How Long Should You Make Your Deck?

The length of a pitch deck can vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the pitch.

Creating the perfect pitch deck is an art form that balances conciseness with comprehensiveness. You want to deliver all the critical information without overwhelming your audience. But how long should a pitch deck be? Let’s explore this in detail, providing you with guidelines and examples to craft a pitch deck that stands out.

When it comes to pitching your project, the length of your pitch deck can make or break your presentation. A pitch deck serves as a visual summary for your project, designed to spark interest and provide essential information. However, the key to a successful pitch deck is not just in the content, but also in its length and structure. A concise, well-organized pitch deck ensures your message is clear and engaging, keeping your audience focused and interested.

Imagine you’re an artist preparing for an exhibit. You wouldn’t clutter your gallery with too many pieces or overcrowded visuals. Instead, you’d carefully curate a selection of your best work, arranging it to guide the viewer’s eye and create a compelling narrative. Similarly, a pitch deck must be thoughtfully curated, balancing the need to inform with the imperative to engage.

The question of how long a pitch deck should be often perplexes many filmmakers and entrepreneurs. Some worry that too few slides might leave critical gaps, while others fear that too many slides might lead to information overload. The sweet spot typically lies in the range of 20-25 slides. This length is usually sufficient to cover all key points without taxing your audience’s attention span.

Why 20-25 slides, you ask? The rationale is rooted in cognitive psychology. Studies show that people’s attention spans are finite and the ability to process information diminishes after about 20 minutes of continuous presentation. By keeping your pitch deck within this slide range, you align with this natural attention span, ensuring your audience remains engaged from start to finish.

Moreover, the structure of your pitch deck should facilitate a smooth flow of information. Think of it as telling a story where each slide is a chapter that builds on the previous one. Start with a captivating introduction that grabs attention—much like the opening scene of a film. This could be a bold statement, a compelling statistic, or an intriguing question. For example, if your project addresses climate change, you might start with a striking image of melting ice caps accompanied by a powerful statistic about rising global temperatures. Next, dive into the core content. Each slide should address a specific aspect of your project.

Visual aids play a crucial role in enhancing your pitch deck. High-quality images, charts, and infographics not only make your presentation more visually appealing but also help to convey complex information more effectively. Imagine presenting a documentary about ocean pollution. A slide showing a graph of plastic waste accumulation over the years, paired with poignant images of marine life affected by pollution, can have a profound impact on your audience, driving home the urgency of your project.

It’s also important to strike a balance between text and visuals. Overloading slides with text can overwhelm your audience and dilute your message. Instead, use bullet points and short phrases to highlight key points, complemented by visuals that reinforce these messages. For example, if you’re pitching a romantic comedy film, a slide with a few key points about the storyline, accompanied by charming character sketches, can be far more engaging than a wall of text.

While a pitch deck is a powerful tool, it’s just one part of the pitch process. Be prepared to engage in discussions, answer questions, and provide additional details beyond what’s covered in your slides. Your pitch deck should serve as a springboard for deeper conversation, not a crutch. It’s the visual guide that supports your narrative, keeping you on track while allowing room for spontaneity and interaction.

1. The Ideal Length: (no more than) 20-25 Slides

Creating a pitch deck that captures your audience's attention without overwhelming them is crucial. Industry experts generally agree that 20-25 slides is the ideal length. This range allows you to include all necessary information while maintaining engagement.

A pitch deck with 20-25 slides strikes a balance between being comprehensive and concise. Each slide should have a specific purpose, contributing to a cohesive narrative that guides your audience through your project’s key elements. The goal is to present your ideas clearly and compellingly, ensuring your audience stays focused and interested.

