Shorten your idea to one or two sentences. Studio personnel seldom have time for detailed pitches. It is helpful to make comparisons to other movies, such as, "My movie is 'Speed' meets 'The Fugitive'."
Practice saying the short pitch to family members, friends and those you know in the movie business. You may be asked to give a quick summary as you reach studios and movie producers.
Join websites such as Mypitchtohollywood.com and Makenmovies.com, which connect those with ideas with decision makers in Hollywood. Submit your ideas to prominent pitch contests, such as that of the Tribeca Film Festival.
Know the types of movies produced by the companies you are pitching to. Check publications such as the Hollywood Reporter or Backstage West for names of film studios, producers and directors.
Call studios and ask who reviews new pitches; this is typically the person in charge of development. Be prepared to make your pitch to his assistant if asked. Call producers and directors and also be prepared to pitch your idea to their assistants.
State your short, comparative move pitch without hesitation when asked. Failing to do so could create the negative impression that you are an "outsider" to the movie business. Only if asked and you are a screenwriter, give a one-paragraph summary. This needs to include the movie's beginning, middle, and end, the main characters' objectives and the obstacles they face.
Call for an appointment with studio executives, producers and directors to pitch your idea, if you have a track record. Be persistent if your phone calls go unreturned; however be judicious as to how many calls you make in a short time. Call once a week until you receive an answer, positive or negative. Do not show up without an appointment..