So You Want to Pitch a Movie to Hulu? Hold Onto Your Popcorn (Because They Might Not)
Let's face it, the dream is real: you've crafted a cinematic masterpiece, a film so good it would make Michael Bay reconsider explosions (maybe). Now you just need the right platform to unleash your brilliance upon the world, and Hulu beckons with its siren song of streaming success. But before you email them your script with the subject line "OMG YOU NEED THIS", there are a few things to consider.
Step One: Know Your Audience (Because Hulu Does)
Think of Hulu as that friend with eclectic taste. They're down for a trashy reality show one night and a foreign language arthouse film the next. They like variety, and Hulu's looking for content that fits their existing audience. So do your research! Spend some quality time browsing Hulu, see what kind of movies they're already rocking. Are they big on laugh-out-loud comedies? Gripping true crime documentaries? Tailor your pitch to their vibe.
Pro-Tip: Don't try to pitch a horror film to Hulu if their current scary selection maxes out at "Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween."
Step Two: Craft a Pitch that Packs a Punch (While Remaining Snack-Appropriate)
Imagine your pitch as a movie trailer – short, sweet, and attention-grabbing. You've got about 60 seconds to convince a room full of busy execs that your film is the next binge-worthy sensation. Here's the recipe for a winning pitch:
- The Hook: Start with a killer one-liner that encapsulates your movie's essence. Think "Groundhog Day" meets "Amnesia" with a dash of social media obsession.
- The Logline: This is your movie's elevator pitch, a one or two sentence summary that tells the basic story and highlights the conflict.
- The Sizzle: Briefly mention your cast (especially if you've snagged a celebrity chihuahua) and any unique elements that set your film apart.
- The Ask: Clearly state what you want from Hulu – are you looking for a distribution deal or co-production?
Remember: Keep it concise and confident. No rambling or tangents. These execs have seen it all (even that movie about a killer pogo stick – seriously).
Step Three: Look the Part (But Maybe Skip the Full Tuxedo)
This might seem silly, but first impressions matter. If you're lucky enough to snag a face-to-face pitch, dress professionally with a touch of your movie's personality. Quirky rom-com? Opt for a bright scarf. Sci-fi thriller? Maybe a sleek suit with a subtle nod to your dystopian world (like a single glowing contact lens – use responsibly).
Most Importantly: Relax, breathe, and believe in your movie. Your passion is contagious, and it might just be the thing that convinces them to take a chance on your cinematic masterpiece.
Bonus Tip: Be prepared to answer questions. They might want to know about your budget, target audience, or your plans for promoting the film.
Now, go forth and pitch with panache! Remember, even if Hulu passes, there are plenty of other streaming services out there vying for content. Just don't be discouraged if your first pitch doesn't land you a multi-million dollar deal. After all, even Christopher Nolan probably got a few rejections in his day (though, maybe not for a movie about a rebellious teacup).
