In today’s entertainment landscape, opportunities move fast, and if you want to grab an executive’s attention, you have to make your pitch count.

At Stage 32, you’re not just learning how the industry works; you’re gaining direct access to decision-makers across studios, streamers, and production companies. But here’s the truth: when those execs open your pitch, they want clarity, confidence, professionalism, and a clear understanding of your story on just two pages. That’s why we’re dedicating Week 4 of the July Filmmakers Club to helping you master your 2-page written pitch.

Whether you’ve got a killer concept or a completed screenplay, this format is your calling card. It’s what gets people intrigued and gets meetings booked. But too many creatives fumble the opportunity by overwhelming the reader with info, missing the emotional hook, or forgetting to show the commercial potential of their project. Your pitch isn’t just about your story; it’s about why your story should be made now and why you’re the one to make it.

Who Am I?

I've not just spent my career telling stories, but selling them. I've raised millions of dollars for my own projects, and every dollar started with a successful pitch. My credits include the Emmy-nominated HBO docuseries McMillions, produced for Mark Wahlberg’s company, as well as films led by award-winning talent like Chris Cooper, Jane Seymour, and Ellen Burstyn, and New York Times Best Selling Author David Baldacci that can be seen on Amazon, Starz, Showtime, Hallmark, and internationally. I'm currently raising financing for several projects in various stages of development and packaging, which means I’m actively pitching in today’s market, right alongside you.

What I’ve learned about pitching is that a great idea is only as powerful as your ability to communicate it clearly and confidently.

I’m passionate about helping other creatives master all the facets of filmmaking that will allow their projects to soar and believe every filmmaker, writer, and producer should have access to the tools that can move their projects forward- The things I wish I had had access to when I got started! You don’t need insider access or an MBA in sales; you just need to learn how to present your story in a way that gets attention and converts.

Getting Started

Before even getting into the pitch, I believe pitching starts with a few key elements that many filmmakers overlook. It begins with authentically showing up as you, owning your worth and your part in the project, establishing connection, and having a positive and healthy mindset.

Also, before you write a single word of your pitch, you should ask yourself: What is my goal? Are you trying to get a producer to request your script? Are you hoping to land a development meeting or secure financing? Your goal will inform your tone, structure, and what information needs to be on the page. A pitch without a clear objective will appear scattered and as if you are trying to do too much at once. However, when your goal is clear, your pitch becomes a strategic tool, one that moves your project forward.

Keep in mind, your 2-page pitch is not your life story or a summary of your script. It’s a focused and intentional communication that aligns with what you want out of this moment, and it should guide your reader exactly where you want them to go next. Think of it as the appetizer that entices you to stay at this restaurant and to order the entrée next.

Demonstrating Voice and Tone

Your voice is part of your brand and ultimately what I am buying into, and it needs to come through on the page. A common mistake I see is filmmakers trying to sound overly formal or “business-like,” and in doing so, they lose the passion and identity behind the story. That unique voice is what makes you stand out. The best pitches strike a balance between professional and personal—they reflect your vision, but they’re easy to read and inviting.

It is also integral that you match your pitch tone to your story. Your pitch should feel like an extension of your script and envelop us in the world and tone that allows us to experience the essence that is your project. If you’re pitching a horror film, your tone should reflect tension and atmosphere. If it’s a comedy, maybe bring in some humor, or that sense of rhythm and timing that reflects your story. The balance here is keeping it natural to you while not feeling forced. Lean into you!

Making It Personal

Why this story, and why you? That’s a question every decision-maker is quietly asking when they read a pitch. Including a brief, meaningful personal connection to your material can help create trust and resonance. It doesn’t have to be dramatic, sometimes it’s as simple as saying, “This idea was born out of a question I couldn’t stop asking,” or “This is the kind of story I wish I saw more of on screen.”

When your passion feels authentic, it gives your pitch an extra layer of gravity and helps establish a connection. Readers aren’t just buying into a plot, they’re investing in a creator with a point of view, and that perspective is what sets you apart and grounds the story.

Formatting Matters

Even the most brilliant pitch can get lost if the layout is messy, hard to read, and a page jammed with copy. You must organize and curate the reader's experience.

