10 reasons why every screenwriter needs customized concept art in their pitch

As a screenwriter, you know how important it is to have a strong pitch that effectively communicates your story and vision. However, what many writers don't realize is that incorporating customized concept art into their pitch document can be the key to making it stand out and getting it green-lit.

In this post, we're discussing 10 reasons why every screenwriter (like you!) needs bespoke concept art in pitch documents. From showcasing the tone and aesthetic of your story, to communicating your characters and settings, to attracting investors, read on to discover how visuals can take your pitch to the next level.

1 - Concept art makes your pitch document more memorable to industry professionals

Incorporating visual elements into your pitch document can elevate it from a plain, text-heavy document to a dynamic and engaging presentation. By using concept art, you can add an extra layer of interest and intrigue to your pitch, making it more likely to be remembered by industry professionals. This can increase your chances of getting your script read and considered for production. Additionally, concept art can be used to communicate key elements of your story, such as character design and the overall tone, in a way that words alone cannot. This can help to bring your script to life and make it more relatable to industry professionals.

An example could be the movie "The Shawshank Redemption". The concept art used in the pitch for this film helped to convey the gritty, oppressive tone of the story, set in a prison. The use of dark, muted colors and rough, textured illustrations helped to convey the harsh reality of the characters' lives, and the hopelessness they felt. This concept art was incredibly evocative and memorable, and helped to sell the story to the studio executives. The visual elements in the pitch also helped to bring the script to life, making it more relatable to industry professionals, which ultimately lead to the movie being produced and becoming a classic.

2 - Concept art helps convey the tone and aesthetic of your story

Concept art allows you to convey the mood and atmosphere of your story in a way that words alone cannot. It gives a glimpse into the world of your script, helping industry professionals to understand the look and feel of your story. It can also help to set the tone and aesthetic, whether it be a gritty crime drama or a fantastical adventure. Using concept art in your pitch can make it easier for your audience to envision your story, making it more likely for them to be on board with your vision.

One amazing example of using concept art to convey tone and aesthetic is the movie "Pan's Labyrinth". Guillermo del Toro used concept art to fully realize the dark, fantastical world of the story, depicting the twisted, terrifying creatures that inhabit the underworld and the oppressive, war-torn setting of 1944 Spain. The concept art helped convey the film's unique blend of fairy tale and horror, and set the tone for the entire production. The use of concept art in the pre-production phase allowed the writer and his team to bring the story to life in a way that was true to his vision, and ultimately helped make the film a critically acclaimed success.

3 - Concept art helps communicate your characters and settings

Concept art is a crucial tool for screenwriters in the pitching process. It allows you to paint a vivid picture of your characters and their surroundings, bringing them to life for industry professionals. The use of visual elements in a pitch document can make it more engaging and easier to understand. A single image can convey a wealth of information about a character's personality and the overall tone of the story.

A prime example of this is the character concept art for a science-fiction story. By creating detailed illustrations of the characters' futuristic outfits, weapons, and technology, the writer can effectively communicate their unique vision for the world and characters to potential producers and partners, making it easier for them to understand and visualize the story.

By using concept art to effectively communicate these elements, you can ensure that your pitch stands out and leaves a lasting impression on those you present it to.

4 - Concept art increases the chances of getting a green light

Having a clear and visually striking concept art in your pitch document can make a significant difference when it comes to getting a green light for your project. It shows industry professionals that you have a clear understanding of your story's world, characters, and tone, and that you have put in the effort to bring your vision to life. Concept art can also be used to convey the scale, scope, and ambition of your project, making it easier for decision-makers to understand the potential of your story. It's a tangible way of demonstrating your passion, creativity, and attention to detail, making it more likely for your project to be considered for production.

For example, imagine a screenwriter pitches a story set in a fantastical, underwater world. Without concept art, it may be difficult for industry professionals to fully grasp the scope and scale of this setting. However, if the screenwriter includes concept art that depicts the unique creatures and landscapes of this underwater world, it becomes much easier for industry professionals to envision the story and understand the potential of the project. As a result, the chances of getting a green light for this project are significantly increased.

5 - Concept art helps you stand out from the competition

In an industry where countless scripts and pitches are submitted daily, it's essential to have something that sets you apart. Concept art can be that X-factor. It's a visual representation of your story and vision, making it more distinct and memorable. It can help to showcase your unique ideas and themes, making you stand out from the sea of competition. It's a way to make a lasting impression on industry professionals and increase your chances of getting your script read and considered for production. By investing in custom concept art, you can elevate your pitch and set yourself apart from the rest.

