Sales Pitch

In this guide:

•  What is a sales pitch?
• Why is a sales pitch important?
• How to write a strong sales pitch
  • Define your title
  • Provide facts
  • Make commentaries
• Examples of strong sales pitches

What is a sales pitch?

• A sales pitch, different from a synopsis, is what the Filmhub sales team uses to pitch your title to channels.
• No one knows your title better than you, this is your opportunity to tell buyers why they should license your title over the thousands of others they review.
• You have a maximum limit of 300 characters - you should use them all!

Why is a sales pitch important?

• At Filmhub, there is a strong correlation between having a well-thought-through sales pitch and licensing success.

• Typically, a Channel will only read your description and sales pitch (unfortunately, Channel partners do not have the time to watch every film).

• Without a strong sales pitch, your film will not stand out amongst the thousands of other titles competing for licensing.

How to write a strong sales pitch

Define your title

The opening sentence should provide a concise definition.

<title> is a <positive adjectives> <genre/format> <optional - additional information on topics/themes/what’s the most unique without repeating what’s already in the synopsis>

Facts speak the loudest. Write one or two sentences based on the most impactful facts.

Here are some of the talking points loosely in order of priority:

• Big names - anyone among the cast and crew who’s famous or high profile or currently on the news. Examples:
  • The film stars Lakeith Stanfield (Atlanta, Get Out)
  • From Oscar-winning producer Odessa Rae (Navalny)
  • with a stunning score by renowned composer Klaus Badelt (Pirates of the Caribbean)
• Festivals and awards - only name established ones (”Notable film festivals” on this Wiki page is a good reference). Examples:
  • The film was in the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes
  • Premiered at Sundance in the coveted Midnight screening.
• Box office success - it doesn’t have to be astronomical numbers. A theatrical release of any scale is worth mentioning as long as you can find a good perspective. Examples:
  • 3rd Highest-grossing Dominican Film of all time
  • Limited theatrical release with 20 sold-out screenings nationwide
• Critical acclaim - use numbers or quote notable sources. Examples:
  • 98% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes
  • Named “best documentary of the year” by the LA Times
  • The Hollywood Reporter calls it “a fun and fresh take on France’s Arab diaspora.”
• High-profile streaming or TV debut. Examples:
  • Premiered on PBS
  • The film was the 8th most streamed horror film on Netflix in 2021
• Something exciting or unique about your film - social impact, groundbreaking technique, devoted fanbase, difficulties overcome, etc. Examples:
  • The first feature film produced in Haiti
  • Restored in 4k for the first time
  • Shot entirely on iPhone
  • Highly anticipated in the gaming community with 1M trailer views on YouTube

If you have something VERY impressive - such as an A-list actor, or an award as one of the Big 5 festivals, work it into the opening sentence.

If what you have is not high profile, you can make it vague. For example, say “selected by a dozen film festivals worldwide” instead of listing a few fairly unknown festivals.

Make commentaries

If you have room, beef it up with commentaries. Especially if you are working with limited facts, this is where you can still make your title shine. Here are a few tips:

• Be specific. Go deep with genres, themes, and techniques. Imagine writing a short 5-star review. Examples:
  • The film delicately explores the fallout of a marriage that collapses in betrayal and isolation.
  • Elevated by spectacular special make-up effects, this haunting asylum mystery promises an unforgettable, eerie spectacle.
• Make comparisons. Examples:
  • pristinely choreographed action like Mission Impossible Fallout meets the intricate plotting of Pulp Fiction
  • An epic horror story in the style of 70s classics such as The Prophecy or The Exorcist.
• Speak to your target audience. Examples:
  • A must-watch for fans of 90s alternative rock
  • Suspenseful storytelling, riveting dramatic recreations, and unearthed archival materials will keep crime junkies coming back for more

Examples of strong sales pitches

• Nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Foreign Language Film, A Man Called Ove is a Swedish comedy-drama based on the best-selling novel. Rolf Lassgård (The Hunters, After the Wedding) gives an immaculate performance in this touching and bittersweet tale of love, loss, and friendship.

• Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, Dig! is a riveting rockumentary on the American band The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Since its release, the film has gained cult status and is hailed as one of the best films about musicians, the music industry, mental illness, and drug addiction.

• Winner of the Best Actor award at Cannes, Charlie's Country is based on the life of renowned Indigenous actor and Oscar winner David Gulpilil (The Tracker, Walkabout). This fictionalized story offers a powerful glimpse into the Australian Aboriginal people's fight to preserve their culture.

• Golden Lion nominee at the Venice Film Festival. Mexican auteur Carlos Reygadas (Japón) presents this complex, semi-autobiographical drama, epic and daring in its visually stunning storytelling. Starring Reygadas alongside his real-life wife, Natalia López (Robe of Gems).

• Winner of Roger Ebert's Special Jury Award on the annual Best Films of the Year list and Raindance Nominee for Best International Feature, Firecracker features Karen Black in two of her finest roles and rock star Mike Patton (Faith No More) in his film debut.