Hollywood's 2024 Reckoning: Why 2025 Will Belong to the Brave
Chaos ruled the film and TV industry in 2024, but here’s how you can pivot, pitch smarter, and claim your place in the new entertainment landscape.
As we close out 2024, one thing is crystal clear: the film and TV industry has never been more complex, competitive, or chaotic. With more projects than ever being pitched than there is money to produce them, filmmakers and producers are grappling with a fundamental question: How do you stand out in an overcrowded field while the industry navigates economic constraints and shifting priorities?
The answer? You pitch—more often, more strategically, and to the right people. If 2024 was the year of uncertainty, 2025 is your chance to rewrite the narrative. But doing so requires new tools, bold strategies, and a fearless mindset.
Here’s how to approach pitching in 2025 to rise above the noise and turn chaos into opportunity.
2024: A Year of Chaos
This year, we witnessed an oversaturation of pitches, a tightening of studio and network budgets, and a hesitation from traditional investors. Hollywood seemed more risk-averse than ever, doubling down on familiar IPs and sequels. Streamers, once the disruptors, are grappling with subscriber fatigue and are no longer greenlighting projects as freely as they used to.
For independent filmmakers and producers, this meant fewer doors open, more rejections, and a growing sense that only the well-connected could break through. The strikes and growing fear of AI-driven content only deepened the uncertainty.
However, as the dust begins to settle, it’s clear that those who can adapt and evolve will emerge stronger. The chaos of 2024 has created new cracks in the industry’s foundation—and with it, new opportunities for those brave enough to navigate them.
2025: A New Approach for a New Era
If you want 2025 to be your breakthrough year, you can’t rely on the old ways of doing business. Here’s how to make this year the one where you finally go from anonymous dreamer to industry-recognized creator.
1. Pitch Relentlessly, But to the Right People
The first step is volume—but not indiscriminate volume. You need to pitch more frequently, yes, but also more strategically. There are two key groups you should focus on in 2025:
Investors Who Bring More Than Money: The right investor is not just a check writer; they’re a connector, a believer in your vision, and someone with the clout to open doors. Do your homework. Look for investors who have a track record of supporting creative projects and who align with your goals.
Right-Fit Executives: Focus on development and acquisitions executives at studios, streaming platforms, and production companies—these are the gatekeepers who hear the majority of pitches and champion the best ones to their higher-ups. Use tools like IMDbPro & LinkedIn and attend industry events to identify executives who specialize in projects similar to yours and are attuned to your project's themes and target audience. These are the people who can help your idea gain traction within their companies.
2. Reframe Rejection
In a market this crowded, rejection is inevitable. But in 2025, you need to treat “no” as a stepping stone, not a dead end. In our business, there are only two outcomes after a pitch; Success and Learning.
Follow Up: After a “no,” ask for constructive feedback. Was it the timing? The budget? Something about the pitch? Use these insights to refine your approach.
Track Your Progress: Keep a spreadsheet or journal of your pitches, rejections, and learnings. Look for patterns in what’s working and what’s not.
Play the Long Game: Relationships are built over time. Today’s “no” might be tomorrow’s “yes” if you maintain a professional, respectful connection.
3. Craft Spectacular Pitches
Pitching isn’t just about your idea—it’s about how you package it. In 2025, your pitch needs to stand out in every way.
Build a Stunning Pitch Deck: Your deck should be visually striking, concise, and tailored to your audience. If graphic design isn’t your forte, hire someone who specializes in industry-standard decks.
Master the Verbal Pitch: Practice until your pitch sounds natural and confident. Record yourself, rehearse in front of trusted peers, and refine until it flows effortlessly but doesn’t sound memerized.
Create a Hook: The first 30 seconds of your pitch should grab attention and spark curiosity. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping statistic, an evocative story, or a bold question, your hook needs to set the tone.
4. Build and Leverage Relationships
2025 will be the year of relationships. Your network will be your greatest asset in breaking through the industry’s barriers.
Attend Industry Events: Make it a priority to show up at festivals, panels, and media conferences (this is where I’ve had the most success). Face-to-face interactions are still invaluable.
Offer Value First: When connecting with decision-makers or collaborators, lead with how you can add value to their work, rather than asking for something upfront.
Keep in Touch: Relationships fade without effort. Send thoughtful follow-ups, share relevant updates, and find ways to stay top-of-mind.
5. Own Your Career Like a CEO
You are not just a filmmaker—you’re the CEO of your filmmaking business. Treat your career with the same discipline and strategy as you would a startup.
Set Measurable Goals: How many pitches will you deliver this quarter? What specific milestones do you want to achieve by mid-year? Define your objectives and track your progress.
Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s a course on pitching, a consultation with an industry expert, or upgrading your skill-set, make strategic investments in your career.
Stay Informed: The industry is evolving rapidly. Read trade publications, listen to podcasts, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and shifts. Three I recommend: 1.) Ted Hope’s Hope For Film
The Opportunity in Chaos
Yes, the industry is crowded, risk-averse, and unpredictable. But it’s also ripe with opportunity for filmmakers who are willing to adapt, hustle, and innovate. The chaos of 2024 has created new pathways for those who understand that success doesn’t come to those who wait—it comes to those who pitch.
The bottom line? 2025 can be your breakthrough year if you’re willing to do the work. Pitch more. Pitch smarter. Build your network. Learn to sell your ideas with clarity and confidence.
Hollywood isn’t just looking for great ideas—it’s looking for game-changer storytellers behind them. So step up, stand out, and let this be the year you finally claim your place in the industry.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Start by booking a Pitch Clarity Call with me. Together, we’ll diagnose where you are, identify the gaps in your strategy, and create a roadmap to get your projects into the hands of the right people. Let’s make 2025 your year.