How to Write a Film Proposal to Get Funded (+Templates)
Learn how to write a film proposal for funding, including tips on the winning structure of a film proposal and customizable film proposal templates.
Dominika Krukowska
Learn how to write a film proposal for funding, including tips on the winning structure of a film proposal and customizable film proposal templates.
Short answer
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Who is a film proposal for?
A film proposal is for filmmakers seeking funding, production support, or distribution.
It’s used to pitch a project to investors, studios, grant committees, and production companies. It’s also useful for securing partnerships with distributors or streaming platforms.
What are the goals of a film proposal?
A film proposal’s goal is to secure funding, production backing, or distribution by presenting a compelling case for your film.
It proves your project’s artistic and commercial potential while demonstrating feasibility.
Investors want financial viability, grant committees need artistic and social impact, and production companies look for marketability.
What assets do I need before writing a film proposal?
Before writing a film proposal, gather essential documents and research.
You’ll need a treatment or synopsis outlining the story, a budget breakdown detailing costs, and a financing plan explaining how you’ll fund the project.
A market analysis helps define your audience and distribution strategy, while a director’s statement clarifies your creative vision.
If applicable, include bios of key team members and letters of intent from cast, crew, or partners.
Having these assets ready ensures your proposal is persuasive, professional, and tailored to the expectations of industry decision-makers.
NOTE: If you need some visual inspiration, check out our blog post with the best film proposal examples. We've also got a handy guide on how to pitch to Netflix and other streaming platforms.
What to put on your title slide
Film title: Keep it bold, clear, and easy to remember.
Striking visual: Use a high-quality image or poster-style design that reflects your film’s tone.
Video teaser (if available): A 15-30 second clip can instantly engage your audience.
Your name & role: Include the director, writer, or production company to establish credibility.
How to write a compelling logline
Keep it under 30 words: The best loglines are short and punchy.
Introduce the protagonist: Make them specific and memorable (e.g., "A washed-up detective…," "A teenage hacker…").
Define the conflict: What’s at stake? What’s the major struggle?
Set the world: If your setting is unique, include it concisely.
Make it intriguing: It should raise a question or hint at an unexpected turn.
Example of a good logline:
"A cynical journalist investigating a decades-old murder finds himself trapped in a town where no one can leave - and no one can be trusted."
What to include in an executive summary
Film format: Is it a feature film, documentary, short film, or series?
Genre: Drama, thriller, sci-fi, comedy - clarity is key.
Estimated budget & funding status: Even a rough figure helps investors gauge scope.
Production timeline: When will filming start? Any key milestones?
How to write an intriguing synopsis
Keep it under 300 words: It should be short enough to hold attention but long enough to convey the core narrative.
Introduce the protagonist and their goal: Who are we following, and what do they want?
Establish the central conflict: What obstacle stands in their way?
Highlight the emotional journey: How does the protagonist evolve through the story?
Give a sense of resolution (without spoilers if possible): Where does the story take us by the end?
Example of a good synopsis:
"When cynical journalist David Cole travels to the remote town of Black Hollow to investigate a decades-old murder, he expects a quick, uneventful assignment. But after discovering that no one in town can leave—and that those who try disappear without a trace—David finds himself trapped in a web of secrets. As paranoia sets in and the town’s unsettling rituals come to light, he realizes that uncovering the truth might cost him more than just his career. Forced to confront his past and question his own sanity, David must decide whether to expose the mystery or become a part of it forever."
What to include in a moodboard
Visual inspiration: Reference films, photography, paintings, or any design elements that shape the look of your film.
Colour palette: The dominant tones that set the mood - warm and nostalgic, cold and dystopian, bold and surreal.
Set & prop design: The world your characters live in, whether it’s raw and realistic or completely stylized.
Lighting style: Moody noir shadows or soft golden-hour glow? The way you use light makes a huge difference.
Camera work & framing: Will you go for precise, wide shots like Kubrick or fast, handheld camerawork for an intense feel?
Sound & score influences: Will the music be subtle and atmospheric, big and cinematic, or stripped-back and raw?
Pacing & movement: Will the story unfold slowly with simmering tension, or will it keep the audience on edge with fast, high-energy scenes?
How to write character descriptions
Name, age, and role: Quickly introduce who they are and their role in your story.
Core motivation: What's driving this character deep down? What do they want most?
Conflict & obstacles: What's stopping them from getting there - inside themselves or out in the world?
Emotional journey: How do they change or grow throughout your story?
