How to Pitch a TV Show

Preparing you TV show idea means that you will write, re-write your concept and have something to show the networks. You have to show them what your idea is, in one way or another.

The fact is that ideas are everywhere and everyone has them, so that doesn't make an idea that important. Actually there are so many ideas in the world that they're pretty much close to worthless. This holds true for TV show ideas. It's not very difficult to come up with a good TV show idea, and pretty much anyone can come up with one with a little thought. So how do you make your idea BETTER than the other millions of ideas out there? How do you present this idea in a way that seems like it's the GREATEST THING EVER?

It starts out with preparation. You just can't think of an idea and then call up the TV networks and tell them about it. I mean, you could, but probably won't get your very far - even if it truly is a great idea.  Networks don't buy ideas, they instead buy "the thinker behind the idea". This is important to understand because if you don't prepare your idea in a way that showcases YOU in the best light possible, then it makes your idea untrustworthy.

So how do you prepare your idea?

1) Put it in Writing - This means thoroughly writing down you concept down to every miniscule detail.  You'll notice as you are writing, that more elements to your idea start to surface. Write these down too.  This is an extremely important step in preparing your idea. Your writing will demonstrate that you have thought about all possible angles of your idea.

2) Re-Write It - Don't skip this step, since this might very well be what makes your idea something worthwhile. Read your idea, let some people you trust hear it or read it and ask for feedback. Read or watch similar ideas and dissect what makes them work. Do all the research you can about your concept. Now re-write your idea. If you did all your due diligence, now you should have a new insight or something different to add or take away from your idea. KEEP IT TO THE POINT - Don't take your idea in all sorts of direction. Keep it focused and remember this rule: LESS IS MORE!

3) Show It - A lot of people think they can just take their idea to the networks and that they will immediately get millions of dollars to make the idea come to life. If you have this in mind, you might want to reconsider your pursuit of success in the TV industry in general. It most likely not work the way you plan. The fact is today selling a TV show is quite competitive. People are taking fully produced TV series to TV Networks. The advantage is that having something already done will minimize the network's risks.

This leaves you to having something to show. That means a video, a trailer, some production picture, something! Invest in making your own idea happen. If you believe in your idea being so great, then it shouldn't be difficult for you to do whatever it take to bring it to life. After all, if you wouldn't put your own money in your idea, what makes you think that a TV network will want to?

When you invest time and money into your TV show idea it shows the network that you are serious and committed. It also allows them to visualize your idea within their programming. Because remember that when they buy a TV show, they have to turn around and sell it to advertisers. If they think that advertisers won't like your idea, they probably won't buy it. That's why you have to "wow" them with your presentation. You have to go in there prepared with something to SHOW.  It's a TV "SHOW" and not a book proposal. You have to show them your idea is awesome and that advertisers would be all over it. The network executives become your audience, so they have to like what you present to them, before they can even start thinking about buying your pitch.

DO NOT use the "I don't have money to produce anything" excuse. That's the lamest excuse you can use, ever. If you think you have a million dollars waiting on the other side of a door, wouldn't you do whatever it took to get that door opened? Of course! Same with your TV show idea. Use your credit cards, mortgage your house, borrow money, plain and simply go above and beyond to make your idea happen - of course, only if you think the idea is worth it. The television industry is a risk-taker's dwelling. If you don't have the guts to take risks, you should probably get a nine to five job somewhere and be content.

This is it! You have a meeting with a TV network. Congratulations! You've made it a lot further than most of the people with TV show ideas. So how do you not ruin this crucial moment? Simple. Just be yourself.

During the meeting don't try to be something you are not. Network executives are regular people like you and me and they will see through someone who is disingenuous. Relax and trust in yourself and your idea. You didn't come all this way to fail.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: The people in the meeting are analyzing everything YOU do. If you have a great idea that you are pitching them, how you present this idea to them will be key. Here are some tips to maximize your meeting.

Be Light and Funny - Break the ice so that they feel comfortable. This doesn't meant you have to be hilarious (even though that might help), but at least tell them a joke. If it's not funny, that's okay, at least they will appreciate your attempt at lighting up the mood. Don't get too intense, keep it light. Let them feel they don't have to react to you, instead that they can just be themselves.

Get to the Point - Don't waste people's time with long, boring stories about nothingness. Take advantage of every second of your meeting. This is valuable time and you should use it to sell them you idea.

Don't Make It Seem Like A Sale - Even though you are selling them the idea, don't make it seem like it's a sale. That's pretty much a regular rule for any salesperson (which you are at this point). You need to make it sound like an organic conversation about your idea.

Make Your Point and Move On - Once you have concisely presented your point, and shown them any relevant materials (video presentation, etc.), then it's time to move on! You have no idea how many people talk themselves out of opportunities and sure sales because they keep talking more than they need. Don't gratuitously give information that they don't need or want.  RULE - If they don't ask, you don't answer.

End the Meeting - Before they get tired of you, after you think you've made all your points, thank them for their time and ask if they have any questions. If they have questions, answer them in short answers. Don't elaborate when you don't need to do so. If they don't have any questions, then shake their hands and be on your way.

Once you leave the meeting you will probably feel relieved and that you made a ton of mistakes. Don't take it personal if the meeting didn't go as you planned, because most likely it won't. Regardless of whether they buy your idea or not, you've done great! The learning experience will be more than valuable and the more meetings you get, the better you'll get at conducting them.