What We Can Learn From the Stranger Things Pitch Deck

Before the Upside Down was real, it was just a pitch.

The Stranger Things pitch deck has become one of the most referenced in TV history - not just because of the show’s success, but because of how effectively the creators built a world on paper before a single frame was shot.

So what made it work so well?

A Clear Creative Vision

The Duffer Brothers didn’t just pitch a concept - they pitched a feeling. From page one, the deck evokes a cinematic universe rooted in ‘80s nostalgia, with visual references to the likes of Spielberg. Every slide builds trust in their understanding of tone.

Design That Supports the Story

This wasn’t a wall of text. The deck used textured key imagery, type treatments, and visual references that looked like they were pulled straight from a VHS rental shelf in 1984. It was designed to look like the world they wanted to create.

Style Meets Substance

It wasn’t just pretty. The deck had character bios, a breakdown of the pilot episode, the arc of the first season, and why it mattered emotionally. That balance, style and substance - is what sold the show

What This Means For Filmmakers Today

A good pitch deck doesn’t just say “here’s my idea” - it makes people feel it. It’s world-building through design, language, and storytelling. The Stranger Things deck proves that even in a PDF, you can transport someone somewhere else.

At The Paperview, we live for that challenge

We help filmmakers and studios craft decks that don’t just explain the story - they sell it. Whether you're building a world of monsters, murder, or music, we can help you get the greenlight.