How to Pitch a Documentary to Amazon
Documentaries have become increasingly popular over the years with streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime constantly releasing new content. Amazon, in particular, has a unique approach when it comes to commissioning documentaries. It offers a diverse range of topics and has a reputation for taking risks on projects that other platforms might not consider. If you have a documentary that you believe is a perfect fit for Amazon, then keep reading for our step-by-step guide on how to pitch your project to one of the biggest streaming platforms in the world.
Understand Amazon's Audience
The first thing that you need to do before you pitch your documentary to Amazon is to understand its audience. Amazon's audience is diverse, and the platform offers content for almost every genre. Amazon has a range of audiences, ranging from music enthusiasts to history buffs. Therefore, it is crucial to research Amazon's past documentaries that they have produced and identify which audience they cater to. This will give you an idea of what kind of documentation is appropriate for the platform. For example, a documentary on ancient history might not be a good fit for Amazon Prime, but a story about the evolution of hip hop could be a great match for them.
Research the Markets
A documentary that is popular in one country may not necessarily be successful in another. Therefore, it is essential to research the markets and understand the appeal that your documentary holds in different regions. Amazon has a global reach, and it is important to ascertain where your documentary has the possibility of being watched. This will help you to know what to include in your pitch and which target audience to highlight while pitching it to Amazon.
Find the Right Production Company
Once you have a clear understanding of Amazon's audience and the market for your documentary, it's time to look for the right production company. Amazon has certain requirements for commissioning documentaries, and a production company with experience working with the platform can be of great help. A production company will be able to help you navigate through Amazon's requirements and provide insights from their past experience. It's important to find a production company that aligns with your vision and can help you create a compelling pitch for Amazon.
Create A Compelling Pitch
A compelling pitch is a must-have if you want to stand out from hundreds of other documentary pitches. You must introduce your documentary appropriately and include an elevator pitch that summarizes your movie. It would help if you also had a detailed outline of your concept, including the basic storyline and its greater significance, and why it should be commissioned. Your pitch should be short, straightforward, and conversational, and should highlight the unique take on the subject matter.
Tips to Make Your Idea Stand Out
Documentaries offer a diverse range of perspectives on reality, bringing important issues to light and opening up new avenues for discussion. As a filmmaker, pitching a documentary idea can be a daunting task, but having a strong pitch is crucial for securing funding and support to bring your project to fruition. Here we’ll summarize some tips to help you perfect your pitch and make your idea stand out to potential investors and collaborators.
Find Your Unique Angle
To make your documentary stand out from the rest, you need to have a unique angle that sets it apart from other projects in the same field. Start by researching films that have similar themes to your idea and identifying areas where your film can offer a fresh perspective. Be specific about what makes your story unique and what sets it apart from other films.
Know Your Audience
Understanding who your potential audience is will help you tailor your pitch to their interests and ensure your message resonates with them. Whether you’re pitching to an investor, a festival or a production company, research their past work to get a sense of their taste and what they look for in a project. Also, be clear about who your target audience is and how your documentary speaks to their interests and needs.
Keep It Short and Sweet
While you may be passionate about every detail of your project, your pitch should be concise and focused. Try to summarize your pitch in a sentence or two, then expand on your idea with more detail. Keep in mind that you can always elaborate on details as you go through the pitching process.
Leverage Visual Aids
A picture is worth a thousand words, and a visual aid can help convey the essence of your documentary in a way that words cannot. Consider using photos, storyboards, concept art, or mood boards to enhance your pitch and give potential investors a visual sense of your project's aesthetic.
Be Prepared for Questions
It’s natural for investors and collaborators to have questions about your pitch and the logistics of your project. Be prepared to answer questions about budget, timeline, production needs, distribution, and other aspects of your project. Being knowledgeable and confident in your answers will help instil confidence in you and your project.
Pitching a documentary can be tense and intimidating, but by following these tips, you can prepare yourself to put your best foot forward and make your idea shine. Remember that enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose are also crucial elements in your pitch, so don't forget to share what drives you and what makes your project essential. Ultimately, documentation is a powerful tool for change and a creative gateway to a more informed perspective of the world around us. Use these tips to help you craft a pitch that captures the essence of what your project embodies and how it can impact the world.
Conclusion
Filmmaking can be a daunting process, but it doesn't have to be when you keep this guide in mind. Researching Amazon's audience is critical to ensuring your documentary fits well within the platform. Understanding global markets and targeting specific audience members is vital when creating your pitch. Remember, the right production company can be the key to creating a successful pitch to Amazon. Finally, create a compelling pitch is a necessity to stand out from the rest of the applicants. With these tips, your pitch can be well underway, and before you know it, your documentary could be streaming on Amazon Prime.
#amazon prime video #graphic assets #streaming services #amazon studios #key art #own merits #tv series #web series #content creator #submission requirements #episodic series #original content
