How to answer “Why This Series or Film and Why Now?"
When you’re pitching your series or film, there’s one question that will inevitably come up: “Why this series or film, and why now?”
In the marketing world, we call this your Unique Value Proposition (or UVP). It’s what makes your story stand out and why people should care about it. It’s not just about trends or clever ideas (though those help); it’s about showing why your series or film is uniquely positioned to resonate with audiences and why now is the time to tell this story.
This isn’t just a box to check or a question to brush off. This is the moment when you show distributors, investors, and collaborators that your story matters, and that it deserves to be made right now.
If that feels intimidating, I get it. But here’s the thing: knowing your “why” isn’t just for them. It’s for you, too. It’s your compass, your north star, the thing that will guide every decision you make throughout the creative process.
Why They Care About This Question
1. It’s About Marketability
Distributors and investors want to know your series or film has a place in today’s world. They’re asking:
Does this story speak to what audiences care about now?
Is it something that will stand out in a crowded market?
Your job is to show them that your series or film isn’t just another project. That it’s a story with purpose and relevance.
2. It’s About Confidence in You
Let’s be real: storytelling, whether for a series or film, is a big investment. Not just financially but emotionally. People want to believe in the person behind the story. When you can articulate why your project matters and why it needs to be made now, you’re showing them you’ve done the work. You’re not just passionate, you’re strategic.
How to Answer “Why This Series or Film and Why Now?”
1. Find Your Personal Connection
Why does this story matter to you? Maybe it’s inspired by something you’ve been through, something you’ve seen, or something you need the world to understand. When your passion is clear, it becomes contagious.
Examples:
A personal experience with bullying inspires a heartfelt drama about overcoming adversity.
Family stories from a small restaurant spark a comedy about running a family business.
Travel adventures lead to an exploration of discovery in an adventure series or film.
Prompt: Take five minutes to write down a personal experience or memory that inspired your story. Why does it resonate with you, and how does it connect to your characters or plot?
2. Highlight Why It Matters Now
Maybe your series or film touches on themes of resilience, joy, or connection. Things that resonate universally. Or perhaps it’s timely, tapping into trends or conversations happening today. Whether your story is timeless or timely, make sure your audience sees its importance.
Examples:
A thriller series about climate change underscores the urgency of the environmental crisis.
A romantic drama set during a global pandemic explores themes of isolation and connection.
A historical drama about women’s rights aligns with ongoing conversations about equality.
Prompt: Reflect on current events or universal themes your story addresses. How do these elements make your series or film relevant to today’s audience?
3. Show What Makes It Unique
What makes your series or film stand out? Is it a fresh perspective? A twist on a familiar genre? Something only you could bring to life? Originality is your secret weapon.
Examples:
A romantic comedy set entirely in a virtual reality world reimagines love in the digital age.
A horror series where the antagonist represents generational trauma adds depth to the genre.
A musical blending modern pop with ancient myths creates an innovative storytelling experience.
Prompt: List three elements of your story that are uniquely yours. How do these elements add originality or a fresh perspective to your series or film?
How to Bring It All Together
Now that you’ve identified your personal connection, why your series or film matters now, and what makes it unique, it’s time to craft your final pitch. Follow these steps:
Start with a Hook:
Open with a compelling statement or question that draws the reader in.
[Central Conflict] + [Unique Setting or Element] + [Emotional or Thematic Question]
Hook Examples:
"What happens when resilience meets betrayal in a world on the brink of collapse?"
"Have you ever wondered what secrets lie hidden in your family’s past?"
"Imagine a world where love is illegal, and one couple decides to defy the odds."
Prompt: Write three hooks for your story using these formats. Pick the one that feels most intriguing or true to your series or film.
Introduce Your Personal Connection:
Briefly share why this story matters to you in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
Explain the Timeliness:
Connect your story to current events, trends, or universal themes. Show how it speaks to the moment or resonates across time.
Highlight What Sets It Apart:
Use clear, specific language to showcase originality. Avoid generic phrases. Focus on what makes your story stand out.
End with Impact:
Close with a statement that leaves a lasting impression.
Impact Examples:
"This story will inspire anyone who’s ever struggled to find their voice."
"At its heart, this project is a reminder that even in darkness, light prevails."
"It’s a bold, unforgettable journey that challenges how we see ourselves and the world."
Prompt: Craft three closing statements for your pitch. Which one leaves the strongest impression?
Example Final Copy:
"Inspired by my own childhood struggles with identity, Finding Home is a heartfelt drama that explores the universal search for belonging. In a time when connection feels more important than ever, this story offers a fresh perspective on resilience and hope, blending intimate storytelling with breathtaking visuals. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt out of place and found their way back to themselves."
"Driven by my fascination with untold secrets, Shadow Lines is a gripping thriller that dives deep into the underbelly of modern surveillance. As privacy erodes in our digital age, this series taps into the universal fear of losing control over our own lives. It’s a timely, edge-of-your-seat story that demands to be told now."
"Inspired by my childhood summers with my quirky extended family, The Great Camp Escape is a heartwarming comedy about love, laughter, and growing up. At a time when families crave connection, this film offers a fresh, nostalgic perspective on the adventures that shape who we are. It’s a timeless tale for all generations."
"Born from my fascination with quantum physics and human potential, Event Horizon explores what happens when humanity pushes too far into the unknown. In an era of rapid technological advancements, this film reflects the consequences of curiosity without limits. It’s a visually stunning, thought-provoking journey into the heart of human ambition."
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Here’s the truth: pitching is hard. It’s vulnerable. It’s putting your heart on the line and hoping someone else sees the value in it. But you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re struggling to pull your ideas together or don’t know how to frame your “why” in a way that gets noticed, I created a tool to help: my Pitch Deck Template for Series and Pitch Deck Template for Films. They’re both designed to guide you step-by-step through creating your pitch, so you can pitch your project with confidence and clarity.
Because your story deserves to be seen.
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