Every filmmaker dreams of their film reaching audiences worldwide, but before it makes it to the big screen, it must pass a critical test – convincing potential investors, collaborators, and producers that it’s worth backing. This is where the elevator pitch, a concise and compelling snapshot of your film idea, becomes your most powerful tool. 

If you find yourself asking, “but what does elevator pitch mean?", the answer is actually quite literal. An elevator pitch is essentially a 30-60 second verbal summary of your project, designed to grab attention and make your listener want to learn more. In the film industry, opportunities can be fleeting, so knowing how to pitch your movie idea effectively can make all the difference. This guide will help you master the art of crafting and delivering an elevator pitch that gets attention! 

How to Structure an Effective Film Elevator Pitch 

So how long should a good elevator pitch be?

Ideally, your pitch should last no more than 60 seconds. This time frame ensures you maximize impact while respecting the listener's limited time. Here’s a basic overview of how you can structure your elevator pitch: 

1. Hook Your Audience

Begin with a compelling hook – a line that grabs attention instantly. Whether it’s a surprising fact, a bold question, or a vivid sentence describing your film’s tone, your opening should pique curiosity or interest. 

For example, instead of starting with, "My movie is about...", try something like, "What if your entire memory could be wiped clean – and your new life depended on AI deciding who you are based on your social media?" Starting with a “what if” or “imagine a world” statement may sound cliche – but it works! Starting a pitch this way encourages your audience to ask themselves a question or imagine a scenario in their mind, which is a compelling way to grab attention! 

2. Define The Core Concept 

Condense your story’s premise into one or two powerful sentences. Name the protagonist, their main objective, and the unique twist that makes your story stand out and sets up compelling conflict and high stakes. This should only take one or two sentences!

3. Highlight The Emotional Core 

What universal emotional themes or questions does your film explore? Thinking this way helps deepen the story’s connections with the audience. An audience may not remember every detail, but they’ll remember how your idea made them feel. 

4. End with a CTA 

A CTA, or call to action, means wrapping up your pitch with a request, an invitation, or a question; you could invite your listener to learn more, read your script, or watch your sizzle reel. Make your elevator pitch memorable by leaving your listener wanting more! 

Key Elements to Include in Your Film Elevator Pitch 

Following a clear and proven structure for an elevator pitch is a great start, but to successfully communicate your idea, you need to make sure you’re including the key details that make your concept easy to understand and easy to sell. 

Here’s what to include in an elevator speech for your film concept:

• Title and Genre: Think of how trailers end with titles and genre tags that clarify the tone, from "an epic fantasy" to "a dark comedy-thriller." 

• Protagonist and Stakes: A compelling character and high stakes are the core of every memorable story. Who is your protagonist? What dramatic tension drives the story forward? What’s at stake if they don’t reach their goal?

• What Makes It Unique: What sets your movie apart? Mention the unique twist, fresh perspective, or innovative visual style that makes your idea stand out. 

• An Audience or Market: Who is the target audience for your movie? Mention its commercial potential or how it fits a trend in the film market (ie:, true-crime, slasher-horror, etc.). 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Film Elevator Pitch 

It’s always good to focus on the positive, so spending time understanding what to say in an elevator pitch is easily one of the most important features of a successful elevator pitch. However, even the most exciting film concepts can fall flat when poorly presented. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you deliver an elevator pitch that lands: 

Mistake 1: Being Too Vague 

Broad, generic statements like "It’s about love and loss" won’t resonate. Be specific and describe your characters, conflict, and setting with vivid language. 

Mistake 2: Overloading with Details 

Stick to the highlights. Avoid cramming in subplots, excessive backstories, or lengthy production details. Your goal is to spark interest, not overwhelm your listener.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Hook 

A flat opener risks losing your audience immediately. Lead with something engaging to hook your listener. 

Mistake 4: Lacking Energy and Confidence 

Delivery matters. Even the best pitch sounds uninspiring if you don’t convey passion or belief in your story. 

Mistake 5: Forgetting the Call-to-Action 

Don’t leave them hanging – wrap it up with a clear next step, like asking for follow-up time or sharing your pitch deck. 

Example of a Film Pitch: What Works and Why 

Here’s an example of an elevator pitch for a hypothetical film: 

What if the past was illegal—and you were the last one who remembered it? In a world where history has been rewritten to protect a powerful elite, Elle is the last living person from the “Old World.” But when her daughter is kidnapped, Elle is forced out of hiding, armed with the only thing powerful enough to challenge the system: the truth. Elle must risk everything while making the choice to save her daughter, or the world. An action-packed sci-fi thriller, this is a story of survival and a mother’s fight for her daughter’s future. I’d love to send you my pitch deck, can I grab your email?

So, what works in this elevator pitch?

• Strong Hook: Introduces the world and dramatic irony (What if the past was illegal—and you were the last one who remembered it?)
• Clear Concept: Centers around a defined protagonist and a tangible conflict.  
• References for Familiarity: Clarifies genre and tone.
• Compelling CTA: Ends with a specific, actionable request. 

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Perfecting Your Pitch: Tips for Delivering It Confidently 

As we discussed above, even the best pitch won’t work if it’s poorly delivered. Here are a few key tips to ensure your pitch lands every time:

1. Practice Out Loud with People You Trust

Rehearse your pitch! Practice with friends, family, or fellow filmmakers to get feedback. 

2. Perfect Your Delivery

Speak clearly, maintain good posture, and make eye contact! Exude confidence through your tone and body language.

3. Adapt to Who You’re Speaking To

Adjust your delivery and the content of the pitch based on who you’re speaking to. Tie the film’s potential benefits to what that particular person may care about – be it commercial success, artistic value, or audience impact. 

4. Use Tools to Prepare

Want to leave your audience with a lasting impression? Pair your elevator pitch with a professionally designed pitch deck that showcases your concept in greater depth. Try LTX Studio’s pitch deck generator to create a polished visual presentation effortlessly. 

Win More Opportunities with the Perfect Elevator Pitch 

Crafting and delivering a clear and confident elevator pitch is more than just a skill — it’s a gateway to opportunities. By understanding what to say in an elevator pitch and following the tips outlined in this piece, you’ll be one step closer to getting your film off the ground. 

Remember, every great filmmaker started with an idea and the confidence to advocate for it. If you want to pitch a movie idea, spend time perfecting your elevator pitch! Then, when you’re ready to take the next step to elevate your pitch, check out LTX Studio to enhance your storytelling game!

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