Screenwriting : Sample Written Pitch. by Michael Keeling

Hi Michael Keeling

On the ribbon at the top of the page, go to Script Services scroll down to and click on Frequently Asked Questions

scroll down to question number 13 > Do You Have Pitch Templates That Can Help Mold My Pitch?

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE STAGE 32 PITCHING TEMPLATE.

https://www.stage32.com/sites/stage32.com/files/cake/screenplays/586c11e...

very helpful. thanks

The written pitch guidelines they provide on S32 are good. I've gotten back several responses where the readers complimented the clarity and format on my written pitches. I do always try to make them as short and punchy as absolutely possible. Brevity is the soul of wit, as they say.

So... Creative screenwriters are seeking 'fill-in-the-blanks' pitch templates; to be used to promote their 'fill-in-the-blanks' scripts. Have we creativity sunk that far?

Doug Nelson, perhaps consider we're just using it as a roadmap, a suggestive guide for us to decide what to include, leave out, that sort of thing. And why would you think we're promoting fill-in-the-blank scripts? You're successful in the biz... that's wonderful, you have my admiration for that but this kind of snarky, dismissive negativity isn't helpful. check my profile, read my short scripts and let me know if you think they're paint-by numbers. Let's all help each other when we can. For example, I offer you this helpful suggestion re your syntax in your final sentence: I think you mean "creatively" rather than "creativity." See, helpful, positive, constructive. Cheers!

Doug, I think Michael asked a legitimate question that didn't deserve such a condescending response. If you've never written a pitch before, it's helpful to see one much like reading scripts written by others is helpful to learn the craft. The pitch guidelines provided by Stage 32 are a great starting point!

Doug makes a legitimate point about the mindset of many writers. How many people a copy of some beat sheet, story wheel or formula handy?

A pitch is a sales document. Go read how to write a sales letter.

There is a very predatory cultural/industry that feeds amateur writers. It has convinced the world that there are rigid forms to things. They do this using the many fallacies. The most common one is (can’t think of the name), the “if X seems true, therefore Y must be true”. If some films have common story elements, than all stories must contain these elements. From that we get all the formulas.

I’m asking a question. Why are people being rude towards to me? Am I not allowed to ask questions?

Watch this Stage 32 webinar with Pete Goldfinger and Amanda Toney about pitching. There are great sample pitches and tips on how to make your pitch better. https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Stage-32-Free-Workshop-How-to-Pitch-You...

Hi Mike, In the script services tab at the top of this page, under frequently asked questions, down near the bottom of the list is a section for a pitch template. Hit click here, and you can pull it up. Very informative.

I certainly go out of my way to not be rude towards anybody. I do however go out of my way to stay grounded in reality. During the last couple of decades, I've observed a groundswell of self proclaimed Gurus arise selling all sorts of snake oil approaches to screenwriting, each claiming that his is the only true one. Each attracts hordes of dues paying followers. I'm reminded of P.T. Barnum's words to the effect that there's a sucker born every minute. Let me be clear.

Story creation/development/screenwriting is a left-brain creative activity. IT REQUIRES CREATIVE THINKING. Few people are comfortable roaming around in the left brain. Just a fact of life. Translating that story into script format is more the analytical/technical process of the right-brain. BOTH ARE CERTAINLY NEEDED.

If you need a road map as a guide you are a follower. If you can hack and blaze your own trail, then

you are a leader - others will follow you. It's very easy (almost a certainly) to follow that road map into the deep dark woods to never be seen or heard from again. Are you a leader or follower?

I highly recommend this blog with several examples of "Series Bibles", but a few of them are actually Pitch Decks: https://www.stage32.com/blog/10-TV-Series-Bibles-You-Must-Download-and-Read

Also, don't let the nay-sayers get you down. The purpose of a pitch is to convey something creative and original to an audience that is incredibly logical and realistic (a producer or investor), and to do that, you have to structure the information so that it is easily digestible. So, if you need an example or a template to better translate your script, series, or concept to a practical mind, by all means! Anyone who thumbs their nose at the notion forgets (or chooses to remain skeptical) that a creative can flesh out and flourish beyond the spine.

Finally, there are SO MANY different versions of pitches that it is totally well worth your time to read and research as many as you can get your hands on. If screenwriters have to learn to conform to a screenwriting format by reading other scripts, then it stands to reason they should learn to stick to a pitch format by reading other pitches. #DoYou

If its for a 2 page written pitch I'd suggest getting the functional information to the reader first: Project title, format (if TV say how many episodes you plan on having in your first season and how long they are) and genre. Then you logline, a brief personal introduction to the project and why you think it will connect with audiences, brief character descriptions for the main players and then your synopsis. If there is additional information like competition wins for this or any of your other material you can include this as well. It sounds like a lot to cram in, but the effort goes into making it look effortless : ) Share with friends to get feedback and refine your work so it puts the project's best foot forward. Hope this helps.