Demystifying the Pitch Deck:
What It Is, and How to Make One (Without Losing Your Mind)
As some of you know, I recently started back at uni to learn about film production in the hopes of working on a film set one day. I’d also love to be a screenwriter. One day.
Anyway, I’m one month in, and what are we learning about now? Pitch decks.
Despite working in indie-game dev, I really didn’t know or understand what exactly a pitch deck was or what it was supposed to look like. (Shocker, it’s not a simple word document.)
So, let’s dive in.
The pitch deck is absolutely essential for anyone diving into filmmaking, indie game dev, or just about any creative endeavour looking for funding or support.
If you're new to this term or just feeling overwhelmed by it, fear not. We'll walk through exactly what it is, why you might need one, and how you can create a pitch deck that's compelling and professional—without sacrificing your soul in the process.
What the Hell Is a Pitch Deck, Anyway?
A pitch deck is basically your project's résumé—but sexier and with pictures. It's a concise presentation (usually created in PowerPoint, Keynote, or similar software) that clearly communicates the essence of your project, whether it's a film, a game, a novel adaptation, or a creative startup idea. The goal is simple but vital: grab attention, sell your vision, and convince potential investors, collaborators, or gatekeepers to support your project.
When Do You Need a Pitch Deck?
Pitch decks are a staple for creators when pitching anything from indie films to narrative-driven video games, TV pilots, novels adapted for the screen, and even Kickstarter campaigns. Essentially, if your creative project needs external support—be it funding, production resources, or distribution partners—a good pitch deck can be your best friend.
Breaking Down a Killer Pitch Deck
Here's a straightforward breakdown of the key elements you should consider including:
Introduction & Overview: A short, compelling intro that clearly communicates what your project is about. This is your hook, so make it count — AKA your Logline.
The Problem & Solution: Clearly articulate the issue your project addresses or the gap it fills, then describe exactly how your project resolves or explores that issue.
The Story (or Concept): Expand on your core idea, including plot outlines, setting, themes, or unique elements that set your project apart.
Visual Style & Tone: Use visuals that reflect the aesthetic and tone of your project. Mood boards, concept art, or film stills can be powerful here.
Audience & Market: Explain who your project is aimed at and why they'll care. This might include demographics, genre fans, or comparative examples.
Team & Expertise: Highlight your team, their roles, and why you (and they) are the best people to deliver this project.
Budget Overview: Outline your budget, funding goals, and how the money will be used. Transparency here builds credibility — take this section with a grain of salt. There are times you don’t want to include this info. It depends on your situation and who you’re pitching to.
Call to Action: Clearly state what you need—funding, distribution support, collaborators—and how people can get involved. As above, this section may be unneeded depending on your situation and who you’re pitching to. Do your research!
How to Actually Make Your Deck Look Good
The visual appeal of your pitch deck matters—a lot. Even if you're not a graphic designer, here are some easy tips to keep things polished:
Consistency Is Key: Stick to a consistent color palette and font style throughout the presentation. Seriously, don't go font crazy.
Less Is More: Use visuals to reinforce your points, not overwhelm them. Avoid text-heavy slides.
Clarity First: If it doesn't enhance understanding or support your idea, cut it. Brutally.
Professionalism, But Make It Personal: Professional doesn't mean impersonal. Add some flair or humor where appropriate (but keep it tasteful).
Pitfalls to Avoid (Unless You Enjoy Pain)
Here are some quick "don'ts" to save you some headaches:
Don't overload with text: Walls of text make eyes glaze over. Short, punchy points win.
Don't Forget Your Audience: Your deck is not about you—it's about convincing someone why they should care. Keep their perspective front of mind.
No Mystery Novels Here: If someone has to guess or spend too long figuring out your idea, you've lost them.
Wrapping It Up
Ultimately, your pitch deck should reflect your creativity, your passion, and your professional vision clearly and succinctly. Remember, the goal isn't just to inform but to inspire action. So, put your personality in there, tell your story compellingly, and show them why your idea matters.
Have you ever put together a pitch deck, or are you gearing up for your first one? Let me know your experiences—especially if they involved any humorous or particularly tragic PowerPoint disasters. We can all use the laugh.
Talk soon,
Jaxon