11.5 Preparing for the pitch and submission process

Preparing for the pitch and submission process is a crucial step in selling your television pilot. This phase involves crafting a compelling pitch, researching the market, and developing strong materials to present your show concept effectively.

The process requires careful planning and attention to detail. From creating a strong logline to protecting your intellectual property, each element plays a vital role in positioning your pilot for success in a competitive industry.

Elements of a strong pitch

• A strong pitch is crucial for selling your television pilot to networks, studios, and producers
• Key components include a compelling logline, unique characters, a clear story engine, and a distinct tone and style that sets your show apart from others in the market

Compelling logline

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• Captures the essence of your show in one or two sentences
• Hooks the listener by presenting a unique and intriguing premise (a group of misfits running a community college)
• Clearly communicates the genre, setting, and central conflict of your series
• Avoids clichés and generic descriptions that fail to differentiate your show

Unique characters

• Well-developed, multi-dimensional characters that audiences can connect with and invest in
• Each character should have a distinct personality, backstory, and set of motivations that drive their actions
• Avoid stereotypes and one-dimensional characters that lack depth and complexity
• Ensure your characters have room for growth and development over the course of the series (Walter White's transformation in Breaking Bad)

Clear story engine

• The central conflict or premise that generates story ideas and plot developments for multiple episodes and seasons
• Provides a framework for the types of stories and challenges your characters will face (the weekly cases in a procedural drama like Law & Order)
• Ensures that your series has longevity and can sustain viewer interest over time
• Allows for flexibility and creativity within a defined structure

Tone and style

• The overall feel and aesthetic of your show, including its visual style, pacing, and themes
• Sets the mood and atmosphere that distinguishes your series from others in the same genre (the dark, gritty tone of True Detective vs. the lighthearted, comedic tone of Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
• Influences creative decisions such as casting, music, and cinematography
• Helps networks and studios understand the intended audience and market for your show

Researching the market

• Before pitching your television pilot, it's essential to research the current television landscape and understand where your show fits in
• This includes analyzing current trends, identifying target networks, and studying similar shows to position your series effectively

Current trends in television

• Stay informed about popular genres, formats, and themes in the current television market (the rise of true crime documentaries, anthology series, etc.)
• Identify emerging trends and anticipate future developments in the industry
• Consider how your show can capitalize on or subvert current trends to stand out

Identifying target networks

• Research networks that align with your show's genre, tone, and target audience (pitching a gritty crime drama to HBO vs. a family sitcom to Disney Channel)
• Study the programming slate and brand identity of each network to determine the best fit for your series
• Consider streaming platforms and their unique content strategies (Netflix's focus on binge-worthy series, Amazon's emphasis on prestige dramas)

Analyzing similar shows

• Identify series that share similar themes, genres, or premises to your own
• Study their strengths and weaknesses, ratings performance, and critical reception
• Differentiate your show by highlighting unique elements and fresh perspectives on familiar concepts
• Demonstrate an understanding of the competitive landscape and how your series fits into it

Developing pitch materials

• Creating a comprehensive set of pitch materials is crucial for effectively communicating your vision and selling your television pilot
• Key components include a one-page series synopsis, character descriptions, a pilot episode outline, and future season arcs

One-page series synopsis

• Summarizes the central premise, main characters, and overall story arc of your series
• Expands upon the logline to provide a more detailed overview of your show's concept and themes
• Focuses on the most essential elements and avoids getting bogged down in minor details
• Serves as a quick reference for executives to understand your series at a glance

Character descriptions

• Provides a brief overview of each main character, including their personality, backstory, and role in the series
• Highlights the unique qualities and conflicts that make each character compelling and relatable
• Includes key details such as age, occupation, and relationships to other characters
• Helps executives visualize the cast and understand the dynamics between characters

Pilot episode outline

• A beat-by-beat breakdown of the key scenes and plot points in your pilot episode
• Demonstrates how you will introduce your characters, establish the central premise, and hook viewers
• Showcases your writing style, pacing, and ability to structure a compelling narrative
• Provides a clear sense of the tone and style of your series from the outset

