The Do’s and Don’ts of Pitch Deck Copy: A Section-by-Section Guide
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 3–5 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.
