If you’re looking to raise support for an upcoming film idea, then a video pitch is one of the best tools you can use. It allows you to better capture the attention of your audience, by using imagery and clips to help bring your idea to life. However, there are a number of common pitfalls you can fall into which will make your video far less effective. So, to help you get started, here are four top tips for creating a great video pitch for your film idea.

1. Keep it short

Executives and producers are very busy people and they get pitched multiple film ideas every single week. As such, you need to make sure your video pitch is to the point and tells them exactly what they need to know and nothing more. Anywhere between four and eight minutes is acceptable, but keeping it to the lower end of this scale is best.

2. Identify your hook

There needs to be something special about your film idea if it is going to get any kind of support. Most importantly, you need to make this hook clear within your pitch. The best way to do this is to throw in your hook near the very start. This gets the audience’s attention. Afterwards, you can pull back and give a brief overview of the entire film idea.

3. Why you?

As well as supporting your idea, the filmmakers will be backing you as well. As such, you need to make it clear why you have the skills and expertise to write a great film idea. If you have low amounts of direct experience then don't worry, don't let this put you off. Instead, you will need to show endless enthusiasm and passion for the project.

4. Give them a teaser

The great thing about a video is it allows you to incorporate visuals into your pitch. So, feel free to add in some teaser clips that you've already made for the idea or to even show a few brief clips of previous work you’ve done. Again, you want to get the audience excited and involved in the video, instead of just sitting there listening to you drone on for five minutes.

Here at THE CIBLE, we work with passionate filmmakers to help them market their film idea and gain greater levels of exposure. Our team of marketing experts have years of industry experience and are always looking to support more independent filmmakers. If working with us is something you might potentially be interested in, then it’s time to find out more about our services.

With the AMERICAN FILM MARKET (AFM) right around the corner (November 1st-8th), here are 8 tips to help first timers get ready for this major networking event:

-          PREPARE: a little bit of preparation can go a long way. Don’t think that by just being there you will get results. Make the most of your AFM by not simply attending the marketing but in-depth-preparing your market attendance.

-          MEETINGS: set up your meetings beforehand. Define your strategy to reach out to key people and have a clear goal as far as meetings are concerned.

-          RESEARCH: Do your research. Before your meetings, do your research on the company and make sure that your project is in alignment with their business / distribution strategy.

-          NETWORKING: Have a great business card! They are not overrated. AFM is a networking event. So be prepared to give out your business card. So many are exchanged and most of time, you will be asked for a business card to shorten the conversation. So, don’t go for conventional and make that business card a keeper.

-          SOCIAL MEDIA: Have a social media strategy in place. There are a lot of meetings and a lot of people navigating on their phone. Have content and social media events ready for your followers.

-          1ST IMPRESSION: First impression is key. Be aware of what the first impression is about your film or your company. You only have One chance to make a first impression. Don’t show a boring looking sales sheet or presentation and expect a follow up call. Don’t think that you’ll do better next time. Do the best you can with the resources you have now!

-          PITCH: Prepare your elevator pitch. You never know who you will run into and who you might be able to pitch your project to or introduce yourself to. In just a split second you may be taken off guard if you are not prepared with a great elevator pitch.

-          FUN: Be Fun! Create a buzz. Easier said than done… Just start by showing your passion. Only those who don’t try, don’t achieve. Dare doing stuff out of the box.

NEED MARKETING SUPPORT TO GET READY ? CONTACT US NOW!