Casting ideas: Optional, but it really helps readers visualise your character. Who could you realistically imagine playing this role? However, rather than choosing huge names like Meryl Streep or Leonardo DiCaprio (unless you've truly got a shot), focus on talented, up-and-coming actors whose profiles match the size and ambition of your film.
How to define your target audience
Demographics: Who do you picture watching your film? Think about things like age, gender, where they live, and anything else that affects how they choose what to watch.
Psychographics: What gets your audience excited? What sort of stories, themes, or genres do they genuinely connect with? Are they fans of tense thrillers, quirky indie films, or feel-good rom-coms?
Similar films & their audiences: What recent movies attracted the kind of audience you're after? Did those films find success in cinemas, or did people mostly discover them through streaming platforms or film festivals?
Viewing habits: How does your audience actually watch films? Are they regular cinema-goers, streaming enthusiasts at home, or the kind of people who hunt down unique festival screenings?
Market trends: Is your film tapping into something that audiences already care about or a trend that's gaining popularity right now?
How to choose the right comparable movies
Pick 2-3 relevant films: Choose recent films (preferably from the last 5-10 years) that share key elements with yours - genre, tone, audience, or themes.
Include performance data: If possible, mention box office numbers, streaming success, or festival wins to prove market demand.
Highlight similarities and differences: Show how your film taps into the same appeal while offering a fresh perspective.
Key elements of a strong distribution strategy
Primary distribution channels: Will this be a theatrical release, a streaming deal (Netflix, Amazon, etc.), VOD (iTunes, Google Play), or festival-driven distribution?
Festival strategy: Are you targeting major festivals (Cannes, Sundance, TIFF) for exposure and potential sales? Or focusing on niche festivals tailored to your genre?
Theatrical vs. digital balance: If aiming for a theatrical release, how wide will it be? If streaming, what platforms fit your audience best?
International distribution: Does your film have global appeal? Are there specific regions where it’s more likely to succeed?
Marketing & promotional plan: How will you build awareness? This could include social media campaigns, press coverage, influencer partnerships, and early teaser releases.
Target distributors & sales agents: If you already have industry connections or interest from a distributor, mention it here.
Key elements of a budget breakdown
Above-the-line costs: Salaries for key creative personnel - director, producers, lead actors, and screenwriters.
Below-the-line costs: Crew wages, equipment rentals, set construction, props, wardrobe, hair & makeup, and transportation.
Post-production expenses: Editing, VFX, color grading, sound mixing, and scoring.
Marketing & distribution: Festival submissions, promotional campaigns, trailers, and PR.
Legal & administrative fees: Permits, insurance, union fees, and contracts.
Contingency fund (typically 10-15% of the total budget): No production goes exactly as planned. Equipment failures, weather delays, reshoots, or talent availability issues can all add costs. A contingency buffer reassures investors that unexpected problems won’t shut down production.
Main elements of a financing strategy
Current funding status: If you've already secured partial funding, list the sources (grants, private investors, production company backing, crowdfunding, etc.). If you have commitments pending, mention them.
Funds still needed: Clearly state how much financing is left to secure and how you plan to raise it.
Co-production agreements: Partnering with international or regional production companies can help secure additional financing, tax incentives, and distribution opportunities.
Pre-sales & distribution advances: Have any distributors or streaming platforms shown interest? Pre-selling distribution rights can secure funding before production starts.
Grants & incentives: If applicable, mention film grants, government incentives, or tax rebates you’re applying for.
Examples of revenue streams
Box office revenue (for theatrical releases)
Streaming & VOD deals (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, etc.)
International sales (selling distribution rights in different territories)
TV licensing deals (broadcast networks, cable channels)
Merchandising & brand partnerships (if applicable)
Ancillary revenue (special edition DVDs, behind-the-scenes content, soundtrack sales)
What to include in the film crew section
Director: Their vision for the film, past projects, and why they’re the right fit.
Producers: Who’s overseeing production, handling finances, and keeping things on track?
Cinematographer: How will the film be visually executed? Mention notable past work.
Editor & post-production team: Key figures in shaping the final product.
Production designer & art director: If the film has a strong visual identity, emphasize their role.
Composer & sound designer (if secured): Music and sound are crucial to tone and atmosphere.
Examples of effective CTAs (Calls to action)
Schedule a follow-up meeting: Embed a calendar link (Calendly, Google Calendar, etc.) for them to book a time.
Provide direct contact details: Include an email and phone number for immediate discussion.
Link to social media & website: Give them a way to follow your project, see your portfolio, or engage further.
Attach a full business plan or financials: If they’re interested in deeper details, make it easy for them to access.
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