You don’t need, or want, to weigh this down with a lot of subplots or other ideas yet. Just get the essence of your show on paper. Seinfeld, after all, was famously pitched as “what if we did a show about nothing?”
Write down names and studios attached to projects that seem like yours. These are the names most likely to buy your work later.
Genre affects your mood, tone, and writing style, and the audience’s expectations for certain things. [4] X Expert Source Lucy V. HayProfessional Writer Expert Interview. 16 July 2019. Having a genre doesn’t mean you are locked into one type of story. It simply makes it easier to market and sell your idea. [5] X Research source
Round. The characters have multiple facets, not just an “angry woman,” or “strong hero. " Round characters have strengths and weaknesses, and the chance to grow. Filled with desires and fears. Their ability or inability to get over their fear (of being poor, of being alone, of space aliens, of spiders, etc. ) is what drives their conflicts each episode and shows you the goals in the series. Have agency. A good character makes choices which push forward the plot. They make mistakes, try and fix things, go to parties, etc. because it is something their character would do, not something the writer needs them to do. [7] X Research source
Originality: Has this been seen before? Is it similar to anything else and, if so, is it different enough to stand on its own? Projected Cost: Few studios will risk hundreds of millions of dollars on an unproven writer or filmmaker. It is difficult to sell big concepts like The Walking Dead if you’ve just started working in TV, because they have high financial risk. A Screenplay/Proof of Concept: This means writing a treatment, script, or shooting some sketches. Your idea may get you in the door, but you need some work to prove that the show is going to get made. [8] X Research source
Back to the Future: A high school student, is sent to the past on accident, where his presence causes his parents to never meet – or make him![9] X Research source Jaws: A police chief battles a killer shark despite being afraid of the sea. Meanwhile, the greedy town board refuses to admit there is a problem at the beach at all, complicating matters. Ratatouille: A French rat teams up with a terrible chef to prove that anyone can cook, though jealous critics and pest-control will do anything to prove that it is a sham. [10] X Research source
The setting. The general plot of the series. The arc of most episodes (what is generally happening in every episode?)
If you’re pitching a documentary-style reality series, having any short video on the subject or people involved can help producers see the potential of the project. You can also outline potential plot lines in the people’s lives.
Title Logline Synopsis Characters Episode arcs. [11] X Research source If you are creating a reality television show, ensure that you are creating an executable format. In the case of reality competition shows, ensure that every aspect of gameplay is outlined. It is important to write what we are specifically watching unfold in brief, yet powerful points.
Read scripts from shows similar to yours to get an idea for the writing and plotting. [12] X Expert Source Lucy V. HayProfessional Writer Expert Interview. 16 July 2019. If you are writing a scripted TV show, such as a drama, learn how to write scripts. Script-writing classes can also be taken at local community colleges. Specialized script-writing software can make quick work of a script. Movie Magic Screen Writer, Celtx, Writer Duets, and Final Draft are popular picks.
Registering with the WGA will cost just $20 ($10 at the WGA site if you are already a WGA member), and is considered the industry standard. The registered material is kept on file for five years, at which time you may renew. Terms may vary per service and site.
Accepting unsolicited submissions without a mediator puts companies at risk of being accused of stealing. Getting electronic proof of review by companies is a unique benefit that the Internet provides in today’s television development arena.
You would never pitch a cheesy monster movie to NBC, you’d send it to SyFy. You wouldn’t send a Historical Drama to Greg Danial’s (The Office) production company. Think about what the studio is already making to pitch to the right people. [13] X Research source Look into studio fellowship programs. These are paid 6-8 week programs that allow you to hone your ideas at the studio. They are, however, incredibly competitive.
When possible, work on film and TV sets as a production assistant or intern – anything to get your foot in the door. While not strictly necessary, selling your idea to Hollywood is easiest if you’re in Hollywood. If you’re serious, it’s time to move to LA. A lot of TV is also produced, however, in NYC.
The Hook: Return to the “what if” of your show. Why is it original, compelling, and worth watching?[14] X Research source The Audience: Who is this show geared towards? How does it fit with the network’s current audience. The “Trailer:” If you were selling this show in a commercial, what parts would you highlight? What are the “clips” that flesh out the world of the show. [15] X Research source
You must know what types of shows the network produces, and who its audience is, to capture its attention. [16] X Research source
You must practice your pitch ahead of time, multiple times. It needs to be as well prepared as your script and treatment. It can help to have multiple other ideas on hand too, even if they don’t have a treatment. They may love you and your idea, but not have room in the schedule for that specific show.