Example:

Creating a comprehensive 25-slide film pitch deck allows you to present a detailed and visually compelling case for your film. Here’s a suggested structure for each slide in your deck:

Title Slide - Include the film’s title, your name, company name (if applicable), and contact information
Logline - A one-to-two sentence summary capturing the essence of the story, focusing on the protagonist, main conflict, and stakes.
Synopsis - A concise synopsis that provides a brief overview of the film's beginning, middle, and end.
Genre & Tone - Describe the film’s genre and tone (e.g., thriller, dark comedy). Use mood-setting images to convey style.
Key Themes - Highlight the central themes or message of the film (e.g., love, redemption, survival).
Unique Selling Points (USPs) - Outline what makes your film unique — whether it’s a fresh perspective, rare setting, or unusual narrative approach.
Comparative Titles - List 2-3 comparable films that align with your project in terms of genre, tone, or target audience.
Target Audience - Define the primary audience (age range, demographics, psychographics) and why the film will appeal to them.
Setting & World-Building - Describe the setting and any unique world-building elements, such as time period, location, or fantasy elements.
Characters (Main Character) - Introduce the protagonist with a brief description of their motivations, goals, and conflicts.
Characters (Supporting Characters) - Outline key supporting characters, their roles, and their connections to the protagonist or storyline.
Characters (Supporting Characters) - Continued
Story Arc or Structure - Present a simplified story arc or structure, covering the primary plot points and pacing.
Visual Style & Aesthetic - Describe the film’s visual style (e.g., color palette, cinematography), supported by mood boards or reference images.
Director’s Vision - If you’re the director, share your vision for the film. Alternatively, include a director’s statement if you have one attached.
Concept Art/Storyboard (Key Scene) - Showcase concept art or a storyboard of a critical scene to bring the film’s look and feel to life.
Key Locations - Include images or descriptions of important locations that set the stage for the film’s events.
Casting Choices - List potential or desired actors for main roles to help visualize the characters.
Production Plan - Outline your production timeline and key milestones (e.g., pre-production, principal photography, post-production).
Budget Summary - Provide a high-level budget summary, covering major cost categories like cast, crew, locations, and post-production.
Funding Plan - Describe how you plan to fund the film (e.g., investors, grants, crowdfunding) and any funds raised so far.
Revenue Potential - Highlight potential revenue streams (e.g., theatrical releases, streaming, merchandise) and similar films' performance.
Distribution Strategy - Outline your plans for distribution, including target festivals, streaming platforms, or international markets.
Marketing Strategy - Provide an overview of how you plan to market the film, including social media, press, and trailer plans.
Call to Action / Contact Information - End with a clear call to action (e.g., invite for a follow-up meeting or investment opportunity) and your contact details.

This structure helps cover all aspects of your project in detail, ensuring you leave your audience with a well-rounded understanding of the film’s creative and business potential.

2. Keep It Concise and Focused

When crafting a pitch deck, it’s essential to keep your content concise and focused. This means honing in on the most critical aspects of your project and avoiding extraneous details that can distract from your core message. Brevity helps maintain your audience's attention and ensures that your main points are clear and impactful.

While it’s tempting to include every detail about your project, brevity is crucial. Focus on the most important points that convey the value and potential of your project. Avoid clutter and unnecessary information that can dilute your message. Streamlined content helps ensure that your audience remains engaged and can easily follow your presentation.

Example:

For a film pitch, instead of detailing every subplot, highlight the main storyline, key characters, and unique selling points. Use bullet points and visuals to keep the slides clean and impactful. Here’s how you might structure a concise and focused film pitch slide:

Main Storyline:
- Premise: A detective in a small town unravels a conspiracy after a series of mysterious disappearances.
- Hook: The story explores themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption in a community with hidden secrets.
Key Characters:
- Detective Jane Smith: A seasoned detective with a troubled past.
- Mayor John Doe: Charismatic but with a hidden agenda.
- Emma Williams: A young journalist determined to uncover the truth.
Unique Selling Points:
- Setting: Atmospheric small town with a rich history.
- Themes: Addresses contemporary issues like corruption and social justice.
- Visual Style: Noir-inspired cinematography with a modern twist.

By keeping your pitch deck concise and focused, you ensure that your audience can quickly understand and appreciate the core elements of your project. This approach not only makes your presentation more engaging but also increases the likelihood of capturing the interest and investment you seek.

