During my screenwriting workshop days, we spent a lot of time writing down a one-sentence story pitch on the board. Our mentor, the late Nestor U. Torre, would comment if the pitch will sustain a full-length film story or not. It took us some time to get things right. Because if we couldn’t make a good pitch, there’s no screenplay to start with.
What is a Pitch Anyway?
In creative writing, a pitch (a.k.a. logline or hook) is usually 25 words long that captures the essence of the novel, film, or any story. It’s the heart of the story. It is the writer’s description that will sell the idea before writing it down and getting paid.
It’s also known as the “elevator pitch”. Why? Imagine if you’re inside the elevator with a well-known movie producer or publisher. It would take you only a few minutes to tell him what your story is all about before the door opens for him to leave. That’s why a pitch should be short, simple, and concise.
Why Pitch?
The need to whittle down a story to one sentence gives a writer the head start to work on summaries in the future. It is what you build around when creating longer pitches and developing the plot. Think of it as a skeleton or framework upon which the structure is based upon.
A pitch is used when interacting with agents, entering contests, meeting with producers, or anyone with whom you want to engage. If they ask you, “What’s your story all about?”, you answer them with your pitch. Its main purpose is to get someone interested in your story.
The late Filipino film director Ishmael Bernal emphasized the need for a good one-sentence summary. He said if you can’t tell your story in one good sentence, then it’s not a good film story.
How to Write the Pitch
Usually, a pitch is 25 words long. What are the things you need to put in a pitch? Here are the main elements:
- One or two characters (most of the time, the protagonist and the antagonist). But if the main characters are in a group (like a group of teenagers), you may do so.
- Their goal, conflict, or the choice they made
- What is at stake? (this may be stated or implied)
- What are the obstacles in reaching their goal? Or what they should do to reach the goal.
- Setting (if it is important)
The pitch may be written in different ways and here are three examples:
- When [CONFLICT] happens to [CHARACTER(s)], they have to overcome [OBSTACLES] to reach the [GOAL].
- [CHARACTER(s)] need to overcome [OBSTACLE]/reach [GOAL] before [WHAT’S AT STAKE] happens only to be prevented by [CONFLICT].
- [CHARACTERS] are a [STATUS] but [CHANGE], only to meet again in [CONFLICT].
Make sure that you’re describing an event and not the story’s theme. This is not the time to be vague or too general. You need not be too specific as well; no need to name the characters.
The pitch should just be enough for the audience to see the beginning, the middle, and the possible end. Also, your pitch should be able to make a lasting impression so that you stand out from the crowd and have a better chance of being given the assignment or project.
Conclusion
Creating a pitch takes time and effort. It’s hard to boil down your story to a one-sentence summary. It may take you several attempts, so don’t beat yourself up if you find it difficult at first. Sooner or later, you’ll know or feel that you have stumbled upon a perfect pitch. Start giving it a try and you’ll understand your story better.
Let me know if you think that I have missed anything, I’d appreciate your feedback. And if you like to read more about creative writing, please subscribe and join the tribe.
