Organizing the Perfect Independent Film Pitch Packet
Preparing an independent film pitch packet that you can share with investors is certainly not something that you want to rush through. In fact, if you’re not sure what to include or how to properly organize your independent film pitch packet, then you’ve come to the right place! Although you may have a mind blowing script in your hands, if you don’t initiate the perfect pitch, you could be leaving money on the table.
At Beverly Boy Productions, we know a thing or two about pitching big projects, and we think we can help you prepare the perfect independent film pitch packet for your investor.
It’s All About Cutting Through the Noise
That’s right, you’ve got to make a first impression that will stand out in a crowd. You’ve got to pitch your project like it’s nobody’s business. You pretty much have one chance to make it count. Because no matter how brilliant your script is, if you don’t have the perfect pitch…Who’s going to read it?
Investors are faced with pitches like these on the daily. If you can’t make your film idea stand out and break through all the noise that is the many other pitches that your target investors are hearing on a regular basis.
You’re not going to secure the financing you need to take your film to the next level. So, before you start rushing through the steps without any real care for the importance of this process.
Think long and hard…How will you pitch your idea so that you capture the attention of investors and they can’t help but WANT to know more?
Today’s Pitch Packets are Digital Masterpieces
While the typical independent film pitch packet was once made up primarily of just a basic logline, the synopsis, and the film treatment advances in technology.
And a drive toward a more interactive experience when pitching investors has turned today’s pitch packets into digital masterpieces.
While the essential elements are still included, the pitch packet is now more recognized as a pitch deck. And it can be used to captivate the interest of investors. While creating an immersive experience that sets your idea apart from so many others in the industry.
Formatting the Independent Film Pitch Packet
Just like any pitch, you want your pitch packet to deliver all of the most important details required by your audience. To make an informed decision while engaging them. In such a way that they cannot help but to wonder “What else?”
Formatting the pitch packet requires some careful planning. First, you’ve got to come up with a way to instantly grab the attention of your investor. Think, visual cues and a strong hook.
You should probably include the art department in the planning and creation of your pitch unless you’ve got enough creative talent to produce images that can elude the proposed look and feel of your film idea.
Here’s what you need to include:
- A hook that instantly grabs the attention of your investors. Do your homework, make sure you know who you are investors are, what projects they’ve invested into in the past, and what drives their decision making – use all of this information to your advantage!
- The title page and executive summary which dictate the overall tone, scope, concept, story, characters arcs and other key elements of your film.
- Details on your team, who’s involved in the creative side of the project and who can the investor count on to handle production?
- Financial details that are going to prove the underlying value of your film. Not only should you break down any potential investments, financing, or other financial details. But you should have estimates in order for production cost and other needs too. Show your investor that you’ve done your homework and you’re committed. It can’t hurt to throw in some competition here too. So if you’ve got other investors interested, include those details!
- Target audience data including breakdowns. Who’s your film targeting? What are the genres and demographics associated with your plan?
Creating an Independent Film Pitch Packet that Can’t Be Beat
Now that you’re familiar with all of the important details that are to be included in your pitch packet. It’s time to start thinking about how you can add some spice and captivate the interest of your investor. This is where bringing in your art department is crucial!
A pitch packet that alludes to the look, feel, and tone of your film could be the selling point. This is the difference between having a pitch that investors pay close attention to…and not.
Your pitch should have a cohesive, balanced and creative design that utilizes the proposed styles, colors, and tones that could be connected to the film itself.
Set The Tone
Use your pitch packet to set the tone and atmosphere of the story – just as with the film itself, show, don’t tell. Use visual cues to deliver key details surrounding the underlying elements of your film.
Including just a few additional pages of captivating imagery which can help your investors to see the depth of creativity that you intend to put into the film can be highly effective in encouraging a positive investment into your project.
Make sure that you include enough detail to answer key questions that an investor may have, specifically:
- How long is the script?
- How long do you intend production to be?
- Will there be any other technology or important features such as animation, pyrotechnics, stunts or other requirements.
- How many cast members will there be?
- How many shoot locations are there?
Consider Including
You can also include photos of your location ideas or other visual cues throughout the pitch. Also consider including in your independent film pitch packet pertinent information that helps an investor see that you will work diligently to save on production costs.
Or to otherwise limit the overall price tag of the project. Know your investor, and use what you know to pitch your project to them in a way that they can resonate with.
Don’t forget to include any details regarding distribution. If you have a distribution arrangement in the works – include it! If you have distribution ideas, or you’ve had other investors show interest.
Include those details too. There’s nothing wrong with creating a little bit of competition that will help your current pitch audience to feel more inclined to move forward swiftly with a decision.
In Summary
As you can see, the independent film pitch packet is literally your ticket to an investment deal. Don’t get me wrong, the perfect pitch packet has the power to draw in the interest of your investor audience and create a strong financial background for your film.
But only if you break through the noise. Pitch like you’ve never pitched before. Create a look and tone that your investors simply cannot say no to!
