Pitch decks are crucial tools for selling TV show concepts to potential buyers and investors. They provide a visual overview of the story, characters, and unique elements that make a series stand out. Effective pitch decks balance selling the idea with informing the audience about key details.
A well-crafted tells a compelling story, mirroring the narrative structure of the proposed series. It includes elements like the concept, plot, characters, world-building, episode ideas, and season arcs. The deck's structure and visuals are carefully designed to grab attention and convey the show's style and tone.
Purpose of pitch decks
Pitch decks serve as a to effectively communicate the key elements of a television show concept to potential buyers, investors, or collaborators
They provide a concise overview of the story, characters, world, and unique selling points of the series to generate interest and secure funding or a green light
Pitch decks aim to convey the creative vision and commercial viability of the project in a compelling and memorable way
Selling vs informing
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Top images from around the web for Selling vs informing
Persuasion | Introduction to Psychology View original
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Unit 33: Informative and Persuasive Presentations – Communication at Work View original
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How to Become a Rhetorically Effective Speaker – Starr Sumner – Medium View original
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Persuasion | Introduction to Psychology View original
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Pitch decks strike a balance between selling the concept and informing the audience about the details of the show
Selling aspects highlight the unique, exciting, and marketable elements to create enthusiasm and desire to invest
Informing aspects provide necessary context, story structure, and character details to demonstrate the depth and feasibility of the project
Effective pitch decks seamlessly blend persuasive language and visuals to sell the idea while delivering essential information to help the audience understand and evaluate the concept
Telling a compelling story
Pitch decks should tell a compelling story that mirrors the narrative structure and emotional beats of the proposed television series
Opening with a strong to capture attention (intriguing premise, striking visual, or provocative question)
Establishing the central conflict, stakes, and character arcs to create investment
Building to a climax or cliffhanger that leaves the audience wanting more
By crafting a mini-narrative within the pitch deck, creators can demonstrate their storytelling abilities and provide a taste of the show's potential
Key elements of pitch decks
Concept vs plot
The concept is the high-level idea or premise of the show, focusing on the central themes, conflicts, and world
Communicates what the series is about in broad strokes (a detective solving supernatural crimes, a family drama set in space)
Emphasizes the unique angle or twist that sets the concept apart from similar shows
The plot delves into the specific story beats, character arcs, and episodic structure of the series
Provides a more detailed overview of the narrative progression and key events
Demonstrates how the concept translates into engaging storylines and character journeys
Characters and world
Pitch decks introduce the main characters, highlighting their roles, motivations, and relationships
Provides brief descriptions or character breakdowns to convey their personalities, skills, and flaws
Emphasizes how the characters' interactions and conflicts drive the story forward
The world of the series is established, including the setting, time period, and any unique elements or rules
Communicates the visual style, tone, and atmosphere of the show (gritty urban dystopia, whimsical fantasy realm)
Highlights how the world influences the characters and story, creating opportunities for drama, adventure, or social commentary
Episode ideas and season arc
Pitch decks include brief summaries or loglines for potential episodes to give a sense of the series' episodic content
Showcases the range of stories, tones, and themes the show can explore
Demonstrates how individual episodes contribute to larger character and plot arcs
The overall season arc is outlined, mapping the major narrative beats and character developments across the first season
Establishes the central mystery, conflict, or goal that propels the story forward
Teases potential cliffhangers, twists, and resolution points to create anticipation and long-term investment
Comparable successful shows
Pitch decks often reference successful shows with similar themes, tones, or target audiences to help position the project
Provides context for the series' potential market and audience appeal ("Breaking Bad meets The Walking Dead")
Demonstrates an understanding of the current television landscape and how the show fits within it
Comparisons are used sparingly and strategically to enhance understanding without overshadowing the unique elements of the pitched series
Pitch deck structure
Opening hook
The first slide or section of the pitch deck aims to grab the audience's attention and create immediate interest
