How to Pitch a TV Show: A Step-By-Step Guide
Have you ever had that amazing idea for a TV show that you're sure would be the next 'Stranger Things or 'Breaking Bad'? Imagined the characters, the story arcs, the high-octane drama, or nail-biting suspense that would captivate viewers around the globe?
In this post, we will delve into the art form of creating a successful TV show pitch that will not only captivate the entertainment industry professionals but also inspire the imagination of your target audience.
Step 1: Understand the Core Idea
Before you can pitch a TV show, you must have a clear idea of what you want to do.
This core idea encapsulates the essence of your show in a nutshell. It should be a captivating summary of your show's concept that can be described in one or two sentences.
Consider it your elevator pitch. If you found yourself in an elevator with a high-level TV producer, how would you explain your show before they reached their floor?
For instance, take the hit series Stranger Things. The core idea could be expressed as follows: "A young boy disappears in a small town, leading his friends, family, and the local sheriff to uncover a web of supernatural mysteries, government conspiracies, and an unusual girl with extraordinary powers."
Step 2: Develop Your Show Bible
A show bible is a comprehensive document that outlines everything about your television show. It includes character descriptions, the setting, the initial idea and core concept, the story arc, future episodes, and even the expected target audience.
The show bible acts as the intellectual property that you can use to protect your ideas in the entertainment industry.
Step 3: Write Your Pilot Script
The pilot script is the cornerstone of your TV series, and it's the first episode of your show, the one that sets up all the characters and plots for future seasons.
The pilot episode introduces the main character, the conflict, and the setting and ends with a compelling hook that leaves the viewers wanting more.
A successful TV show pitch will always include a finished pilot script, demonstrating your writing style, ability to tell a story, and grasp of script format and dialogue.
Your pilot script should essentially testify to your capacity to execute the vision outlined in your show bible.
Step 4: Create a Series Bible
While the show bible is all about the big picture, the series bible gets into the nitty-gritty details of the show. It's where you'll lay out character arcs, plot developments, and the show's general direction for the first season and beyond.
Step 5: Develop Your TV Show Pitch
Once your materials are ready, you can start working on the actual TV show pitch. A successful TV show pitch must be concise, compelling, and engaging.
It should grab the attention of TV producers and network executives, leaving them wanting to read your pilot script or even request a pilot episode.
Your TV show pitch should include a pitch document that outlines the series overview, the target audience, a summary of the pilot episode, character descriptions, a play-by-play of the first season, and how many episodes you envision for the entire series.
Having a TV show pitch template can greatly help this process. A free pitch template can provide a clear structure to follow, ensuring that you include all the necessary information and present it professionally.
Step 6: Prepare for Pitch Meetings
A pitch meeting is where you'll pitch your TV show idea to TV producers, network executives, or production companies.
You'll be expected to deliver a verbal pitch, which can be the elevator pitch you crafted earlier, and a visual presentation using visual aids to bring your idea to life.
It's not uncommon for a pitch meeting to involve showing a sizzle reel or short video that encapsulates the spirit of the series.
This is especially common when pitching a reality TV show, as it provides a tangible sense of what the final product might look like.
Step 7: Understand the Development Process
The development process in the entertainment industry can be long and complex. Even after a successful pitch, your TV show can take months or even years to get the green light.
Step 8: Don't Give Up
Finally, remember that even successful TV show creators have faced rejection. Your TV show idea might be great, but there might be a better fit for a particular production company, network, or streaming platform.
Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed at first. Keep refining your idea, pitching, and believing in your vision.
In conclusion, creating a compelling TV show pitch is a dynamic process that requires a clear understanding of your core concept, a detailed show bible and series bible, a captivating pilot script, and a powerful pitch that can win over industry professionals.
It's a journey that can be daunting, but with the right approach, your TV show idea could be the next big hit on a popular streaming service.
Remember, every successful TV show, from 'Friends' to 'Stranger Things,' started as an idea in someone's mind.
The next big success story could be yours!
frequently asked questions about pitching tv shows (FAQs)
How do I pitch my TV show?
Pitching a TV show involves:
Creating a compelling presentation of your idea.
Writing a well-structured pitch document.
Preparing a pilot script.
Presenting your idea effectively to TV producers or network executives.
It requires clearly understanding your show's concept, characters, and potential story arcs. You can use a TV show pitch template to help structure your pitch.
Can anyone pitch a TV show idea?
Yes, anyone can pitch a TV show idea. However, breaking into the industry can only be challenging with industry connections, a strong script, and an understanding of the TV pitch process.
Having experience in scriptwriting or a compelling finished pilot script to accompany your pitch may be beneficial.
How do you write a pitch for a TV show example?
A TV show pitch should communicate the show's premise, the characters, the plot, and the potential for future episodes. For example:
"Title: 'Haunted Hearts' Genre: Paranormal Romance Logline: When a young woman moves into a haunted Victorian mansion, she falls in love with a charming ghost, leading to a series of supernatural adventures as they navigate their impossible romance."
This brief pitch presents the show's title, genre, a catchy logline, and a hint at the series' direction.
Where can I submit my TV show idea?
TV show ideas can be pitched to production companies, TV networks, or streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
Some of these organizations accept unsolicited pitches, but many require pitches to come through an agent or a lawyer.
Can I pitch a show to BBC?
Yes, the BBC accepts show pitches. However, it is best to thoroughly research their pitching guidelines and process before submitting your idea.
The BBC often works with established industry professionals, so having a reputable agent can help.
Do you need an agent to pitch a TV show?
An agent can help open doors within the industry, as they have the connections and know-how to get your pitch in front of the right people.
However, it is not a strict requirement. Some networks and platforms accept unsolicited pitches, but this is becoming less common.
How do I pitch a show to Amazon Prime?
As of 2021, Amazon Studios no longer accepts unsolicited submissions. To pitch a show to Amazon, you'll likely need to go through an agent, attorney, manager, or production company with a first-look deal or a relationship with Amazon Studios.
How do I sell my story for a movie?
You'll need to turn your story into a screenplay to sell a story for a movie. Once you have a completed and polished script, you can approach production companies, film studios, or independent producers directly or through an agent.
How hard is it to pitch a TV show?
Pitching a TV show can be challenging as it requires excellent idea and writing skills and knowledge of the industry and pitching process.
The competition is fierce, and even unique concepts may be passed over if they must be presented effectively.
Can you self-publish a TV show?
In a way, yes. Thanks to the digital age, producing and publishing your own content on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo is possible.
This is often referred to as a web series. However, traditional routes through TV networks or streaming platforms would be necessary for larger-scale production and distribution.
How to sell a script without an agent?
Selling a script without an agent can be challenging but not impossible. You can do this by networking within the industry, attending screenwriting competitions and festivals, or submitting your script directly to production companies that accept unsolicited scripts.
How do I get my script funded?
There are many ways to get a script funded. These include applying for screenwriting grants, running a crowdfunding campaign, or finding a private investor.
Film and television tax incentives provided by certain countries and states can also be a funding source.
