Pitching an original concept for a new TV series can be a challenging task. The creators must communicate a captivating premise, cast of characters, and a story engine to keep the narrative engaging. When Matt and Ross Duffer pitched 'Stranger Things,' they faced the challenge of conveying the unique blend of supernatural horror and 80s adventure films featuring kids as protagonists.
They used a pitch deck, also known as a series bible, to visually represent their vision for 'Stranger Things,' originally titled 'Montauk.' This document mimicked the look of an old Stephen King paperback and referenced movies like 'E.T.,' 'Jaws,' 'Poltergeist,' and 'Stand by Me.' Each section was complemented by stills from 1980s films, showcasing the dual genre of sci-fi horror and coming-of-age stories.
The pilot episode begins in classic horror fashion, setting up a monster movie tone with the use of evocative sound cues and the careful shrouding of the monster in mystery, as outlined in their pitch deck. This was followed by a scene invoking nostalgia through a game of Dungeons and Dragons, establishing the personalities of the young protagonists and the realistic tone through language and setting, reminiscent of 1980s coming-of-age films.
The Duffer brothers captured 80s nostalgia using period details like wood-paneled wagons, analog technology, and a mix of original music that felt both retro and modern. This culminates in a supernatural encounter that combines both ends of the show's tone spectrum, fulfilling their vision of a show that is part horror, part coming-of-age adventure.
By analyzing the 'Stranger Things' pitch deck and pilot, it’s evident how effectively the tone was conveyed early in the development process and skillfully communicated to the audience, blending horror, nostalgia, and adventure.