How to Craft a Killer One-Sheet: Nailing your most vital sales doc

You've spent months, maybe years, perfecting your script. But how do you get a busy industry professional to actually read it? You need to lead out with a great approach and a sharp, professional tool that sells your story in under 60 seconds. Enter the one-sheet.

A one-sheet is the most vital sales document in your arsenal. Sometimes called "the poster" it is more a professional "at-a-glance" summary of your project. It's a concise, visually appealing document designed to convey your project's title, tone, and core story, convincing an executive that your script is worth their time.

Here are the essential components to include.

The Core Components

• Title: The title of your show or film.

• Format: One-Hour TV Pilot / 90-Minute Feature Film

• Genre: Be specific. e.g., Grounded Sci-Fi Thriller, Workplace Sitcom, YA Fantasy Adventure.

• Author: Your name (and your writing partner's, if applicable).

• Comps (Comparisons): This is industry shorthand to describe your project's tone and marketability. Use one of two formats:

  • "X meets Y": This formula is the industry standard. It quickly communicates your concept. (e.g., "It's Succession meets Jurassic Park—a gripping family drama set at a dysfunctional dinosaur theme park.")

  • Tonal Comps: This helps define the feel and target audience. (e.g., "For fans of character-driven sci-fi like Arrival and Ex Machina.")

• Logline: The one-sentence pitch that sparks the reader's imagination and encapsulates the core conflict of your story. (For tips on writing a great logline, check out our post on loglines versus taglines.)

Synopsis

Your synopsis should be a compelling 250-300 (could be as little as 100) word summary of the plot from beginning to end. Write it in the third person and in the tone of your script. You must hit the major 6 of the 6+2 story beats as discussed in the Choice of Structure blog post on story structure:

• The Opening: Introduce your protagonist and their world.

• The Catapult: Show the event or series of events that kicks off the story.

• The Midpoint: Describe the major turning point in the middle of the show.

• The Crisis: Often the main character’s epic fail

• The Climax: Reveal the final confrontation

• The Closing: the resultant resolve of the show.

Emphasize the main character’s emotional journey. Also, remember, this is a sales tool, not a trailer—spoil the ending! You want the reader to see that you have a complete, satisfying, well thought out story.

Why Now?

This section tells the reader why your script is relevant and why audiences will connect with it today. Is your story…

• Tapping into a cultural conversation? (e.g., "With public trust in AI at an all-time low, this series explores the human cost of unchecked technological ambition.")

• Responding to a market trend? (e.g., "Audiences are hungry for smart, female-led thrillers, and this script delivers.")

• Offering a fresh take on a popular genre? (e.g., "Unlike other zombie shows, this story focuses on the quiet hope and humor of rebuilding society.")

About the Author

This is your space to shine and connect your personal story to the script's themes. Why are you the only person who could have written this? Briefly mention any relevant professional experience, accolades, or unique life experiences that make you the definitive voice for this particular project.

Pro-Tip: Make It Look Good! 🎨

Your one-sheet should be visually appealing but clean. Use a tool like Canva to create a simple, professional layout. Include one compelling key image or piece of concept art that captures the tone of your project, and make sure your text is easy to read. A great design makes a producer want to read it.

When and How to Use Your One-Sheet

Your one-sheet is a versatile tool. It's the perfect document to:

• Send as an attachment after a producer responds positively to your initial query letter.

• Use as a "leave-behind" after a verbal pitch or networking meeting.

• Serve as the primary summary in many fellowship or contest applications.

The one-sheet is the first step. It precedes a full pitch, a pitch deck, or a series bible.

Now that your one-sheet is ready, you can begin your outreach strategy. This includes researching production companies that make similar content, networking thoughtfully, and preparing for the next steps in the pitching process.

For more tips and useful information check out the blog posts or for personal assistance with your latest project reach Susanna at scriptsbysusanna@gmail.com.