Pitch Deck FAILS

I’ve seen a LOT of pitch deck fails in my time as a script editor here at B2W. And whether it’s film funds, script labs or co-production markets, the same problems show up again and again.

Here are 5 red flags that make professionals quietly close your deck before you’ve even got to the good bits. Ready? Let’s go!

1) Opening with a bloody quote

Look, I get it: you love storytelling. You’re deep, poetic, meaningful. Maybe even a bit mystical.

But that’s not what your pitch deck is for!! Agents, investors, broadcasters, producers want clarity and story. Don’t open with a quote from Marcus Aurelius,   Charlie Kaufmann or Aaron Sorkin.

Instead, open with a dilemma. What’s broken in your storyworld? Who’s in pain? What’s the central conflict? What do your characters NEED?

Lead with that, not something that sounds like it belongs on a Pinterest board. MORE: A Foolproof Guide to Writing A Killer Pitch Deck

2) Your logline is whack

If I have to read your logline twice to figure out what the story is? It’s not ready.

You need to be able to say your logline in one breath. It should make people lean in, not zone out.

If it starts sounding like a synopsis or makes me ask “Wait, who’s the protagonist again?”, rewrite it.

Litmus test: Ask your mate who’s not in film to read or listen to it. If they go, “Oh yeah, I get it,” you’re good.

But if they just nod politely? You’re not, you’ve got a pitch deck fail on your hands . Simple as that!

3) Trendy Moodboards (ugh)

NEWSFLASH: Twelve moody stills from Under The Skin and The Lobster do not a moodboard make.

Your visuals need to do more than look cool. They need to show us how the film feels. That means atmosphere, emotion, vibe — not just what’s fashionable right now.

Try this: one great image per act that captures your world and tone. That’s more effective than a random collection of screenshots that scream “I watched A24’s or Blumhouse’s entire back catalogue this weekend”.

3) The team is all vibes (nooooo!)

This is when the team section says “emerging” or “passionate” … and nothing else.

I see this all the time. “We’re a team of emerging voices.” Cool … emerging from where? Into what? Have you made shorts? Been selected for a lab? Directed community work? Shadowed on a set? Got a mentor? Back it up!

If you’re new, that’s fine, but give us something real. Otherwise, it reads like filler.

5) No clue who the audience is — or how the hell they’ll see it

Saying, “This story needs to be told,” is nice. But who’s going to watch it? Where? Why?

You need a clear sense of audience, platforms, festivals, partners — whatever route you see this project taking.
Even if it’s a best guess, that’s better than a shrug.

Remember, this isn’t just about making a beautiful film. It’s about making something that connects AND travels.

BONUS PITCH DECK FAIL!

6) Your Director’s Statement sounds like a film studies essay

Cut the waffle. Start with this: Why YOU? Why now? Why this story?

Then build out from there.

No one wants to read 500 words on magical realism unless it tells them who you are and what drives you.  Get to the heart of it all and fast!!

TL;DR?

Your pitch deck shouldn’t be mysterious, poetic or vague. Avoid these pitch deck fails by ensuring it is …

• Clear
• Character-driven
• Audience-aware
• Rooted in your voice and experience

Avoid these pitch deck fails and you’ll be miles ahead of the pack. Seriously.

Have you fallen into any of these mega fails?

Don’t be shy — we all have. Come chat to me about it over on Telegram this August, where we’ll be workshopping the HOOK in your novel or screenplay (and how to actually sell the damn thing). Click below to join us – best of all, it’s FREE!

The Hook That SELLS – FREE Telegram Challenge This August