Pitching to the Business of Entertainment

Catalog description

The entertainment industry is a dynamic ecosystem where creativity and business intersect. Pitching to the Business of Entertainment introduces students to the process of developing, packaging, and presenting creative projects as viable business opportunities. The course explores how ideas move from concept to market by examining key areas such as intellectual property, development, financing strategies, production planning, distribution pathways, and marketing. Throughout the semester, students will develop an original film, series or new media project and learn how to communicate its creative and commercial value through professional pitch materials. A central component of the course is the creation of both a Creative Pitch Deck and a Business Pitch Deck, designed to present the project's story, visual approach, target audience, revenue model, and market positioning. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the production of a professional trailer that supports the pitch. Students will plan, shoot, and edit a short trailer that conveys the tone, world, and core idea of their project, using it as a visual proof-of-concept for potential investors, producers, and distributors. The course concludes with a formal pitch presentation to an industry-style panel, where students present their decks and trailer and respond to questions. Emphasis is placed on clear communication, persuasive storytelling, and the ability to position creative work within the realities of the entertainment marketplace.