How to Pitch a Documentary to Disney+
Disney is a household name when it comes to providing family entertainment and stories that resonate with audiences of all ages. While the studio is primarily known for its animated films and live-action franchises, the company's documentary division, DisneyNature, has carved a niche for itself as a purveyor of breathtaking nature docs. Pitching a documentary to one of the biggest media companies in the world may seem daunting, but here are some tips to help you navigate the process.
Research the Company's Culture
Before pitching your documentary idea to Disney, take some time to familiarize yourself with the company's brand and culture. Research the kinds of films and documentaries the studio has produced in the past, and get a sense of the tone and style that they choose. Disney has a specific brand image, and it is important to align your project with their values and way of storytelling.
Know Your Audience
When pitching a documentary to Disney, it is essential to know your audience. DisneyNature focuses on documentaries that highlight the beauty, majesty, and richness of the natural world, so make sure that your film has an environmental theme or aspect. It is also important to keep in mind the types of stories that resonate with the general public and with Disney's core audience. Consider what makes your story unique and how it can stand out from the crowd.
Perfect Your Pitch
A pitch is your chance to sell your project in a compelling way and convince Disney to take it on. It is important to be prepared and to practice your pitch beforehand. Highlight the most exciting and memorable aspects of your documentary, and make sure to communicate its potential value to the studio. This includes outlining your proposed budget, timeline, and distribution plan, as well as your vision for how the film will be marketed and promoted.
Work with a Producer
Documentary filmmakers often partner with producers who have experience in the industry and can provide valuable insight and connections. Partnering with a producer who has previously worked with Disney can improve your pitch's probability of success. Additionally, they would have the knowledge of the DisneyNatures’ preferences in producing documentaries. They can offer support with the scheduling and budgeting of your shoot.
Build Your Crew
If you get the green light on your pitch, it is time to get to work on building your crew. DisneyNature has a reputation for producing visually stunning documentaries, so your cinematographer and editor must have a strong background in nature filmmaking and a good reputation for working with Disney.
Tips to Impress Your Audience
Pitching a documentary can be challenging, yet rewarding. You have a great story, and the next step is convincing people of its worth and value. Filmmakers have to communicate their passion, idea and purpose in a short amount of time. After all, time is money in the film industry. If your pitch doesn't stand out, grabbing the attention of producers, distributors or investors, then your documentary might never come into existence. How do you create a winning pitch? Here we'll provide you with tips to help you perfect your documentary pitching skills.
Know Your Audience
Before diving into the pitch, do your research. Find out who you are pitching to; what kind of projects have they supported? What are their interests, needs, and requirements? Understanding your audience and their expectations better will help you tailor your pitch to their specific needs.
Prepare Thoroughly
Practice your pitch until it's flawless. Create a clear and concise logline, and be prepared to explain why the story is essential, who it targets and how you plan on highlighting the subject matter of your documentary. Make sure you know everything there is to know about your project, from start to finish.
Sell Your Story
Remember, you're not just pitching a documentary but a story, something compelling that viewers can relate to. Create an emotional connection with your audience by portraying the human side of your story. Don't be afraid to use visuals or audio clips to support your pitch. Beware of overdoing it, however. You wouldn't want your pitch to seem like a short film!
Highlight Your Unique Selling Point
What makes your story unique? What differentiates it from the rest of the documentaries available? Remember, the film industry is competitive, and everyone is vying for the same attention. Highlight your unique selling point as an added advantage, be it access to rare subject matter, exclusive interviews or something else.
Be Confident
Confidence is key. Believe in your story and your ability to tell it in a compelling way. Speak with conviction and passion, and most importantly, be yourself. Authenticity goes a long way in the film industry as well as in life.
Preparing and delivering a pitch can be a daunting task, but it's a rewarding one. Keep in mind that storytelling is at the heart of any documentary, and communicating your story in the most captivating way possible is crucial. By understanding your audience, preparing thoroughly, selling your story, highlighting your unique selling point and being confident, you're well on your way to a winning pitch.
Behind the Scenes of Disney Documentaries: Themes and Topics
Wildlife and Nature
One of the prominent themes in Disney documentaries is wildlife and nature. Disney has produced several documentaries that showcase the beauty, complexity, and fragility of nature. For instance, "The African Lion" offers a glimpse into the life of lions living in the Serengeti while "Earth" showcases the diverse and stunning landscapes of our planet. These documentaries don't just entertain but also educate viewers about the environment and the importance of preserving it.
Real Life Stories
Disney documentaries also showcase real-life stories that are inspiring and heartwarming. "Bears" follows the journey of a mother bear raising two cubs in Alaska, while "Chimpanzee" highlights the bond between Oscar, the chimpanzee, and his adoptive family. These documentaries are perfect for families to watch and are a great way to learn valuable life lessons.
History and Culture
Disney has also produced documentaries that explore various cultures and historical events. "The Imagineering Story" delves into the history of Walt Disney Imagineering, while "Waking Sleeping Beauty" chronicles the revival of the Disney Animation Studio in the 1980s. These documentaries offer an insightful and entertaining perspective on Disney's history and the impact it has had on popular culture.
Music
Disney has produced several documentaries that showcase the power of music. "Fantasia" is a classic documentary that blends classical music and animation, while "Hamilton" offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the musical phenomenon. These documentaries not only entertain but also inspire viewers to appreciate the significance of music as an art form.
Sports
Disney also produces documentaries that showcase sports and athletes' journeys. "The Queen of Katwe" follows the journey of a Ugandan girl who became a chess champion, while "Safety" tells the story of a college football player who took custody of his younger brother. These documentaries inspire and encourage viewers to pursue their dreams and never give up.
Conclusion
Pitching a documentary to Disney can be intimidating, but with the right preparation, research, and passion, you can craft a winning pitch that will impress studio executives. Keeping in mind the culture and values of Disney, knowing your audience, perfecting your pitch, partnering with a producer, and building a robust crew could help your pitch get approved. Go create a story worth telling!
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