Use clear headers, tight paragraphs, bullets and indents, logical flow, and consistent spacing to your advantage. Make the most of white space; it gives the reader room to breathe.

It’s not about dumbing things down; it’s about respecting your reader’s time and making your pitch feel like a welcome read, not a homework assignment. Your pitch is the first impression of your film and your professionalism. Treat it like a calling card.

Balancing Marketing, Business & Art

Executives, producers, and reps are reading dozens, sometimes hundreds, of pitches a month. They’re short on time, and they’re looking for projects that are both emotionally compelling and commercially viable. Often they want something that’s proven, but with a fresh take and that touches universal themes….wow that’s a lot! So don’t just tell them what your story is about. Illustrate your meta themes, your genre, why you, why now, and show them you understand the business landscape your project fits into.

Ask yourself: What does this reader need to know to feel confident in my story’s potential? Avoid assumptions and jargon. Think of your pitch like a bridge: one foot in your vision, the other in business. Include comps (tonal comparison titles) and make sure the tone and theme reflect not just what the story is, but why it’s relevant now. Your pitch should answer: Why this project, and why now?

How Much Is Too Much?

One of the hardest things for creatives is knowing what not to include. It’s tempting to over-explain, list every character, and cover every subplot, but that quickly overwhelms the reader and muddles their understanding of your story.

A good rule of thumb: If the detail doesn’t clarify the concept, support the theme, or move the story forward, it’s probably unnecessary. Stay focused on the big picture, the emotional arc, the unique hook, and the reason this story matters. If they want more, they’ll ask for the script. That’s the goal.

This Week's FREE Live Webcast Event Here On Stage 32!!

This Thursday, July 24th, I’m inviting you to join me for a FREE live Stage 32 webinar that could change the way you pitch your project: How to Create a 2-Page Pitch for Your Feature Film. Whether you’ve pitched before or this is your very first time, this session will walk you step-by-step through exactly how to create a clean, compelling, and professional pitch that stands out in a crowded industry.

You’ll learn what to include and what to leave out, so you can stay focused and avoid common pitfalls that trip up even experienced filmmakers. I’ll also show you how to strike the right balance between the artistic and business sides of your project, and why formatting and headers are more important than you might think. And we’ll talk about bonus elements like your UPHs- unique pitch hooks, the detail that helps execs remember you as much as your story.

Everyone who registers will also receive a downloadable Pitch Format Cheat Sheet so you can walk away with a clear, easy-to-follow roadmap for writing your own 2-page pitch.

Click here to register now so that you don't miss it live or on-demand!

This Week’s July Filmmakers Club Challenge: Perfect Your Pitch

This week is all about helping you take control of your creative future by developing one of the most important skills in the industry: pitching. Whether you’ve pitched a dozen times or are getting ready to try it for the first time, this is your moment to dig in, get clarity, and build the confidence you need to sell your project with intention.

Everyone who completes the below challenges and comments on this blog will be automatically entered to win a FREE Stage 32 Contest Entry, a chance to put your project in front of top-tier judges through Stage 32’s brand-new Global Screenwriting Contest Hub, featuring Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying contests!

Click here to learn more about Stage 32's new Global Contest Hub!

Week Four Challenges:

1. Reflect & Share: Post in the Filmmaking Lounge about your best or worst pitching experience. Never pitched before? No problem, ask a question to help you prepare for your first pitch and get insight from the community.
2. Support Your Fellow Creatives: Comment on at least three other Lounge posts to offer feedback, encouragement, or advice. Every word of support helps someone feel more confident!
3. Start Writing: Create a rough draft of your 2-page pitch, or outline your structure, and share one key takeaway from the process in the Screenwriting Lounge. What did you learn? What surprised you?

Last Week's Winner:

Let's all give a HUGE shoutout to our Week 3 Winner of a Stage 32 Career Development Call- Rosie Schreiber! Everyone, drop congratulations for her in the blog comments below!

Make sure you’re following @Stage32 and @rbwalksintoabar to stay in the loop on giveaways, challenges, and new resources all month long.

Remember, pitching isn’t just about selling a story; it’s about clearly communicating your creative vision. When you pair that skill with the support of the Stage 32 community, you stop waiting for opportunity and start creating it.

We can’t wait to read your posts and celebrate your growth. Let’s get pitching!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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