Features a striking image, provocative question, or intriguing tagline that encapsulates the show's premise
Sets the tone and style of the series, hinting at the genre, themes, and emotional impact
The opening hook should be memorable, compelling, and leave the audience eager to learn more
Logline and premise
The is a concise, one-to-two sentence summary of the show's central concept and conflict
Distills the main characters, setting, and stakes into a clear, engaging statement
Serves as a quick reference point and selling tool throughout the pitch process
The premise expands on the logline, providing a more detailed overview of the series' setup, central questions, and narrative engine
Introduces the main characters, their roles, and their initial goals or challenges
Establishes the world, its rules, and how it influences the story
Hints at the long-term potential and direction of the series
Act by act breakdown
The act by act breakdown maps out the structure and pacing of a typical episode
Divides the story into distinct sections or beats, each with its own narrative function (setup, complication, climax, resolution)
Demonstrates how the series maintains tension, builds character arcs, and balances episodic and serialized elements
The breakdown can be presented as a bullet-point list, a visual timeline, or a brief prose summary
Highlights the key events, turning points, and emotional beats of the episode
Showcases the series' storytelling style and how it engages the audience
Visual style and tone
The pitch deck communicates the visual style and tone of the series through carefully chosen images, color schemes, and design elements
Includes , , or reference images that evoke the desired look and feel
Uses consistent fonts, colors, and layouts to create a cohesive visual identity
The visual style and tone should align with and enhance the genre, themes, and emotional impact of the series
Dark, gritty imagery for a noir crime thriller
Bright, whimsical illustrations for a family-friendly fantasy adventure
Sleek, minimalist design for a high-tech sci-fi drama
Effective use of visuals
Concept art vs photos
Concept art is custom-created artwork that visualizes key elements of the series, such as characters, settings, or iconic moments
Allows for a unique, stylized representation of the show's world and aesthetic
Provides a clear, uncompromised vision of the creator's intentions
Photos, such as stills from existing media or stock images, can be used to convey tone, mood, or visual references
Offers a more immediate, relatable connection to real-world elements
Can be effective for grounding the series in a specific time period, location, or genre
Formatting of text and images
The layout and formatting of the pitch deck should be clean, legible, and visually appealing
Use a consistent font hierarchy to distinguish headers, subheaders, and body text
Maintain adequate white space and margins to avoid overcrowding and improve readability
Balance text and images on each slide to create a dynamic, engaging layout
Images should be high-quality, properly scaled, and positioned to complement the accompanying text
Avoid pixelation, blurriness, or stretched images that appear unprofessional
Use captions or labels sparingly to provide necessary context or attribution
Consistent visual theme
The pitch deck should maintain a consistent visual theme throughout, reinforcing the series' genre, tone, and style
Use a cohesive color palette that evokes the desired emotional response and atmosphere
Employ recurring visual motifs, patterns, or textures that tie the together
Ensure that transitions between slides are smooth and logical, creating a natural flow of information
A consistent visual theme helps create a memorable, professional impression and demonstrates attention to detail and creative vision
Tailoring pitch decks
Adjusting length for audience
The length and depth of the pitch deck should be tailored to the specific audience and context
Shorter, more concise decks for initial meetings or time-limited presentations (5-10 slides)
Longer, more detailed decks for follow-up discussions or in-depth evaluation (15-25 slides)
Consider the audience's familiarity with the subject matter and adapt the level of explanation accordingly
Provide more background information for audiences new to the genre or theme
Focus on unique selling points and creative vision for experienced industry professionals
Executives vs agents vs talent
Tailor the pitch deck's emphasis and language to the priorities and interests of different industry roles
Executives: Highlight commercial potential, , and fit within the studio or network's brand
Agents: Emphasize the project's marketability, potential for talent attachment, and long-term career opportunities
Talent: Focus on compelling characters, unique creative challenges, and the emotional impact of the story
Adapt the deck's tone and style to match the preferences and communication style of the specific individual or team
Highlighting unique elements
Identify and emphasize the unique elements that set the series apart from competitors or similar projects
Innovative premise, unexpected character dynamics, or fresh take on a familiar genre
Distinctive visual style, narrative structure, or storytelling techniques
Timely themes, underrepresented perspectives, or social relevance
