Screenwriting : Written Pitches by Martin Reese

Hi Martin. I think 12 is best. Some execs read these pitches on their phone. I struggled with this for a while, myself, trying to fit in more with a smaller font. You can do it with 12. Seems like less space with 12, but it helps you focus on the core of the story and helps to get rid of unnecessary details.

Thanks Matthew James Sheridan . I was thinking that. It definitely forces you to cut things.

You're welcome, Martin! Good luck. Two other tips I've learned from execs in these pitches: Why should that exec/producer make your movie now? And why should they work with you? Consider those questions as well and be sure to include the answers in your pitch.

Whether for use here on Stage32 or for producers generally, make it as easy to read as you can. That means definitely do NOT use 11-point type. 12 or 13 is better. Use headings to divide the different sections of the pitch (intro, characters, synopsis etc.). Use a plain, sans-serif, easy to read font. Avoid Times, for example, as it is very tight, and tiring to read outside of a newspaper column. Also skip using Courier, for the opposite reason - it takes up a lot of space. And please don't use Arial, just cause it is ugly as sin :D

Check your leading, i.e. distance between lines. If the leading is too tight, it also gets tiring to read. But you can adjust the leading a little to fit things neatly. For headings, don't neglect to adjust the horizontal leading to space the letters out.

12 point is always the go to

Don't tell me u pay for this pitches and then it's a matter of font??? Don't feed my sarcasm, guys gonna get mean...

Think of how you’ll do the elevator pitch for your project to condense it and then go from there. You don’t want the pitch to appear like a wall of small text to the reader.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Submitted 2 pitches for January 9th in 12-point.

Screenwriting is founded on long standing traditions that includes scripts in courier 12 point font harkening back to the typewriter days. It's a non proportional typeface that was the basis of the one page of script equals one minute of screen time - it's a rough estimate at best but it's the basis for some very preliminary budget guesses. Obviously we're not talking about story development here, it's simple readability. The industry has become accustomed to it and it works - don't 'fix' what ain't busted. Hollywood ain't about to change its evil ways just for you. Learn to go with the flow - it's good for your blood pressure.

Good luck, Martin! Let us all know how your pitch goes.