During Cannes you may have short scheduled meetings with producers, distributors, financiers or sales agents who want to hear about your film.
These meetings are usually brief, so it helps to explain your project clearly and confidently in about a minute. The goal of the pitch is to give the other person a clear understanding of your film and create enough interest to continue the conversation.
The 60 Second Film Pitch
A strong pitch is short, clear and focused. In about a minute you should be able to explain the core idea of your film.
- The title and genre of your film
- A short logline describing the story
- The main character and the central conflict
- What makes the project distinctive
- The current stage of the project
You do not need to explain everything. The purpose of the pitch is to give a clear overview that encourages the other person to ask questions.
Be Clear About What You Are Looking For
Different professionals attending Cannes may be looking for different opportunities. Some are searching for finished films, others are interested in projects looking for partners or financing.
It helps to clearly say what you are looking for, for example:
- Distribution partners
- Sales agents
- Co-production partners
- Financing or investment
Examples of a Film Pitch
Example 1
Scene: A filmmaker meets potential investors during an industry meeting.
Filmmaker:
Hello, I'm Ava Martinez, a filmmaker specializing in historical dramas. My new project, Whispers of the Past, is a feature film set in 1920s Paris. It tells the story of a young poet who finds her voice during a time of political upheaval. The film blends historical authenticity with a powerful personal love story. We are targeting audiences who enjoy character driven historical drama. The project is being developed with an experienced production team and we are currently looking for financing partners and international collaborators. If this interests you, I would be happy to share more about the project.
Example 2
Scene: A filmmaker presenting a documentary project.
Filmmaker:
Hello, I'm Maya Jones, a director focused on stories about social change. My new documentary, Voices Unheard, follows grassroots activists working to transform their communities in urban America. The film highlights personal stories of leadership, resilience and collective action. Our audience includes viewers interested in social justice and real world stories of community transformation. We are currently looking for partners interested in documentary projects with strong social impact and international distribution potential.
Example 3
Scene: A filmmaker pitching an adventure documentary.
Filmmaker:
Good evening, I'm Leo Thompson. My latest documentary project, Beyond the Summit, explores the lives of Himalayan mountain communities living in one of the most remote environments on earth. The film combines breathtaking landscapes with personal stories about survival, culture and tradition at extreme altitude. The project is aimed at audiences who enjoy adventure, travel and cultural documentaries. We are currently seeking distribution partners and collaborators interested in international documentary audiences.
Final Advice
- Keep your pitch clear and concise
- Focus on the essence of your story
- Let the conversation develop naturally after the pitch
Wishing you great success in Cannes!