Imagine a story about a group of friends who embark on a journey to save the world from an ancient evil. They must navigate treacherous landscapes, overcome incredible odds, and ultimately face off against the ultimate enemy in an epic final battle. The concept art for this action-adventure movie could showcase the diverse group of friends, each with their unique abilities and personalities, standing together against the imposing and menacing enemy. It could also depict the stunning landscapes they traverse, the incredible technology they use, and the intense battles they fight. The concept art would be an essential tool in conveying the epic scale of the story and the strong emotional bonds between the characters.

6 - Concept art saves time and money in pre-production

Customized concept art can be a crucial tool in streamlining the pre-production process. By providing a clear visual representation of your story, it allows for more efficient communication with the crew and cast, reducing the need for costly rewrites or reshoots. It can also help to minimize the need for expensive scouting and location hunting, as the concept art can provide a clear idea of the desired aesthetic and setting. This can result in significant savings in terms of both time and budget.

A screenwriter creating a concept art for their upcoming sci-fi film can save time and money in pre-production by clearly communicating the look and feel of the futuristic world they are creating to the art and costume design team. With the help of the concept art, the team can better understand the specific aesthetic the writer has in mind, and make the necessary adjustments before filming begins. This allows for a more efficient use of resources and a smoother production process.

7 - Concept art allows you to make changes to your story before production begins

Concept art is a powerful tool for any screenwriter. Not only does it help to convey the tone and aesthetic of your story, but it also allows you to make changes to your script before production begins. By creating custom art, you can experiment with different versions of your story, try out new characters and settings, and explore different themes and ideas. This can help you to fine-tune your script and ensure that it is the best it can be before you begin the production process. With concept art, you can have the freedom to explore different options in a way that would be much harder to do with words alone.

For example, imagine you are writing a story about a group of friends on a road trip. As you work on the script, you realize that one of the characters isn't quite working as you had originally envisioned. By creating concept art of the character, you can explore different looks and personalities for them.

 

8 - Concept art can be used to add virality to your film or TV show

Concept art serves as a powerful tool to generate buzz and interest in your project before it even begins production. By releasing concept art, you can give audiences a glimpse into the world of your film or series, creating anticipation and excitement. It can be used to tease key elements of your story such as characters, locations and iconic moments, making it an effective way to build a fanbase and generate interest in your project even before it hits the screens. Not only it's a great way to market your project but also a way to make it more relatable and memorable for audiences.

A fantasy film about orcs could use concept art to showcase the rugged and fierce appearance of the orcs and their brutal world. The art can be used to create posters and promotional materials for the film, giving audiences a taste of the intense battles and epic fantasy elements they can expect. Concept art can also be used to create a sense of excitement and anticipation for the film, making it more likely to attract viewers. By investing in custom concept art, the creatives can ensure that their promotional materials accurately reflect the tone and aesthetic of the film, making it stand out in an increasingly crowded fantasy movie market.

9 - Concept art can be used to create a cohesive and consistent visual language

Having a distinct and consistent visual language throughout your project can greatly enhance the overall experience for the audience. Concept art can be used to establish this visual language and ensure continuity throughout your project. It allows you to create a cohesive look and feel that is in line with your story and vision. By using custom concept art, you can build a distinct visual identity that is unique to your project. This can make it more visually pleasing and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on the industry professionals and audiences alike.

An example in the comedy genre would be a film about a group of friends trying to save their neighborhood community center. The concept art for this film could show the rundown state of the community center, as well as the characters in their everyday lives. The art could also depict the characters in comedic situations, such as sneaking around the community center at night or dressing up in ridiculous costumes for a fundraiser. By using consistent visual elements throughout the concept art, such as a specific color palette, it can help to create a cohesive and consistent visual language for the film, making it more visually pleasing and memorable for both investors and audiences.

10 - Concept art can be used to attract producers beyond traditional routes

Concept art serves as a visual representation of a screenwriter's vision, it can be used as a powerful tool to attract potential investors and producers. By providing detailed and evocative illustrations of key characters, locations, and story elements, it can help investors see the potential of your project and envision how it will look on screen. This can make it easier to secure funding and get the project off the ground.

A horror film about a haunted doll could use concept art to attract investors by showcasing the doll's eerie design and the creepy atmosphere of the haunted house setting. The concept art would give investors a clear visual of the film's potential and help them understand the tone and aesthetic of the story, making them more likely to invest in the project.

 

Now you have plenty of reasons of using concept art to revolutionize the way you pitch!

If you'd like to learn more on how to use concept art for your scripts, we recommend our FREE actionable book: "Concept Art for Screenwriters: How to Bring Your Story Pitch to Life And Win Over Producers".

We feature 11 detailed techniques to make your pitch stand out, including over 20 real-life examples of how successful TV shows and movies have used concept art to captivate buyers. Get the tools to change your game!

 

P.S.: All concept art featured in this article created by StoryVision.AI.