Come up with an idea for your own feature film. A successful film idea should have a beginning, middle and an end and a premise that is both unique and that is engaging to your viewers. Tell close friends and family about your idea to see how good they think it is and to see if they have any idea of how you could develop the idea further.
Write a logline for your idea. A logline describes the main concept of your film and can be anywhere from one to three sentences long, depending on the complexity of the storyline. For example, a logline for the 1997 film "Titanic" could be "Two strangers from different social classes fall in love aboard the ill-fated ocean liner."
Write a synopsis, or treatment, of your film idea. A synopsis is similar to a logline in that it briefly describes that your film is about, only more in depth. A synopsis is approximately one paragraph long and gives a short account of the film's story and characters.
Use scriptwriting software to write a script for your feature film. A feature film script is generally at least 100 pages long and most scriptwriting programs come with templates and examples to show you how to properly format and write a script. While a completed script is usually not needed when pitching a film idea to a movie studio or production company, having a script can sometimes tip the scales and sway a producer to buy your film idea. For example, a producer might like your feature film idea but have questions as to what the characters might be like. A completed script can explicitly show the producer what the characters are like and what kinds of problems they face in the film.
Read through various entertainment news-related websites and trade magazines to see what types of movies are currently in production and development and at which studios. If your film idea is a period piece about slavery and you see that there are already three or four similar films in production, your chances of getting a studio to want to buy your film idea will be lower. Revise your film idea as needed to have it fit the mold of what's currently hot and in demand in Hollywood.
Create a short list of movie studios and production companies that you think may be interested in your film idea. Look on entertainment news websites to see what studios typically produce the kind of film you want to pitch and then write the name of that studio and their contact information on your list. For example, if your film idea is for a romantic comedy, don't plan on pitching it to a production company that typically produces war movies and action thrillers.
Ask the people you know if they have any connections to the film world. While you may not realize it, friends or acquaintances may know a producer or an executive at a film studio and might be able to get you a meeting with a producer at which time you can pitch your feature film idea.
Write a query letter to a production company or studio asking them to look at your treatment or film script. Do not send your film idea or script without approval as nearly everyone in Hollywood will refuse to look at unsolicited submissions since doing so would open them up to potential lawsuits. If you get a reply back that a producer or studio is willing to look at your idea, you will most likely have to sign a submission agreement. If you get to talk to someone on the phone or in-person about your idea, ask to set up a pitch meeting.
Rehearse your pitch several times before your meeting. Go over all of the major points and prepare yourself to answer any questions the producers may have for you. Knowing the material well will greatly reduce your anxiety level and help you seem more prepared to your audience. Make enough copies of your treatment or script to pass out to the producers for them to look through during and after your presentation.
Describe, with great enthusiasm and hand gestures, an exciting scene from your film. Choose a scene, such as the opening scene or one from near the climax, that will present the tone and feel of your film and also reel in your audience and get the producers interested. Leave a few details, such as the setting and the physical descriptions of the characters, a mystery until later on in your pitch. Nothing will kill a pitch meeting faster than a slow, boring introduction.
Give the producers additional details about your film. Explain the plot in greater detail and how your film is unique compared to others of its genre. Explain what the characters are like physically and personality-wise and provide suggestions of actors who you feel would fit the roles well. Explain what audience your film targets and how you think the film will effectively attract that audience.
Ready yourself to answer any and all questions about your film. Producers will most likely ask you an onslaught of questions, from how you came up with the idea for the film and why you think they should produce it to any plot holes they may see and why you gave the film the title that you did.