Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Proof, sizzles & pitch media · Core

Sizzle

Also called: sizzle reel, teaser reel, taster, Unscripted sizzle

ELI5

A short audiovisual pitch piece designed to make a project, person, world or format feel immediate and compelling.

Used in conversation

“The next layout pass needs to make the sizzle clearer.”

Pitch context

Use this in nonfiction pitches to separate what is known, accessible, ethical and structurally repeatable.

Why it matters: Tells you what document, visual asset or file someone is asking for or reviewing.

Caution

Track whether footage is original, licensed or reference-only.

Connected terms

  • Mood reelA mood reel chiefly communicates atmosphere and visual language; a sizzle chiefly persuades through pace, access, material or promise.
  • Pitch trailerA sizzle prioritises persuasive energy; a pitch trailer behaves more like an authored trailer for an unmade work.
  • Proof of conceptA sizzle mainly creates excitement and clarity; a proof of concept demonstrates that a specific idea or method works.
  • Taster tapeA taster tape demonstrates tone, access or cast in sample material; a sizzle is a more overtly persuasive sales edit and may use broader material.
Sources & evidence · 15

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.