The Do’s and Don’ts of Pitch Deck Copy: A Section-by-Section Guide

resources

Mar 6

Introduction

Pitch decks are one of the most valuable tools for selling a film or television script — but writing them well is an art form of its own. It’s not about summarizing your story. It’s about selling the experience of your story and giving industry decision-makers a reason to care.

To help you get it right, here’s a clean, no-fluff breakdown of the do’s and don’ts of every pitch deck section. Avoid the rookie mistakes, hit the high notes, and position your project like a pro.

Cover Page

Do:

Make it cinematic and tone-forward, like a teaser poster
Include your title (and your name/production company if applicable)
Prioritize mood over literal plot imagery

Don’t:

Over-design or clutter it with too many elements
Use obvious stock images or a literal still from your script

Logline

Do:

Keep it to one compelling, trailer-worthy sentence
Capture the who, what, and where we’re going
Aim for around 30 words

Don’t:

Turn it into a mini synopsis
Explain backstory or character arcs
Leave out the hook or conflict

Tone

Do:

Describe how your story feels to experience
Use evocative, sensory language
Reference comps to frame expectations if helpful

Don’t:

Mistake tone for genre
Summarize the plot here
Use clichés like “dark but funny” without context

Story / Synopsis

Do:

Deliver your narrative hook in 3–4 paragraphs max
Focus on concept, conflict, and emotional stakes
End with a sense of momentum

Don’t:

Write a scene-by-scene breakdown
Spoil every twist
Prioritize plot over how it feels to watch

World

Do:

Describe what makes your world unique or specific
Explain its rules or tone if not obvious
Align it with your story’s themes

Don’t:

Write a dry geography lesson
Over-describe obvious locations unless there’s a twist

Locations

Do:

Highlight 2–4 crucial story locations (if crucial to understanding scope and story)
Explain why they matter emotionally or narratively

Don’t:

List every scene’s setting
Treat it like a scout location brief

Characters

Do:

Summarize key physical, emotional, and social traits
Focus on essence, not just actions
Keep each description to 3–5 sentences

Don’t:

Write full character arcs here
Include minor characters
Overload with backstory

Themes (Optional)

Do:

Keep it succinct and meaningful
Focus on thematic ideas not obvious in the synopsis
Choose concepts with strong visual or cultural resonance

Don’t:

List generic topics like “love” or “revenge”
Use this to restate your plot

Cinematography (Optional)

Do:

Reference specific lens choices, lighting, or camera movements
Mention stylistic motifs or visual tricks you plan to use

Don’t:

Describe abstract “vibes” without technique
Turn it into a moodboard caption

Why Now (Optional)

Do:

Explain why this story matters today
Connect it to current industry or cultural conversations

Don’t:

Make it about your personal passion alone
Be vague or generic about timing

Director’s Statement (If Applicable)

Do:

Explain why you’re uniquely equipped to direct this story
Connect your creative POV to the project’s themes or world

Don’t:

Write a personal diary entry
Say “I just loved the script” without specifics
Ignore your creative contribution to the final product

🎬 Final Takeaways

A professional pitch deck isn’t a summary of your script — it’s a sales tool. Use each section to build interest, show vision, and leave readers eager to read your screenplay.