3. Use Visual Aids Effectively

Visual elements can significantly enhance your pitch deck by making it more engaging and easier to understand. High-quality images, charts, and infographics can illustrate your points and keep your audience visually stimulated. Visual aids should complement your narrative, not overwhelm it.

Visual aids are powerful tools that can transform a standard pitch into an engaging, memorable presentation. By incorporating visuals, you can break up text-heavy slides and provide clear, immediate understanding of complex information. The key is to use visuals strategically, ensuring they enhance rather than distract from your core message.

Example:

When pitching a health app, use screenshots of the app’s interface, user journey maps, and graphs showing market trends and user growth projections. These visuals can help investors quickly grasp the functionality and potential impact of your app.

Example Slide Layout:

Slide Title: "Health App Interface and User Growth"
Visuals:
- Screenshots: Show key features and user interface of the app.
- User Journey Map: Illustrate the user's experience from onboarding to daily use.
- Graphs: Display market trends and projected user growth.
Bullet Points:
- Interface: User-friendly design with intuitive navigation.
- User Experience: Streamlined journey from download to daily engagement.
- Market Trends: Growing demand for health apps in target demographics.

Visuals and Bullet Points:

Using visuals and bullet points can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your pitch. Visuals such as concept art, character sketches, and location photos can make your ideas more tangible. Bullet points help break down information into digestible chunks, making it easier for your audience to grasp the essentials quickly.

Example Slide Layout:

Slide Title: "Main Storyline & Characters"
Visual: Concept art of the main setting (e.g., the small town at dusk)
Bullet Points:
- Premise: A detective in a small town...
- Key Characters:
  - Detective Jane Smith: Seasoned detective...
  - Mayor John Doe: Charismatic leader...
  - Emma Williams: Young journalist...
- Unique Selling Points:
  - Setting: Atmospheric small town...
  - Themes: Contemporary issues...
  - Visual Style: Noir-inspired...

High-Quality Images:

Ensure that all images used are high-resolution and relevant to your pitch. Avoid generic stock photos that don’t add value. Instead, opt for images that are directly related to your project, such as stills from your film, prototype photos, or original artwork.

Example: For a sci-fi movie pitch, include concept art that depicts key scenes or characters. High-quality images can help convey the film's tone and aesthetic, making your vision more tangible to investors.

Visual Examples:

Concept Art: Alien landscapes, futuristic cityscapes, character designs.
Storyboard Panels: Key scenes that highlight the narrative arc.
Mood Boards: Color palettes and stylistic influences that set the film's visual tone.

Charts and Infographics:

Use charts and infographics to present data in an easily digestible format. This is especially useful for financial projections, market analysis, and competitive landscape overviews. Infographics can turn complex information into visually appealing and understandable graphics.

Example: For a tech startup pitch, use bar charts to compare projected revenue growth, pie charts to break down budget allocations, and infographics to summarize market research findings.

Visual Examples:

Revenue Projections: Bar charts showing expected growth over the next five years.
Budget Breakdown: Pie charts illustrating how funds will be allocated across different departments.
Market Research: Infographics that highlight key findings about target demographics and user behavior.

By using visual aids effectively, you can create a more dynamic and engaging pitch deck. Visuals help to highlight key information, making it easier for your audience to understand and remember your pitch. When combined with concise, focused content, they can significantly enhance the overall impact of your presentation.

4. Prepare for Discussion

A pitch deck is a starting point for conversation, not a standalone document. Be ready to elaborate on any slide and answer questions. The deck should serve as a guide that highlights the key aspects of your project, allowing you to delve deeper into specific areas during the discussion.

Preparing for discussion is crucial because it shows investors that you’ve thought deeply about your project and are ready to address any concerns. It also provides an opportunity to showcase your expertise and passion, which can further convince investors of your project’s potential.

Example:

During a Q&A session after your pitch, investors might want more details about your marketing strategy or financial assumptions. Be prepared with additional data and examples that support your slides and demonstrate thorough research and planning.

