Do you could have a compelling thought for a TV sequence or movie however aren’t positive how one can deliver it to life?
You’re not alone — I’ve been there, too. Over time, I’ve developed a number of tasks, together with a 30-minute pilot that’s presently being shopped to networks and manufacturing firms. One among my earlier pilot scripts turned a graphic novel (an excellent workaround for finances limitations), and I’ve even self-produced pilots and labored on theater productions at each stage — together with co-producing the Broadway play The Cottage.
In the event you’re excited about pitching your thought, I’ve one huge piece of recommendation: do the work forward of time. And sure, I imply lots of labor.
Even in the event you’re not a author, you don’t want a totally completed script to start out. However you do want a well-developed idea, characters, and an understanding of the world your story lives in. Right here’s how one can begin laying the inspiration for a profitable pitch.
Step 1: Develop Your Thought
Earlier than you write a single scene, begin by answering a number of key questions:
- What’s the core idea of your present or movie?
- What makes it contemporary, distinctive, or marketable?
- Who’s your audience?
From there:
- Write a logline – one concise, punchy sentence that captures your premise.
- Create your characters – every ought to have distinct personalities, motivations, and emotional arcs.
- Sketch the story – take into consideration main plot factors, season arcs (if it’s a sequence), and recurring themes.
Step 2: Write the Pilot
Your pilot ought to:
- Introduce the world and tone of the mission.
- Showcase your important characters and the dynamics between them.
- Embrace a hook — one thing that grabs viewers (and execs) within the first jiffy.
Step 3: Construct a Sequence Bible
That is your present’s blueprint and will embody:
- Character profiles – backgrounds, targets, flaws, and growth arcs.
- Episode information – summaries or loglines for a full season.
- Tone and themes – what emotional beats and concepts will resonate all through the present?
Step 4: Refine and Get Suggestions
Earlier than pitching, be sure that your supplies are rock-solid:
- Share your script and/or bible with trusted readers or mentors.
- Revise and polish based mostly on suggestions — readability, construction, and originality matter.
- Think about workshopping your pitch out loud. Are you able to clarify your present in below two minutes?
Step 5: Begin Pitching
Once you’re able to pitch:
- Analysis potential patrons – manufacturing firms, networks, and streaming platforms that match your present’s tone and style.
- Create a pitch deck – a visible presentation highlighting the story, characters, tone, and market enchantment.
- Community – go to business occasions, join with producers, or undergo pitch platforms like iPitch.television.
Bonus Ideas
- Shield your work – register your supplies with the U.S. Copyright Workplace or the Writers Guild.
- Keep versatile – pitching is collaborative; be open to suggestions and inventive changes.
- Be persistent – this can be a marathon, not a dash. Don’t get discouraged by rejection. Be taught, refine, and preserve going.
Need Assist Creating Your Pitch?
At Actors Connection, we provide a 2-week class: HOW TO PITCH YOUR PROJECT with Marilyn Atlas, a seasoned Expertise & Literary Supervisor and Movie Producer. Marilyn brings a wealth of expertise and insider perception into the pitching course of — from crafting your story to navigating business relationships.
Whether or not you’re simply beginning or refining your supplies, this class is a improbable technique to elevate your pitch and get actionable suggestions from somebody who’s been there.
Tony Nation is a producer, author, skilled actor and associate at Actors Connection. Observe this hyperlink to search out out extra about him.