Position these unique elements as key selling points, demonstrating the series' potential to capture audience attention and stand out in a crowded market
Delivering a pitch
Passion and enthusiasm
Convey genuine passion and enthusiasm for the project throughout the pitch, both verbally and non-verbally
Speak with energy, conviction, and a sense of excitement about the series' potential
Use body language, gestures, and facial expressions to reinforce key points and emotional beats
Share personal anecdotes or inspirations that highlight your connection to the material
Passion and enthusiasm are contagious, helping to create a positive, memorable impression and build trust in your creative vision
Adapting to reactions
Pay attention to the audience's reactions and adapt the pitch accordingly, maintaining flexibility and responsiveness
Gauge interest, engagement, and understanding through verbal and non-verbal cues
Be prepared to expand on certain aspects, clarify questions, or address concerns as they arise
Adjust the pacing, emphasis, or level of detail based on the audience's response and available time
Adapting to reactions demonstrates active listening, professionalism, and a willingness to collaborate and incorporate feedback
Leaving behind a leave-behind
Provide a physical or digital "leave-behind" version of the pitch deck for the audience to review and share after the meeting
Include key visuals, character descriptions, and series overview in a concise, easily digestible format
Ensure that the leave-behind can stand alone as a compelling representation of the project
Consider additional materials, such as a pilot script, episode outlines, or concept art, to support the pitch
A well-crafted leave-behind extends the impact of the pitch, allowing the audience to revisit and share the project with colleagues or decision-makers
Pitch deck best practices
Simplicity and clarity
Prioritize simplicity and clarity in the pitch deck's content and design to ensure effective communication
Use concise, jargon-free language that is accessible to a wide range of audiences
Break down complex concepts or story elements into easily understandable components
Employ clear, legible fonts and a clean, uncluttered layout that highlights essential information
Simplicity and clarity help maintain focus on the key selling points and creative vision, avoiding confusion or information overload
Avoiding common mistakes
Be aware of and avoid common pitfalls that can undermine the effectiveness of the pitch deck
Overcrowding slides with too much text or visual information, making them difficult to read or process
Relying on generic, cliched, or overused concepts, phrases, or visual tropes that fail to differentiate the project
Neglecting to proofread for spelling, grammar, or formatting errors that can appear unprofessional
Failing to anticipate and address potential questions, concerns, or objections regarding the project's feasibility or marketability
Avoiding these mistakes demonstrates attention to detail, self-awareness, and a commitment to presenting a polished, professional pitch
Real-world examples of success
Study and reference real-world examples of successful pitch decks from popular or critically acclaimed television series
Analyze the structure, content, and visual style of decks that effectively sold their concepts
Identify common elements or techniques that can be adapted or incorporated into your own pitch
Use specific examples to illustrate best practices or to provide context for your project's potential
Real-world examples serve as valuable learning tools and help demonstrate an understanding of industry standards and expectations
Key Terms to Review (18)
Branding: Branding is the process of creating a unique identity for a product, service, or individual in the minds of consumers. It encompasses elements such as logos, taglines, and overall messaging that help differentiate the brand from competitors and establish an emotional connection with the audience. In the context of visual aids and pitch decks, effective branding helps convey the essence of a project and influences how it is perceived by potential buyers or stakeholders.
Concept art: Concept art is a visual representation used to convey ideas and concepts during the pre-production phase of film, television, and video game development. It helps to establish the visual style and feel of a project by illustrating characters, environments, and key scenes, serving as a guide for the entire creative process.
Elevator pitch: An elevator pitch is a concise, persuasive speech that outlines an idea, project, or product in the time it takes to ride an elevator, usually around 30 seconds to 2 minutes. This brief presentation is crucial for quickly grabbing the attention of potential investors or industry contacts, making it essential in networking and promoting projects effectively.
Emotional resonance: Emotional resonance refers to the ability of a story or character to evoke strong feelings and connections in the audience. It is crucial for creating impactful narratives that linger in viewers' minds, influencing their perceptions and reactions. This connection enhances the overall experience, making moments more memorable and compelling, which is essential across various storytelling elements, including conflict resolution, pacing, visual storytelling, and adherence to genre expectations.
