Pitch Decks

​So, a couple of years back, I was having lunch with a popular director, who made most of his films from the 70s through the 90s, and he happened to ask what I was currently working on. I answered that I worked for a production company writing copy for pitch decks.  “What the hell is a pitch deck?” he asked incredulously. 
 
And he’s not the only person. I know writers with very big reputations that have not heard of the practice. However, it must be noted that screenwriters with big reputations do not need a glossy magazine to sell their work.
 
I have to admit that I was also ignorant of their purpose until I was hired to write the copy. Now, not so much. In fact, I happen to be working on one of my own. If you are unfamiliar, think of them as a glossy magazine-style pitch of your portfolio. Most of them have a little art or photos, a logline, and a brief synopsis. Something that the average executive can glance at between meetings and restroom breaks.
 
Production companies find them helpful in pitching several projects at once and allowing the executive to whittle them down to the ones they want to pursue.
 
It would probably be a good idea to get familiar with the format before making one. Some graphic design companies can help you build a deck but be aware that they will charge you a substantial amount for doing so. Last warning: Cutting and pasting a photo from the web will not cut it. The keyword regarding pitch decks is slick and fun. Copy should be sharp and the artwork as eye-catching as a movie poster.
 
I wish I could show you the several I did. Unfortunately, for reasons I am sure you understand, I can’t. I don’t think the producers I worked for would appreciate my proprietary information sharing.  
 
Anyways, do yourself a favor and investigate it. Ask around, maybe a friend will be able to show you a sample.