When you’re pitching your series or movie, there is one question that is sure to come up: “Why this series or movie, and why now?”

We refer to this in the world of marketing as your Unique Value Proposition (or UVP). It’s your differentiator, your hook, the reason your story is worth people’s attention. It’s not so much about trends or smart ideas (though those are useful); it’s about demonstrating why your series or movie is best placed to speak to audiences at this particular moment in time and why this is the right time to be telling this story.

This isn’t a question to check off some list or to brush off. This is the time that you demonstrate to distributors, investors, and potential production partners that your story and project are significant, and that it is worthy of being told.

I know that may seem like a ton of pressure riding on one question. But this is the thing…understanding your “why” is not only for them. It’s for you too. It’s your direction, your north star, and the resource that will help steer A LOT of choices you make along the way.

Why They're So Concerned About That Question

1. It’s All About Marketability

Investors and distributors are interested to know whether your series or movie has a place in the world today.

They’re wondering:

Does the story address things that people care about today?

Is it one that is going to stand out from competition?

It is your responsibility to make them understand that your series or movie is not just another project.

2. It’s About Confidence In You

Let’s be honest, storytelling, either for television or film, is an expensive venture. Not only financially, but emotionally, too. People want to invest emotionally in the individual holding the vision. When you can explain why your project is important and why it needs to be produced at this particular point, you’re demonstrating you’ve done your homework. You’re not only passionate, but you’ve done the work so that people can be confident in investing in you.

FILM PITCH DECK TEMPLATES TV PITCH DECK TEMPLATES

How to Answer “Why This Series or Film and Why Now?”

1. Find Your Personal Connection

So why does this matter to you? Perhaps it’s inspired by something that’s happened to you, something you have witnessed, or something you wish the world knew. When your purpose and passion are clear, it’s contagious.

Examples:

Your personal experience with bullying inspired a drama about overcoming adversity.
A family’s small restaurant story sparked a comedy about running a family business.
Travel adventures led to an exploration of discovery in an adventure series or film.

Prompt: Take five minutes to write down a personal experience or memory that’s inspired your story. Why is this story important to you? 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:

Drawing from my own identity struggles as a child, Finding Home is an emotionally charged drama about the universal quest to find one's place. In an era where connection is more crucial than ever, this film presents an alternative view of resilience and hope, weaving visceral storytelling with stunning images. It's one that everyone who has ever been lost to themselves and regained themselves will connect with.
Fuelled by my fascination for untold secrets, Shadow Lines is an action-packed thriller that plunges headfirst into the darker side of modern-day surveillance. As private lives tread the thin line between safety and intrusion, this series has tapped into the age-old fear of giving up the reins of one's own existence. A timely, nail-biting thriller that needs to be heard at this juncture.
I drew inspiration from my own summers spent with my offbeat extended family for The Great Camp Escape, an uplifting comedy about love, humour, and coming of age. When families are more than ever eager to connect, this movie presents an original, retro view of the adventures that make us who we are. A timeless story for every generation.
Sparked from an interest in quantum physics and the potential of humankind, Event Horizon is about the consequences of going too far into the unknown. In an age of emerging technologies, this movie is an exploration of the results of unchecked curiosity. A visual feast, Event Horizon is an intellectual exploration into the core of humankind's drive.

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.

How to answer “Why This Series or Film and Why Now?"

Why They're So Concerned About That Question