You’re here because you’re ready to turn that flash of inspiration into something real.
By the end of this, you’ll not only know how to submit a movie idea, but you’ll be equipped with tips, tricks, and a roadmap for turning your concept into the talk of Hollywood. Let’s get started.
What’s a Movie Pitch Anyway?
Think of a movie pitch as your story’s Tinder bio: short, snappy, and designed to make someone swipe right. When you pitch your idea, you’re essentially selling the concept – the plot, characters, and the big “why” of your film – to people who can help bring it to life. Executives, producers, agents – you name it.
There are two main types of pitches you need to nail:
- The Elevator Pitch
Picture this: You step into an elevator, and there’s a producer who could make your dream come true. You’ve got about 20–30 seconds to pitch your idea before the doors open. It’s fast, it’s punchy, and it should leave them intrigued enough to want more.
Example: “It’s ‘The Breakfast Club’ meets ‘Saw.’ A group of strangers wake up in a mysterious classroom, forced to solve puzzles based on their darkest secrets – or face deadly consequences. It’s a psychological thriller with a razor-sharp social commentary.”
- The Standard Pitch
Here, you’ve got 20–30 minutes to wow your audience with a more detailed breakdown. Think visuals, pitch decks, and maybe even a teaser trailer. If the elevator pitch is the appetizer, this is the full meal.
Both types require practice, precision, and a pinch of flair to ensure your audience gets why your movie needs to exist right now.
How to Write a Killer Movie Pitch
If crafting your pitch feels scarier than The Exorcist, don’t worry. Breaking it into manageable steps makes it way easier.
Step 1: Nail Down Your Idea
Before you even think about pitching, your movie idea needs to be airtight. Ask yourself:
- Is this concept unique or compelling?
- Who is the target audience?
- Does my story have a clear beginning, middle, and end?
Make sure you’ve fleshed out every detail. Producers don’t just want an interesting premise; they want to know you’ve done the heavy lifting to make it a complete vision. If your idea feels half-baked, your pitch will fall flat.
Step 2: Create a Killer Logline
Your logline is the one – or two-sentence summary that captures your movie’s core concept. Think of it as the hook to reel people in. For example:
- “Jaws”: A police chief, a marine scientist, and a grizzled fisherman team up to stop a massive great white shark terrorizing a small beach town.
- “The Matrix”: A computer hacker discovers he’s living in a simulated reality and joins a rebellion to free humanity from their machine overlords.
Your logline should scream, “You need to know more about this movie!” Spend time crafting it, because it’s your first impression.
Step 3: Write a Short Synopsis
A short synopsis is where you lay out the heart of your story in three to five paragraphs. Follow the classic three-act structure:
- Act One: Introduce the protagonist, their world, and the central conflict.
- Act Two: Build the tension as your hero faces obstacles.
- Act Three: Resolve the story in a way that’s satisfying (or leaves the audience dying for a sequel).
Keep it concise but engaging. The goal is to show that your idea has depth while leaving room for curiosity.
Step 4: Develop Your Characters
Producers want characters that jump off the page. For your pitch, focus on the main ones:
- Protagonist: Who are they, and what do they want?
- Antagonist: What or who stands in their way?
- Supporting characters: How do they drive the story forward?
Briefly touch on their arcs, motivations, and defining traits. Highlight what makes them relatable or fascinating.
Step 5: Find Comparisons (Comps)
When learning how to pitch a movie, one of the best tools is comparing your idea to existing films. These comps help producers immediately understand your project’s tone, style, or target audience. For example:
- “It’s like Jurassic Park meets Stranger Things.”
- “Think Inception, but with a twist of Groundhog Day.”
Make sure your comps are realistic. Comparing your screenplay to Star Wars is a bold move unless your story really has that level of epicness.
Read Also: How to Find Casting Calls and Auditions Without an Agent
Here’s a simple roadmap to help you figure out how to submit a movie idea in style:
1. Start Strong: Title & Logline
First impressions matter. Your title should be catchy but relevant, while your logline needs to pack a punch. A logline is like your story’s Twitter bio – short, sweet, and compelling.
- Example: For The Godfather: “An aging patriarch of a crime dynasty transfers his empire to his reluctant son.”
2. Flesh Out the Details: Characters & Themes
Who’s in your story, and why should we care? Dive into the motivations of your protagonist and antagonists, and don’t skimp on themes. Is it about redemption? Revenge? Love? Studios need to know.
3. Visualize It: Filmic Approach & Comparisons
If your movie idea has a unique style or vibe, make it clear. Also, comps (comparisons) help a ton. Saying your movie is “La La Land meets Mad Max“ immediately paints a picture.
4. Nail the Synopsis
Summarize your story in three to five paragraphs. Stick to the basics – beginning, middle, and end. Don’t try to include every subplot or character quirk.
5. Close with a Bang
End your pitch with a hook that makes people NEED to know what happens next. Whether it’s a question or a tantalizing tease, leave them wanting more.
Practice delivering it until it sounds natural. Confidence is everything here.
Where to Submit Movie Ideas
Knowing where to submit movie ideas is half the battle. Here are your options:
- Pitch Sites: Platforms like iPitch.tv and the Black List connect writers with producers.
- Film Festivals: Many festivals, such as Sundance and Austin Film Festival, offer pitch competitions.
- Production Companies: Some studios accept unsolicited submissions – check their guidelines first.
- Agents: A reputable agent can open doors that would otherwise remain closed.
With these tools in hand, you’re well on your way to cracking the code on how to sell movie ideas like a pro.
Protect Your Work
- Protect Your Idea: Register it with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) or get it copyrighted. Nobody likes a stolen idea.
- Tailor Your Pitch: Don’t pitch your heartwarming rom-com to a producer who only makes sci-fi blockbusters.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your pitch until you can deliver it without breaking a sweat.
- Stay Open to Feedback: Not every pitch will be perfect out of the gate. Be open to tweaking and improving based on what you hear.
Final Thoughts
Figuring out how to sell a movie idea isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. The key is preparation, confidence, and knowing where to submit movie ideas to get the best shot at success.
So, polish that pitch, rehearse like your career depends on it (because it kind of does), and don’t stop until your story’s on the big screen.
Now, what’s your pitch?
