Series programming continues to be a desirable source of content for buyers around the world, even as the entertainment landscape shifts and evolves. And the proliferation of newer platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and others means more places for writers to pitch their shows. In the marketplace of ideas, a good one will rise to the top. The key is knowing how to develop and present that idea like a pro. For beginners out there with a million-dollar idea, here are the most important steps in the process:

Work Out the Concept

Flesh out your idea with a logline. This is a simple one- or two-sentence description of what your show is about. Consider whether the idea is truly original and what would make viewers want to tune in. Think about who the audience would be, the length of each episode (half or full hour?), which networks would air it and in what time slot. Then solicit feedback from people you trust. That could be members of a writers’ group, industry colleagues or really honest friends.

Develop the Story

If the idea passes muster with your test group, it’s time to jump into the development process. Come up with a strong title for the show and write out a synopsis of the entire series. Figure out who your characters are, what they want and what obstacles are keeping them from getting what they want. Make sure it feels unique but marketable and that the storyline can be extended for a full season (or multiple seasons). It’s not a movie; the pilot should be a catalyst for future episodes.

Write the Pilot

The pilot script is critical to your pitch because it gives executives a strong idea of a) what your show is about; b) the feel and tone of the show; c) your writing style; and d) how their audience will respond to it. Make sure structure, format and length are correct for whatever type of show it is, whether a one-hour cable drama or a 30-minute sitcom. (There are plenty of books and online resources that can offer guidance here.) Again, solicit feedback from trusted sources and rewrite as necessary.

Create a Series Mini Bible

A mini bible gives a sweeping view of your series from top to bottom. First, it should include the title, logline and synopsis. It should also feature a breakdown of the show’s main characters, including they’re goals, flaws, quirks and motivations. After that, have a synopsis of the pilot episode followed by a list of all episodes for the first season, including a short description of what happens in each one so executives can see where your show’s headed. And feel free to spice it up with photos and illustrations throughout.

Practice Your Pitch

Most pitch sessions only last 20 to 30 minutes, so you need to be able to pitch your show cogently and coherently in a shorter window than that since you want to leave time for the executive to ask questions. Remember, you’re not just pitching the plot, but the larger concept – what the show is really about and the message you’re trying to share with the audience. Practice pitching to a member of your trusted circle, get feedback, and revise.

Show It to the World

You’ll need an agent or manager to send out your pilot script to networks and then set up pitch meetings based on the strength of the response. (See my article on ways to get an agent if you don’t already have one: https://fundsforwriters.com/five-ways-aspiring-screenwriters-can-get-an-agents-attention/.) Research the networks you get meetings with so you can tailor a pitch on why your show is specifically right for them. In the room, be energetic and passionate about the show. Because if you’re not, why should they be? And bring a brief one-sheet that includes your name and contact info along with key elements of the pitch (genre, logline, synopsis, messaging, your bio) to leave with the executives as a way to remember you.

Additional Tip

Make sure to register your materials for copyright protection with the Library of Congress before submitting them to third parties (https://eco.copyright.gov/).

Further Reading

https://www.scriptreaderpro.com/how-to-pitch-a-tv-show/

https://screencraft.org/2018/01/05/the-screenwriters-guide-to-formatting-television-scripts/

https://www.amazon.com/Writing-TV-Drama-3rd-Professional/dp/1615930582

BIO – Mark Heidelberger co-founded Beverly Hills-based Treasure Entertainment in 2000, serving as a film executive, producer, and literary manager until 2011 before going freelance. He has produced music videos for artists Janelle Monae, Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj and John Michael Montgomery as well as commercials for Lamborghini, Con Air and Cox Media, to name a few. Film and TV credits include Harsh Times, Comfort, Ninja Apocalypse, It’s Not You It’s Me, Pray for Rain and Hallmark Channel’s You’ve Got a Friend. Often times, he also performs ghostwriting services on screenplays in addition to his producing duties. He is a member of the Producers Guild of America. He holds a BA in Film Studies from UCSB and an MFA in Producing from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television.