Don’t say “we’ll start wide, then go in.” Instead, try something like: “We’ll emphasize the character’s realization with a close-up, so we’ll hold off on close-ups at first and start with a wide.” Those are two very different ways to approach a scene.

Most pitches feel like a one-way monologue from a founder, following a fixed structure. But while it keeps things organized, this structure can actually make it harder for a founder to stand out, and leave a lasting impression.

Every shot in a movie has a perspective. The moment you turn on a camera, you've already chosen one, you can’t get around it. So naturally, that raises some big questions. How do we intentionally express objectivity or subjectivity? And maybe even more important—when should we use one or the other?

If we assume investors only care about returns, we’ll likely fill our pitch with charts and graphs to show the venture’s financial potential, and many pitches do exactly that. But founders who take this approach are often surprised when their message doesn’t land..

If film images are meant to communicate a deeper, subtextual message to the audience, and tools like lens choice or camera movement make up the visual language, then visual strategy is like the grammar of that language.

In both movies and photojournalism, an image’s purpose is to tell a story. But while filmmakers can read the ending of their story in a screenplay, photojournalists often discover their story as they work, requiring them to stay present.

There’s one question that never fails to make filmmakers squirm: What’s your story? It sounds simple, but the answer isn’t always obvious. In this episode of Visium, we unpack why that question is so hard to answer—and why it might be the most important one a filmmaker can ask.

The intersection of filmmaking and business leadership creates an opportunity for a clearer, more defined vision. The path to understanding vision doesn’t go through a Google Doc. It goes through storytelling techniques, like those used in movies.

Join Tal Lazar’s Exclusive Online Event on April 30 to Discover the Cinematic Impact Framework™ and Revolutionize Your Business Storytelling. With over 15 years in filmmaking and education, Lazar’s innovative approach helps organizations enhance their storytelling strategies for increased engagement and growth.