Perfecting Your Pitch Deck - with Yasmin Mistry

Along with a work sample, teaser or trailer, pitch decks are becoming more and more necessary as a means of raising funds for our documentaries. However, there aren't many places where one can see examples of pitch decks, even online. In this special D-Word F2F event, Emmy-nominated designer, animator and director Yasmin Mistry joins moderator Dour Block to discuss what makes for an effective pitch deck. Much of the session has Yasmin sharing her own pitch deck for her film-in-progress "Together," and breaking it down section by section. Afterwards, some time was left over for an audience Q&A.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Yasmin Mistry's work has been displayed worldwide, including showings at the United Nations and White House as well as at film festivals such as SXSW, Tribeca and DOC NYC. She is the recipient of grants from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Brooklyn Arts Council, Jerome Foundation, Riverside Sharing Fund, Artists Volunteer Center, and Harnisch Foundation, in addition to being a two-time finalist for the ITVS Diversity Development Fund.
Yasmin does both pitch deck design as well as private consultations where she reviews and provides feedback on decks. For rates and availability, contact her at: idesygn.com
This F2F session was recorded on Zoom on January 20, 2023.
It was moderated by D-Word founder and co-host Doug Block.
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[@MartinVlog444]

great video - found it to be very insightful - a mini masterclass on pitch decks - thank you

[@IsabelleMarot]

Q: What makes a deck stand out?
A: Visually engaging - clear aesthetic.
Q; How many pages should it be?
A: 10-20 pages (series can be a little longer as they may need to explain individual episodes)
Q: What should a pitch deck include?
A: Have one master deck then create different versions focusing on different aspects for each person. Generally: a logline, the genre and format, story synopsis/episode outlines, an overview of the timeline (stage project is at), distribution and impact, team bios (for big names), your bio, your contact info, and a trailer or work sample at the end.
Q: What should it NOT include?
A: Too much information. This should show highlights only, just enough for people to want to know more information.
Q: What do you use to make your pitch decks?
A: InDesign. Canva is really popular too.
Q: Do you want pitch decks sent as PDF?
A: Yes! Always PDF.
Going through Yasmin Mistry's pitch deck.
- Cover sheet: visually show the overall look and feel, include title of film, and genre and format.
- Log line with singular powerful image
- Filler/breathing room: visual page and/or quote
- Story synopsis: can be wordier, use negative space/paragraphs well e.g. columns
- Family tree/world map/other visual representation of detailed story elements, IF REQUIRED
- Breathing room: visual page
- Character profiles (primary)
- Character profiles (supporting)
- Breathing room: visual page
- Artistic approach
- Work sample/trailer (for current project)
- Audience
- Impact
- Project status and timeline
- Distribution
- Team members
- Director's statement (always first person)
- Contact information