Project pitching: how to sell your film idea in Bollywood
Most filmmakers think a great script will sell itself. It won’t. A clear, tight pitch does the heavy lifting. If you can explain your project in one sentence, show why it matters, and prove it can make money or find an audience, producers will listen. Here’s a simple, practical plan you can use right away.
What a producer wants — and what to prepare
Start with a one-line logline that hooks: genre, main conflict, and stakes. Add a 1-paragraph synopsis that covers the setup, turning point, and payoff. Next, prepare a short treatment (2–3 pages), a budget range (low/medium/high), and a one-page team list: director, key cast ideas, and any confirmed talent. Producers also want market sense: who will watch this, where (cinema, OTT, festivals), and why now. Don’t invent big names; be realistic and honest.
Make a compact pitch deck — 8 to 12 slides. Slide order: title + logline, tone & visuals (mood images), main characters, story arc, target audience & comps (compare to 1–2 known films), rough budget and revenue streams, key team, production timeline, and ask (money, co-producer, distribution). Keep text minimal; use one strong image per slide.
How to present and follow up
Practice a 60–90 second elevator pitch and a longer 8–10 minute presentation. Open with the logline, then explain why this project matters and what makes it different. Use short, vivid examples — a scene idea or a trailer image — to show tone. Watch your timing: producers are busy and polite. Let them ask questions; answer briefly and promise details in writing if it's complex.
After the meeting, send a thank-you email within 48 hours with a one-page synopsis, the pitch deck PDF, and contact details. If they ask for the full script, send it with a deadline reminder: “Happy to talk again after you read — I’ll follow up in two weeks.” This shows you’re organized and respectful of their time.
Avoid common mistakes: don’t ramble, don’t oversell unproven claims, and don’t start with budget demand unless they ask. Don’t send giant attachments without asking. And never badmouth other projects — keep the tone professional and curious.
Where to pitch in India? Film markets like Film Bazaar, producers’ offices, content teams at OTT platforms, talent managers, and co-production forums are good starts. Also use festivals and industry meetups to build relationships — most deals begin with a casual chat, not a formal meeting.
Pitching is a skill you sharpen with feedback. Keep your materials short, polished, and audience-focused. Nail the first sentence, and the rest will follow.
