How To Pitch Your Pilot Script (pt 1)
Ep #1 a practical course on how to deliver a winning pitch for a TV series
Have you written a pilot and want to learn how to pitch it?
In this new How-To series I will share what I know on the subject, based on 5+ years in the tv business, hundreds of pitches and a lot of expensive courses taken to learn how to do so myself.
What I’m about to tell you are useful, practical tips on how to deliver a killer pitch that will convince who’s listening to pick your project up.
How?
I will condense thousands of hours of work experience and knowledge I accumulated from ad-hoc development courses I took worth thousands of dollars and distil them into (hopefully entertaining) memorable lessons.
Basically, I know some stuff, and I’m ready to share it with y’all.
Over the next few weeks I will publish more articles on the subject, downloadable tools and actual examples to teach you all you need to know, say and prepare to give a winning pitch.
Why?
Because I want that pilot of yours to make it.
I want you to learn how to pitch because I believe great stories come from everywhere, and it is the most unlikely individuals, often far removed from the media industry, that have something special to share with the world. And it would be such a shame if those ideas did not manage to become a series simply because they were not pitched well!
A good presentation, filled with passion but without structure will not work. Similarly, a detailed one but missing a personal connection will not fly.
And also because - as the little TV nerd that I am - I looooove studying and after neatly and meticulously gathering all this niche script knowledge for years and yeeeears, speaking to industry professionals, working with writers and liaising with actual decision-makers in the business… I’ve decided it’s time to put all that I know to fruition.
Who is this course for?
If you have a project ready, one in the works or are thinking of writing your own script, this How-To series is right for you. Here you learn the critical elements you need for a pitch to be successful or - even if your script is a masterpiece - it will sadly never get made.
… So let’s begin!
Before you can even think about pitching in front of a commissioner, a streamer, a co-producer, maybe even another writer to latch onto the project, here’s what you need to have ready:
a pilot script - duh. I say this ‘cause coming with just an idea or series arc is not impossible but makes the appeal of the project decrease drastically. You don’t have to have the whole things written but at least one, strong pilot you believe in ready to be shared with third parties is key.
a series arc and a clear path for all characters - after that great pilot… then what? What do you plan to keep audiences hooked for a whole season? Who are the characters and how they will grow and change? What’s the show about?
top line ideas for following seasons - a short synopsis would be great but not necessary, as long as you have a core idea for following seasons. It doesn’t need to be developed, but the appeal for a project overall increases if it can be returnable.
You will need all of this because yes, the pilot will be what the pitch is based on, but that’s merely the launch pad to hook your audience. You will then be asked to create a picture, a vision, an entertaining story.
Don’t worry, I got you. We’ll get there.
Episodes (how I’ve decided to call this How-To series as I’m channelling my inner teacher and media connoisseur) will be partially available to free subscribers and fully available to paid ones.
Tone will be instructive, but always fun. ‘Cause Tv is fun and writing is the best job in the world so if you are not enjoying it… then why are you even here?
See ya next time, and get ready to do some learning x
Sofi🌻
PS: if there is something you would like me to cover, comment below and let me know! I’ll make sure to include it in the series :)
Continue reading:
101 Times At The Cinema In 899 Days
When I booked my Devil Wears Prada 2 ticket last night I realised this would be my 101st ticket purchased on the Odeon app.
You Should Always Speak To James McAvoy When You Get The Chance
Going to premieres is a funny thing.
If cinema dies, we all die.
Sorry for the overly dramatic title. Although it’s hard to imagine my life without going to the cinema (celebrating my 100th visit at my local cinema in less than two years soon!) I don’t think I would literally die if cinemas were to close for good.
London based Acquisitions TV Exec, I watch movies and I love to write. In this newsletter I tell you what going to red carpet premieres is like, review the stuff I watch and share practical guides on storytelling & scriptwriting. If this sounds good you know what to do :)