Common Questions and Answer Strategies

Example Scenario: You’ve just pitched your film—a sci-fi thriller about a group of scientists who discover a way to communicate with a parallel universe. The story’s themes center on human curiosity and the ethical dilemmas of advanced technology. You’re now in the Q&A portion with potential investors.

Question: “What’s the unique selling point of this film compared to other sci-fi thrillers?”
Strategy: Emphasize what makes your film stand out by tying it to current audience trends and by showcasing the originality of your approach.
Sample Answer:
“Our film brings a unique take on the sci-fi genre by focusing not only on the discovery of parallel universes but on the ethical struggles that the scientists face with their newfound power. Unlike traditional sci-fi thrillers that often prioritize action, this story dives deep into the emotional impact and psychological tension. Additionally, we’re introducing a grounded, almost documentary-style visual approach to make the fantastical elements feel relatable and immediate. We believe this emotional resonance, combined with high-stakes thriller elements, will appeal to audiences who enjoy both the intense mystery of Annihilation and the philosophical depth of Arrival.”

Question: “How do you plan to attract an audience beyond sci-fi fans?”
Strategy: Highlight universal themes, potential cross-genre appeal, and any creative elements that will resonate with broader audiences.
Sample Answer:
“While our film is set in a sci-fi context, its themes are highly relatable and universally human—curiosity, the quest for knowledge, and the moral boundaries of scientific exploration. We’re weaving in character-driven storytelling and relationship dynamics that will resonate with audiences who enjoy drama and mystery, regardless of genre. We also plan to focus marketing on the film’s suspenseful and psychological elements to draw thriller and drama fans. By partnering with influencers in both the sci-fi and broader thriller communities, we aim to build anticipation across multiple audience segments.”

Question: “What is your budget for visual effects, and how do you plan to balance quality with costs?”
Strategy: Address your approach to budgeting with practical examples and show your understanding of cost-effective solutions.
Sample Answer:
“We have a modest visual effects budget, but we’re maximizing quality by focusing on practical effects and selective, impactful CGI. Our approach involves minimal, carefully planned digital effects to enhance key scenes rather than relying on CGI throughout. We’ll be using a combination of green-screen and live-action shooting to keep effects believable without overextending our budget. Our director and VFX team are experienced in delivering high-quality visuals on a lean budget, with an emphasis on smart camera angles and lighting that naturally integrate the effects.”

Question: “Do you have a backup plan if you’re unable to secure your first-choice cast or crew?”
Strategy: Show flexibility and preparedness by discussing secondary options that align with your creative vision and budget.
Answer:
“We’re fortunate to have a few actors in mind who embody the lead roles, but we also have a list of alternate actors who bring similar qualities to the characters. Our priority is talent who can portray the complex emotional layers needed, and we’ve identified versatile actors in both lead and supporting roles who align with our vision. For the crew, we’ve already lined up secondary options in case of scheduling conflicts, especially in key areas like cinematography and sound design. Our producer has strong relationships with both established and emerging talent pools, so we’re confident in assembling a high-caliber team.”

Question: “Why do you think this film is timely, and how do you plan to leverage current industry trends?”
Strategy: Connect the film’s themes or unique elements to industry trends and explain how your approach resonates with today’s audiences.
Answer:
“With current global conversations around technology, ethics, and AI, we see a growing demand for films that tackle these themes in nuanced, thought-provoking ways. Audiences today are eager for content that’s both entertaining and socially relevant. By exploring the moral complexities of scientific discovery and the cost of human ambition, our film taps into a timely conversation on technological advancement. We’re planning a marketing campaign that highlights these themes, with potential partnerships with science and tech influencers who can speak to these topics and broaden our audience reach.”

These answers demonstrate both an understanding of the industry and adaptability, two qualities that reassure potential investors and collaborators. By preparing for questions along these lines, you’ll be ready to navigate your Q&A with confidence and clarity..

