Pitch Stack

How to Build a Pitch Stack That Sells Your Film.

15 - 30 Seconds to Capture Attention

Not just a slide deck, but a storytelling tool.

If you’re serious about making films, you need to master more than cameras and scripts. You need to master the art of pitching. Because at some point, your story won’t just be on the page—it will be in the room, across from people who can say yes or no to its future.

That’s where a pitch stack comes in.

A pitch stack is not just a slide deck. It’s a carefully crafted storytelling tool that translates your film idea into something others can see, feel, and believe in. Done right, it becomes the bridge between your vision and the people who can help make it real. It’s your story's first move from cyberspace to meatspace.

1. The Logline & The Hook: Your First Frame

Before you show them anything, you have to hook them. Start with a logline—a single, compelling sentence that captures your film’s essence. Then, follow it with a hook: a powerful question, a startling fact, or a personal anecdote that proves why your story, and no other, needs to be told right now. This is your first shot, and it needs to hit hard.

2. The Visual Palette: Show, Don't Tell

You are a filmmaker. So, don’t just use bullet points; use images that tell the story.

* Mood Board: A single, curated slide of images that establishes the look, feel, and tone of your film. Is it gritty? Ethereal? A neon-soaked noir? Show it.

* Character Archetypes: Don't just list your characters' names. Find images of actors or real people who embody their essence. Show them who your hero is, who your antagonist is.

* The World: Show the audience the physical reality of your film's universe. Use concept art, photographs, or architectural drawings. If your world is the key to your story, this is where you prove its existence.

3. The Narrative Arc: Your Story's DNA

Remember our lesson on character arcs? A pitch deck has one too. You are taking your audience on a journey from "what is this?" to "where do I sign?"

* Positive Arc: Structure your deck to build momentum. Start with the problem (the logline), introduce the solution (your story), and show the triumphant resolution (why it will sell).

* Flat Arc: Or, if you have a unique vision like mine with The Blog, your pitch deck can embody a flat arc. You don't change your core belief; instead, you make a relentless, unwavering argument that changes their perception of the industry itself.

4. The Money Shot: The Budget & The Crew

This is where the story gets real. Every beautiful shot, every compelling character, has a number attached to it. Be prepared. Show them a concise, honest budget breakdown. And most importantly, show them your crew. Prove that you have an ensemble capable of pulling this off. Your team is as much a part of the story as your script.

A pitch stack is the ultimate act of integration—blending the creative dream with the industrial reality. It's your blueprint for success, a tool forged not just with slides, but with vision.

Now, share your logline in the comments below. Let’s see what stories are being forged.

—Eva ✨

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