Future season arcs

• Outlines the potential storylines and character developments for future seasons of your series
• Demonstrates that your concept has the depth and flexibility to sustain multiple seasons
• Highlights major plot points, new characters, and shifts in the status quo that will keep viewers engaged
• Shows that you have a clear vision for the long-term direction of your series

Crafting the verbal pitch

• Delivering a compelling verbal pitch is just as important as having strong written materials
• Key elements include concise and engaging delivery, anticipating questions, conveying passion and vision, and practicing and incorporating feedback

Concise and engaging delivery

• Distill your pitch down to the most essential elements and avoid getting bogged down in minor details
• Hook your audience with a strong opening that immediately grabs their attention and sets the tone for your series
• Use vivid language and specific examples to bring your characters and story to life
• Maintain a clear and logical structure that guides the listener through your pitch

Anticipating questions

• Prepare for common questions that executives may ask about your series, such as target audience, budget, and casting ideas
• Be ready to discuss the unique elements of your show and how it stands out in the market
• Consider potential objections or concerns and have thoughtful responses prepared
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of your series and the television industry as a whole

Conveying passion and vision

• Let your enthusiasm for your project shine through in your delivery and body language
• Share your personal connection to the material and why you are uniquely qualified to tell this story
• Paint a vivid picture of the world you are creating and the impact it will have on viewers
• Inspire confidence in your ability to execute your vision and bring your series to life

Practice and feedback

• Rehearse your pitch multiple times to refine your delivery and timing
• Seek feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or industry professionals
• Incorporate constructive criticism and adapt your pitch accordingly
• Continue to practice and refine your pitch until it feels natural and confident

Navigating the submission process

• Once you have developed your pitch materials and refined your verbal delivery, it's time to start submitting your television pilot to potential buyers
• Key steps include querying agents and managers, networking, following up professionally, and handling rejections

Querying agents and managers

• Research agents and managers who represent writers in your genre or style
• Craft a concise and compelling query letter that showcases your project and writing experience
• Follow submission guidelines carefully and tailor your query to each specific recipient
• Be patient and persistent, as the querying process can take time and multiple attempts

Networking opportunities

• Attend industry events, workshops, and conferences to meet other writers, agents, and executives
• Join writing groups or organizations to connect with peers and share resources
• Utilize online platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn to engage with industry professionals and stay informed about opportunities
• Build genuine relationships based on mutual interests and respect, rather than solely focusing on pitching your project

Following up professionally

• After submitting your pitch materials, follow up with a polite and professional email or phone call
• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the project and your appreciation for their time and consideration
• Provide any additional information or materials that may be requested
• Be respectful of their time and decision-making process, even if the response is delayed or a rejection

Handling rejections

• Understand that rejections are a common and inevitable part of the pitching process
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude, even in the face of disappointment
• Seek feedback on your pitch materials and use it to improve your project and approach
• Continue to refine your pitch and submit to other potential buyers, as persistence and resilience are key to success in the industry

Protecting your intellectual property

• As you navigate the submission process, it's crucial to take steps to protect your intellectual property and creative work
• Key considerations include understanding the difference between copyright and trademark, registering with the WGA, using non-disclosure agreements, and seeking legal representation

Copyright vs trademark

• Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as scripts, treatments, and other written materials
• Trademarks protect brand names, logos, and other distinctive elements associated with your series
• Understand the differences between these forms of protection and when each applies to your work

WGA registration

• Register your script and other written materials with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) to establish a record of authorship and creation date
• WGA registration provides evidence of your ownership and can be used in disputes over credit or infringement
• Keep copies of your registration documents and other records related to the creation of your work

Non-disclosure agreements

• Use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) when sharing your pitch materials or scripts with others
• NDAs legally protect your ideas and prevent others from using or disclosing your work without permission
• Tailor your NDA to the specific project and parties involved, and ensure all signatories understand their obligations

Legal representation

• Consider seeking the advice of an entertainment attorney to navigate the legal aspects of the pitching and submission process
• An attorney can review contracts, negotiate deals, and protect your rights as a creator
• Look for attorneys with experience in the television industry and a track record of success with similar projects
• Establish a clear understanding of fees and services before engaging an attorney