How to pitch your screenplay

What is the course about?

In this fun, interactive short course, you are encouraged to select the right words and phrases to pitch your project. You will learn how to edit your own work for presentation and describe your project with precision. Students work together in group exercises to learn about giving positive feedback.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

- The power of Brevity.
- Writing a compelling “slug line”.
- Editing your Treatment.
- Powerful Presentation
- The only script sample you really need.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Identify how to edit your own Treatment for maximum impact.
Produce a powerful title, “slug-line”, and synopsis for your work.
Modify the contents of your writing for the greatest effect.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an intermediate course suitable for those who have some screenwriting experience and want to learn more about treatments and pitching. Bring your idea or details of your screenplay-in-progress to class. Fluency in English is essential.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Students will analyse examples of Screenplay Treatments and other pitching documents. There will be group and individual exercises to recognise the skills of editing and to produce powerful pitches. There are individual and group writing exercises plus formal instruction from the tutor.


All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.

All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which is discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, so all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no associated costs. Please bring writing materials and your ideas.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offers a range of courses for aspiring screenwriters. If you are a beginner you can enrol on Ways into screenwriting. For those with some experience, you can enrol in Developing your screenwriting. Browse the writing section of our website to find the perfect course for you.

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.