pitch-worksheet
This skill provides a structured pitch development worksheet for screenwriters.Covers logline creation, story structure breakdown, character summaries,and commercial viability assessment for pitch meetings.Use when: developing a story concept into a pitchable form, preparing forpitch meetings, clarifying story structure, or testing commercial viability.
When & Why to Use This Skill
This Claude skill provides a comprehensive, structured pitch development worksheet designed specifically for screenwriters and creative storytellers. It facilitates the transformation of raw story concepts into professional, pitch-ready presentations by guiding users through logline creation, three-act structure breakdowns, character role definitions, and commercial viability assessments. By following industry-standard frameworks and verbal pitch guidelines, it helps writers clarify their narrative vision and prepare effectively for high-stakes production meetings.
Use Cases
- Developing a raw story concept into a structured, pitchable format for film or television industry meetings.
- Refining a screenplay's logline and core conflict to enhance its marketability and commercial appeal.
- Preparing for verbal pitch sessions using the built-in one-minute pitch exercise and rehearsal guidelines.
- Clarifying story structure, turning points, and character arcs before beginning the formal scriptwriting process.
- Evaluating the cinematic potential and 'B-story' depth of a narrative to ensure a well-rounded plot.
| name | pitch-worksheet |
|---|---|
| wtfbId | wtfb:pitch-worksheet |
| description | | |
| Use when | developing a story concept into a pitchable form, preparing for |
Pitch Worksheet Skill
Invocation Triggers
Apply this skill when:
- Developing a story concept into a pitchable form
- Preparing for pitch meetings
- Clarifying story structure before writing
- Testing if a concept has commercial viability
The Pitch Mindset
Life's a pitch, and then you try! Pitching can create opportunities that you never dreamed of. Pitches don't always work - in fact, most of the time they don't. However, as a screenwriter you should always be ready to pitch your exciting, wonderful story ideas.
Remember: Always COPYRIGHT your pitches, scripts and treatments! You can't really protect an idea, but you can make it a unique creation in your copyrighted work.
The Pitch Worksheet
Logline
What is your story about? Keep it brief! (1-2 sentences maximum)
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Genre
Try to stick to one, but keep it simple if you mix genres.
PRIMARY: _______________ / SECONDARY: _______________
The 3 Main Characters
Include the enemy/foe.
1. _____________________________________________
(Role: Protagonist / Antagonist / Supporting)
Brief description:
2. _____________________________________________
(Role: Protagonist / Antagonist / Supporting)
Brief description:
3. _____________________________________________
(Role: Protagonist / Antagonist / Supporting)
Brief description:
Act 1: Setup
Introduce us to your main character. Tell us how they live; introduce your other characters. Tell us the moment where their life changes - that moment when nothing will be the same for them ever again - that moment that sets them on their journey.
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Act 2: Confrontation
Intensify the conflict, the journey - but be brief. What stands in their way? Tell us the moment when they are the furthest from their goal.
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Act 3: Resolution
Tell us the ending.
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Turning Points
Those flashes that change the direction of your story.
1. _______________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________
Most Cinematic Scenes
The ones you can really "Visualize."
1. _______________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________
The B-Story
Your secondary plot.
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Revised Logline
After all is said and done, maybe you feel different. Refine your logline.
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Verbal Pitch Guidelines
One-Minute Pitch Exercise
Come up with a one-minute pitch of your favorite movie. When the movie is reduced to a short pitch, what are the important points? Which lines, which events, which moments hold the story together?
Rehearsal Tips
- Don't memorize it: This will only make it sound rehearsed
- Sell the story: As if you were telling a friend about an exciting event that just happened
- Show enthusiasm: Your passion for the project should be evident
- Know your audience: Tailor the pitch to who you're speaking with
Pitch Structure Formula
[GENRE] about [PROTAGONIST] who [SETUP/STATUS QUO]
until [INCITING INCIDENT] forces them to [GOAL].
But [OBSTACLE/ANTAGONIST] [CONFLICT].
Now they must [STAKES/DECISION] or else [CONSEQUENCES].
Examples
- Raiders of the Lost Ark: "An archeologist is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis."
- Gladiator: "A Roman general is betrayed and his family killed by an insane emperor. Now a gladiator, he comes to Rome for revenge."
Validation Checklist
- Logline is 1-2 sentences max
- Genre is clearly defined
- 3 main characters identified with clear roles
- Act 1 establishes protagonist and inciting incident
- Act 2 shows escalating conflict and low point
- Act 3 delivers satisfying resolution
- Turning points are dramatic and visual
- B-story complements main plot
- Can pitch verbally in under 2 minutes