5. Tailor Your Deck to Your Audience

Customizing your pitch deck to fit your audience's interests and preferences is crucial. Different investors focus on different aspects of a project, so understanding what they value can help you highlight the most relevant points. Tailoring your deck shows that you've done your homework and can speak directly to their concerns and interests, increasing your chances of success.

Example Scenario: You are pitching your film project, a dark comedy about a family reunion that spirals into chaos. You have two different audiences to present to: one is a group of independent film investors, and the other is a studio executive looking for mainstream commercial potential.

Pitching to Independent Film Investors

Approach:

Focus on the Story’s Depth: Highlight character development, unique themes, and the film's emotional core.
Emphasize Artistic Vision: Discuss the film's tone, stylistic choices, and how it fits within the independent film landscape.

Example Answer Strategy:

Question: “What makes this film resonate with indie audiences?”

Answer: “Our film dives into the complexity of family dynamics, exploring themes of grief, acceptance, and the absurdity of human relationships. The dark comedy angle allows us to tackle serious issues in a way that feels relatable yet poignant. We’re drawing inspiration from indie classics like Little Miss Sunshine and The Royal Tenenbaums, which balance humor with emotional depth. The film features a diverse cast of emerging actors and showcases a visual style that highlights the intimacy of family interactions, ensuring that indie audiences will feel connected to the characters and their journey. Additionally, we’re planning a festival run to engage with the indie film community, which we believe will resonate with our target demographic.”

Pitching to Studio Executives

Approach:

Highlight Commercial Potential: Emphasize audience appeal, marketability, and revenue streams.
Showcase Accessibility: Discuss how the film can attract a broader audience, including families and comedy lovers.

Example Answer Strategy:

Question: “How do you plan to market this film to a wider audience?”

Answer: “This film is designed to appeal to a broad audience by combining relatable family humor with universal themes. The mix of dark comedy and relatable situations positions it well within the current market trends of popular comedies like The Hangover and This Is Where I Leave You. We aim to leverage social media campaigns that highlight humorous moments and family interactions, targeting both younger viewers and adult demographics. Additionally, we plan to utilize partnerships with popular influencers to generate buzz leading up to the release. The film's engaging premise and relatable characters create ample opportunities for merchandising and ancillary revenue streams, making it an attractive prospect for the studio.”

Tailoring Strategies:

Know Your Audience: Understand their motivations and preferences. Independent investors may prioritize artistic integrity, while studio executives often focus on profitability and audience size.
Adapt Content: Modify the emphasis in your deck—include more statistics, market research, and audience insights for studio executives, while focusing on character arcs and thematic depth for indie investors.
Visual and Tonal Adjustments: Consider the tone of the visuals and the language you use in your presentation. For an indie audience, use a more intimate and personal tone; for a studio audience, opt for a confident and business-focused approach.

By tailoring your pitch deck to meet the specific interests and concerns of your audience, you can effectively engage both independent investors and studio executives, increasing the likelihood of your film's success.

Conclusion

Crafting an effective pitch deck is about striking the right balance between brevity and detail. By adhering to the 20-25 slide guideline, you ensure your presentation is concise and focused, keeping your audience engaged. Use visual aids to enhance understanding and make your pitch memorable. Always be prepared for discussion, ready to delve deeper into any aspect of your project. Tailor your deck to resonate with your specific audience, showing them that you understand their interests and values.

Your pitch deck is a powerful tool to communicate your passion and vision clearly. It’s not just about presenting information; it’s about telling a compelling story that captivates and persuades. With these tips, you’re well on your way to creating a pitch deck that secures the support you need to bring your project to life. Keep refining your pitch, stay confident in your vision, and remember that every successful filmmaker started where you are now. Your dedication and effort will pay off, and soon enough, you’ll see your name in lights. Happy pitching!

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Are you ready to create a pitch deck that stands out? Visit our podcast for more tips and resources on filmmaking, or contact us at "Pitch My Project" for personalized assistance. Together, we can turn your cinematic dreams into reality!

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