Over the years, I’ve pitched all kinds of film investors. Some deals ended up with money in the bank, and some didn’t. That’s just the reality of filmmaking. But here’s the thing—after years of pitching, I noticed a pattern. There are three things that seem to pop up again and again. No matter who the investor is, these are the big three that matter most.
If you’ve ever wondered what film investors want, the answer isn’t as complicated as you might think. It all comes down to excitement, experience, and the chance of revenue. Let’s break them down.
Pitch the Excitement
The first thing film investors want is excitement. That’s why I often say it’s better to pitch someone who’s not in the film business. If they’re a doctor, or they made their fortune selling water bottles or office furniture, they’re used to a pretty straightforward world. For them, business might be stable, but it isn’t exciting.
Now imagine them out on the golf course telling their buddies, “Yeah, I’ve got a feature film in production, and Jack Black is the lead… actually, hang on, he’s texting me right now.” That’s fun. That’s cool. That’s exciting. And that’s what you’re really selling at this stage.
Movies carry a certain “sexiness” that few other investments do. If you can pitch the excitement of making a film and bring that energy into the room, you’ll already be ahead of the game.
The Experience of Filmmaking
The second thing every film investor wants is the experience. It’s one thing to write a check. It’s another to step onto a set and see the cameras, lights, and crew in action. For many investors, that’s where they really fall in love with the process.
And it doesn’t stop there. Think about premieres. Red carpets. Flashing cameras. Professional photographers snapping their photo as they walk into a theater where their name is in the program. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
One of the main reasons to host a premiere isn’t just for publicity—it’s for your investors. That’s part of what they’re buying into: the magic and experience of making movies.
The Chance of Revenue
Finally, and maybe most importantly, film investors want a chance at revenue. Now, let’s be clear: they know it’s a risk. Nobody’s foolish enough to think there’s a guaranteed $100 million return waiting for them. If it wasn’t risky, everybody would be investing in movies.
But here’s the key—they need to know there’s at least a shot. That means you can’t just say, “We’ll get into Sundance, and there’ll be a bidding war.” That’s not a plan. That’s a lottery ticket.
A real plan looks like this: you have distribution attached, you’ve cast bankable actors, you’ve chosen a sellable genre, or maybe you’ve secured some strong IP. When you can show how the deck is stacked in favor of success, investors feel like they’ve got a fighting chance. And that’s all they’re looking for.
Wrapping It Up
So let’s recap. If you’re pitching a film, don’t get caught up in endless details that don’t move the needle. Focus on these three things every investor wants:
- Excitement – The thrill of being part of something bigger than themselves.
- Experience – The joy of stepping on set and walking a red carpet.
- Chance of Revenue – A real plan that shows them there’s a shot at making money.
When you can pitch all three with confidence, you’ll stand out from the crowd. That’s what film investors want, and that’s what will give you the best chance of hearing the word every filmmaker wants: yes.
