Nobody Wants to Read Your Script (Why You Need A Pitch Deck)
So, you’ve written a script—or five. Now what?
Are you seeking representation? Hoping to land funding from a production company? Trying to convince a director or agent to take a chance on your story?
Navigating the next steps can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re competing with tens of thousands of other scripts. According to the Writers Guild of America (WGA), around 50,000 scripts are registered every year.
Out of those, only a fraction—estimated at .004%—actually sell.
And that’s just the scripts registered. When you account for the ones written or half-written that never get registered, the real number is likely double that. The hard truth is that in this industry, nobody wants to read your script. Decision-makers don’t have the time. But a visually compelling pitch deck? That’s your golden ticket.
A pitch deck takes your story off the page and makes it tangible. It captures the tone, stakes, and heart of your project in just a few key slides. It’s the difference between being overlooked and standing out in a crowded marketplace. Not sure where to start? Here’s what every pitch deck needs to shine.
Using Visuals to Enhance Your Deck
Visuals are one of the most critical components of a pitch deck. They don’t just decorate the pages; they tell your story and set the mood before a single word is read. Effective visuals can convey tone, build anticipation, and make your script unforgettable. Decision-makers often skim through decks, and the right imagery can stop them in their tracks.
When selecting visuals, think about how they reflect your project’s unique identity. Is your story set in a sprawling fantasy world? A gritty urban environment? A small-town diner with secrets? Your visuals should evoke the emotions, themes, and atmosphere of your script. High-quality, well-chosen images can:
Provide context for your story’s setting and tone.
Give your characters visual life and personality.
Offer a glimpse into the stakes and conflicts of your narrative.
Here’s a breakdown of some excellent resources to elevate your presentation:
Great visuals can make or break a pitch deck. Here’s a breakdown of some excellent resources to elevate your presentation:
Scopio: A stock image platform offering diverse, high-quality visuals perfect for world-building and character inspiration. With a focus on inclusive and artistic photography, it’s ideal for projects needing a contemporary or relatable aesthetic.
Deposit Photos: Another fantastic stock image site with a vast library of images, illustrations, and vector graphics. It’s great for adding dynamic visuals that align with your project’s tone, from cinematic landscapes to detailed close-ups.
Frame Set: Specializing in film stills, Frame Set is the go-to for projects that draw inspiration from existing movies or TV shows. If your script aligns with the tone of a well-known property, you can use stills as a visual reference—just be sure to clarify that these are inspirations only and not tied to your project.
Tips for Using Visuals
License Your Images: Always make sure you are licensing or paying for any photos you use. Supporting artists by compensating them fairly ensures that creatives continue to produce the incredible work that makes your pitch decks shine.
Mix It Up: I personally like combining stock images from Scopio or Deposit Photos: with film stills from Frame Set. This keeps the deck visually engaging while grounding your project in a familiar visual language.
Be Transparent: Always label visuals clearly to avoid confusion. For example, if you include a picture of Meryl Streep from Death Becomes Her, make it explicit that she’s not attached to your project and the image is for stylistic reference only.
Here’s the cover of my TV DRAMA PITCH DECK available now!
The Power of Unexpected Pairings (Comps)
One of the most effective ways to make your script stand out is by using "comps" — comparisons to other well-known films or TV shows that capture the essence of your project.
The best comps pair two familiar but seemingly different properties to create something fresh and exciting.
Here are some examples:
House: Sherlock Holmes meets ER. A brilliant but abrasive doctor solves medical mysteries.
Stranger Things: The Goonies meets X-Files. A group of kids uncover supernatural events in their small town.
Bridgerton: Gossip Girl meets Pride and Prejudice. A regency-era romance with a modern, scandalous twist.
This specific pairing formula SELLS SCRIPTS.
When choosing comps, focus on projects that highlight the tone, style, or central themes of your script. Just ensure that your deck makes it clear these are inspirations—not that these elements or talents are directly involved.
SHERLOCK HOLMES + ER = HOUSE M.D.
How a Great Deck Conveys Vision
Don’t get mad, but your story is NOT original. There are really only a handful of types of stories in the world. It doesn’t mean yours isn’t valid. Being successful isn’t about your unique story or even your incredible ability to format a screenplay (as much as I wish it was). Your ticket to success is YOU.
Your perspective, voice, and lived experiences bring a unique flavor to even the most universal themes. Whether it’s a story about love, loss, redemption, or survival, the reason your work matters is because it’s coming from you.
Your vision is what sets your script apart. Decision-makers want to know not just the story, but why you are the perfect person to tell it. This is where a pitch deck becomes essential: it’s not just a showcase of your story, but a showcase of you as a creator.
Decision-makers want to know:
A pitch deck isn’t just about summarizing your script; it’s about communicating the vision behind it. Decision-makers want to know:
Why This Story?: What makes your script stand out from others in the same genre? Highlight your unique perspective.
Why Now?: Is your project timely or relevant to current trends in the industry or culture?
Why You?: What about your background, expertise, or passion makes you the ideal person to tell this story?
By addressing these questions, your pitch deck becomes a tool that presents your story and sells you as a creator. It’s an opportunity to align your script with the needs and expectations of the industry while showcasing your originality.
“Okay, I Get It. I Need a Pitch Deck. Now What?”
Creating a pitch deck can feel overwhelming, especially if design isn’t your forte. That’s why I’ve developed pitch deck templates specifically for screenwriters. My templates:
Include 20 + fully customizable pages tailored to TV and movie projects.
Feature professional design elements to make your project look industry-ready.
Are easy to edit in Canva, even if you have no design experience.
Come with a Simple Start-Up Guide to walk you through every step.
With these templates, you can focus on your story while I handle the design. Whether you’re crafting a pitch for a gritty drama or a whimsical fantasy, there’s a template that fits your needs. Visit my Pitch Deck Shop for options to fit your script’s unique vision.
20+ Fully Customizable Pages
Shop Now!
“But Annamarie, I Don't Want to Learn How to Make a Deck!”
Then you really have come to the right place. For screenwriters who want a deck that’s 100% unique, I offer bespoke pitch deck creation. This service includes:
Tailored design based on your script’s genre, tone, and style.
Collaborative feedback sessions to ensure your vision is fully realized.
Industry insights to align your deck with current market trends.
With my background in advertising and storytelling—plus years of creating pitch decks that have sold scripts—I’ll craft a deck that’s not just beautiful but also effective. Check out some examples here.
Make Sure You’re Putting Your Best Foot Forward with a Final Pitch Polish.
Most doors only open once…
Next Steps
Your script deserves to be seen, but first, it needs to stand out. Whether you’re ready to DIY with a template, refine your existing deck, or invest in a bespoke design, I have the tools and services to help you succeed.
Remember, the difference between a script that gets noticed and one that gets lost in the shuffle often comes down to presentation. Let’s make yours unforgettable.
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