Film Proposal Template

Also included:

5. Film Proposal Example (pdf)

A detailed example to show you to professionally pitch your project to funders.

6. Bonus! Enhance your proposal with AI

Take your project even further with our custom ChatGPT prompts. Just paste your completed proposal into ChatGPT, and our detailed questions will help you generate content based on your film. It's awesome!

• Get feedback and evaluation
• Request presentation refinement
• Get resource recommendations
• Craft query letters to potential funders
• Develop product placement pitches to companies
• Design crowdfunding campaigns with benefits
• Plan social media posts with a schedule
• Generate press releases

Get your Film Funded

Getting distribution for an independent film has become increasingly difficult. One effective way to secure funding is through product placement deals before the film is made.

This Film Proposal Template not only helps you apply for film grants, attract investors, and negotiate product placement agreements but also allows you to enhance your project using AI.

What is a film proposal?

A film proposal is a detailed document that outlines the concept, vision, and plan for creating a film. It includes essential information such as the film's synopsis, themes, target audience, budget, timeline, and key creative elements. This proposal serves as a pitch to secure funding, support, or approval from producers, investors, or other stakeholders.

How do I write a film proposal?

Our film proposal template is designed as an easy fill-in-the-blanks document, complete with an extensive guide and examples to help you get a professional proposal ready for funding.

• Concept Development: Clearly define the story, themes, and goals of your short film. Identify what makes your film unique and why it should be made.
• Synopsis: Write a concise summary of the film's plot, highlighting the main events, characters, and setting. Ensure it captures the essence of the story in an engaging manner.
• Unique Selling Points: Identify and elaborate on the elements that make your film stand out, such as innovative storytelling techniques, unique characters, or distinctive visual styles.
• Target Audience: Define the primary audience for your film. Consider factors such as age, gender, interests, and viewing habits. Explain why your film will appeal to this audience and how it addresses their preferences.
• Budget: Outline the estimated costs associated with your film, covering all stages of production from pre-production to post-production. Include categories like cast and crew, equipment, locations, and marketing expenses.
• Production Plan: Provide a detailed schedule that outlines each phase of the film’s production, including pre-production, shooting, and post-production timelines. Highlight key milestones and deadlines.
• Marketing Plan: Develop a strategy for promoting your film, including target audience identification, promotional activities, distribution channels, and festival submissions. Consider both online and offline marketing tactics.
• Investment Opportunities: Highlight potential investment opportunities for stakeholders. Explain the benefits of investing in your film, such as potential returns, credits, and exposure. Include details on how investors can participate, what their contributions will support, and any incentives or perks they will receive.

How can I fund my film before I start shooting?

One effective way to fund your film before shooting is through product placement. 

• Identify Potential Brands: Look for brands or companies whose products align with the themes or settings of your film.
• Create a Pitch: Develop a compelling pitch that highlights how their products can be seamlessly integrated into your film. Emphasize the promotional opportunities and brand visibility that the film can offer.
• Reach Out to Companies: Contact marketing or sponsorship departments of the identified brands. Use your short film proposal to demonstrate the potential benefits and exposure they would gain by sponsoring your film.
• Negotiate Terms: Discuss and agree on the terms of the product placement, including the extent of the product's visibility, the type of exposure, and the financial or resource contributions they will provide.
• Formalize the Agreement: Draft and sign a formal agreement detailing the sponsorship terms, ensuring both parties are clear on the expectations and deliverables.

Product placement can provide the necessary funds or resources, such as equipment or locations, in exchange for featuring the sponsor’s products within your film, thereby helping you to start production with a solid financial foundation.

How can I enhance my project with AI?

Just paste your completed short film proposal into ChatGPT, and our custom prompts will help you generate unique content based on your film.

You'll be able to get feedback and evaluation, request presentation refinement, and receive resource recommendations. Additionally, the prompts will write query letters to potential funders, develop product placement pitches to companies, plan social media posts with a schedule, and generate press releases.

It's an awesome way to enhance every aspect of your proposal and ensure you have a fully fledged project that stands out.