(This post is for people interested in pitching their movie ideas to producers and studios by email.)
In all my years working in Hollywood, the best pitches I’ve seen have used the following structure:
1. Logline (your concept boiled down to one or two sentences).
2. Synopsis (a more detailed outline of your story).
It’s that simple.
Here’s an example from the classic movie Terminator 2.
———————–
Dear Producer,
I would like to submit the following movie idea for your consideration.
Title: Terminator 2
Logline: Skynet, the 21st century computer waging a losing war on humans sends a second terminator back in time to destroy the leader of the human resistance while he is still a boy.
Synopsis: Almost 10 years have passed since the first cyborg called The Terminator tried to kill Sarah Connor and her unborn son, John Connor. John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance, is now a healthy young boy. However another Terminator is sent back through time called the T-1000, which is more advanced and more powerful than its predecessor. The Mission: to kill John Connor when he’s still a child. However, Sarah and John do not have to face this threat of a Terminator alone. Another Terminator is also sent back through time. The mission: to protect John and Sarah Connor at all costs. The battle for tomorrow has begun…
If you are interested in this idea, please let me know and we can discuss this in more detail.
Thanks for your time and consideration.
James Cameron
(phone and address withheld)
———————–
The Follow Up
Now you’ve pitched your idea to a producer and they’re interested. What next?
You will most likely have to send a longer synopsis/treatment to describe your idea in more detail.
There is also the possibility that a producer or studio will want to buy your idea right off the bat. In that case, you’ll need to seek the services of an entertainment lawyer or an agent to help you negotiate the sale (you only need to think about this, however, once a producer shows interest in purchasing your idea, until then, start writing your ideas down).
Remember, that next great idea a producer wants to buy could be yours…
Also, if you are interested in sending your movie idea out to over 4050 producers and studios in the film and television industry, Hollywood Pitcher can help you do this all at the click of a button.
Katy Thomas has worked as a producer for the past seven years in Hollywood. A cinephile since she was a child, Katy loves reading, writing and all things movies. She is one of the co-founders of Hollywood Pitcher, a company that can help you connect your movie/TV idea to over 4050 producers and studios.