Graphics: Graphics refer to visual representations that can include images, illustrations, charts, and diagrams used to communicate information effectively. In the context of pitch decks and visual aids, graphics are essential for enhancing storytelling and making concepts more digestible, engaging the audience visually while complementing verbal presentations.
Hook: A hook is an engaging element at the start of a story designed to capture the audience's attention and pique their curiosity. It serves as a crucial tool in storytelling, creating interest that keeps viewers invested in the narrative, while also affecting pacing, exposition, and character development throughout the story.
Logline: A logline is a brief, compelling summary of a television show's premise that encapsulates the main character, their goal, and the central conflict in one or two sentences. It serves as a crucial tool in various stages of development, helping to distill the essence of the story into a pitchable format that can attract interest from producers, executives, and audiences alike.
Mood boards: Mood boards are visual tools that artists, designers, and creators use to convey the overall feeling or tone of a project. They consist of a collage of images, colors, textures, and typography that capture the aesthetic and emotional essence of a concept. These boards serve as a reference point throughout the creative process, helping to maintain consistency and clarity in visual storytelling.
Narrative arc: A narrative arc is the structure of a story that outlines the progression of events and character development from the beginning to the end. It typically includes a setup, conflict, climax, and resolution, helping to create a satisfying emotional journey for the audience. This arc connects various story elements, such as character growth and thematic exploration, making it essential in shaping how stories unfold across different mediums.
Pitch deck: A pitch deck is a visual presentation created to communicate the essential elements of a project, typically used during pitches to investors or executives. It combines key visuals, graphics, and text to effectively convey the project's concept, vision, and potential. A well-crafted pitch deck helps in capturing attention and generating interest from decision-makers.
Set design: Set design is the process of creating the physical surroundings in which a film, television show, or stage production takes place. This includes designing and building the actual sets, selecting colors, materials, and props, and ensuring that the environment reflects the story and mood of the production. Set design plays a crucial role in visually conveying themes, emotions, and character dynamics to the audience.
Sizzle reel: A sizzle reel is a short video that showcases the highlights of a television show or film project, designed to grab the attention of potential buyers or investors. It typically includes key scenes, compelling visuals, and dynamic music to convey the tone and appeal of the project in a concise format. A well-crafted sizzle reel can be a vital tool in pitching a show, as it visually demonstrates its concept and engages the audience's interest.
Slides: Slides are visual presentation tools used to display information in a concise and engaging format during pitch meetings or presentations. They serve as a way to enhance verbal communication by providing visual aids that can clarify concepts, convey emotions, and maintain audience interest. The effectiveness of slides relies on their design, content, and how they complement the speaker's narrative.
Storyboards: Storyboards are visual representations of a narrative that break down scenes into sequential panels, helping to visualize the storytelling process before production begins. They serve as a crucial tool in pre-production, allowing writers, directors, and other creative team members to align their vision, plan camera angles, and map out the flow of the story effectively.
Target audience: A target audience refers to the specific group of people that a particular piece of content, product, or marketing effort is aimed at. Understanding the target audience helps creators tailor their messaging and presentation style to resonate with that group, ensuring greater engagement and relevance. Identifying the target audience also influences decisions related to themes, character development, and the overall tone of a project.
Visual aid: A visual aid is a tool that uses visual elements to enhance communication and understanding, often employed in presentations or pitches to convey ideas more effectively. These aids can include images, charts, graphs, videos, and slideshows that help to illustrate key points, engage the audience, and reinforce the message being presented. By making information more accessible and memorable, visual aids play a crucial role in the success of conveying complex concepts.
Visual metaphor: A visual metaphor is an image or a visual element that represents an idea or concept by drawing a comparison between two unlike things, conveying deeper meaning through symbolism. It enhances storytelling by visually expressing themes and emotions that may be difficult to articulate with words alone. This technique plays a critical role in conveying exposition and information, as well as in the creation of engaging pitch decks and visual aids.
Visual storytelling: Visual storytelling is the art of conveying a narrative through visual elements such as images, video, and other multimedia formats. It relies on visuals to enhance the emotional and narrative impact, creating a deeper connection with the audience. This approach is crucial for maintaining audience engagement and can also be instrumental in creating compelling pitch decks and visual aids that succinctly communicate ideas.