging people by their appearance.

If your story has an antagonist, explain why they are vital to the story, what makes them truly evil, and the stakes the protagonist faces because of them.

The theme, and why it is relevant

To wrap up, summarise the film's main themes and give the listener a sense of why audiences will connect with it. Tell them why the idea is relevant now. Does the story explore a current issue? Is there a strong market for this type of film? Why does the world need to see it? The same answers will front your crowdfunding campaign later, so it is worth getting them right.

Practise, then pitch

Be interesting, memorable, succinct and excited about your film. Practise your pitch and tell it in a passionate, energetic way. The listener should leave wanting more. By the end of your pitch they should be asking for your treatment or the script.

For some creatives, selling can be tough, but practice makes perfect. Own your abilities and make the listener believe in your story the way you do.

A good pitch is also the backbone of a good casting breakdown. When you are ready to cast your first film, Join Actorly as a caster and post your casting to actors across Ireland.