What term describes a concise verbal presentation of an idea for a film or TV series?

The term that describes a concise verbal presentation of an idea for a film or TV series is "pitch." A pitch is typically a brief and engaging summary intended to sell or promote the idea to producers, investors, or potential collaborators. It highlights the core concept, main characters, and the unique aspects of the story that make it appealing, all delivered in a format that captures the audience’s interest quickly.

In a pitch, the speaker must communicate effectively and persuasively, often in a short amount of time, to convey the potential of the project and its viability for production. This aspect makes a pitch distinct from other terms that relate to the presentation of story ideas, which may be longer or more detailed. For instance, while a proposal may include extensive information and details about the project, a pitch is more about the persuasive elements and emotional appeal. Similarly, a synopsis provides a more detailed summary of the plot that can be longer than a quick pitch, focusing more on the overall narrative rather than just selling the idea. An overview might also summarize the project but is not necessarily aimed at persuading stakeholders in the same succinct manner as a pitch.