How to Sell a Television Show

Selling a television show is a multifaceted process that demands creativity, meticulous preparation, strategic networking, and a deep understanding of the television industry. Here’s an expanded guide, incorporating expert insights, to help you navigate this competitive landscape:

1. Develop Your Concept

• Core Idea: Your concept should be original, captivating, and aligned with current market trends. Analyze what’s successful in the television landscape, but strive to offer a fresh perspective or unique twist.
• Logline: Craft a concise, attention-grabbing logline that encapsulates the essence of your show in one or two sentences. It should highlight the central conflict, characters, and emotional core of your series.
• Title: Choose a title that not only reflects the show’s theme and tone but is also memorable and marketable.
• Genre: Determine the genre of your show and understand its conventions and audience expectations.

2. Prepare Your Materials

• Pilot Script: Writing a strong pilot script is crucial, especially for newcomers. The pilot should demonstrate your ability to execute the concept, introduce compelling characters, and set the tone for the series.
• Pitch Document: A well-structured pitch document should include:
  • Logline
  • Synopsis: A brief overview of the show’s premise and main storylines.
  • Character Descriptions: Detailed profiles of the main characters, highlighting their motivations, flaws, and potential for growth.
  • Tone and Style: Describe the overall aesthetic and feel of your show, referencing similar works if necessary.
  • Episode Outlines: Summaries of potential episodes to showcase the show’s longevity and storytelling possibilities.

• TV Pitch (Verbal Pitch):
  • Focus: The pitch should primarily cover what the show is about, the characters, the main plot points of the pilot, and the direction of the next few seasons.
  • Length: Keep the verbal pitch concise, aiming for about 8-10 minutes.
  • Character-Driven: Emphasize the characters and their potential for growth and change over multiple seasons.
  • Season Arcs: Provide an overview of where the relationships go, focusing on character development rather than detailed plot points.
• Show Bible: Contrary to common misconceptions, the show bible is typically developed after the show has been ordered. It serves as a comprehensive guide for writers, ensuring continuity in character development, storylines, and the overall world of the show.
• Visuals: A pitch deck or sizzle reel can significantly enhance your presentation by visually conveying the show’s atmosphere, style, and target audience.

3. Secure Representation

• Agents and Entertainment Lawyers: Representation is invaluable. Agents and lawyers have established relationships with production companies and networks, and can advocate for your project.
• Why Representation Matters: Many networks and production companies only accept submissions from represented writers. Agents also negotiate contracts and provide guidance throughout the development process.

4. Pitching Your Idea

• Target the Right Networks/Platforms:
  • Identify networks or streaming platforms that align with your show’s genre, target audience, and brand.
  • Customize your pitch to suit the specific preferences and programming needs of each network.
• Timing:
  • Traditional Networks: Historically, the period from late summer to fall was ideal for pitching to traditional networks.
  • Streaming Services: With the rise of streaming services, pitching has become more of a year-round process.
• Presentation Skills:
  • Rehearse: Practice your pitch extensively to ensure it is engaging, confident, and within the allotted time.
  • Anticipate Questions: Prepare for potential questions and concerns from executives, and be ready to address them thoughtfully.
  • Conversational Approach: Aim to transition from a pitch to a conversation where executives ask questions and engage with you about the show.
• Pitch Grid: Be prepared for a pitch grid, where you might have to pitch to multiple networks in a short period, sometimes consecutively.
• Visual Aids: Consider bringing visual aids like tone boards or character boards to make the pitch more engaging and provide a focal point for the executives.

5. Collaborate with Production Companies

• Why Production Companies?: Production companies can provide invaluable support in refining your concept, developing additional materials, and securing an option agreement.
• Refining Your Pitch: Work closely with producers to hone your pitch, as they often have extensive experience in selling shows and can provide critical feedback.
• Sizzle Reels and Proof-of-Concept: Production companies may help create a sizzle reel or proof-of-concept tape to further showcase your show’s potential.

6. Leverage Online Platforms

• Build an Online Presence: Use social media, websites, or web series to showcase your work and attract attention from industry professionals.
• Engage with Your Audience: Building a following online can demonstrate the potential audience for your show and increase its appeal to networks and platforms.

7. Negotiate Contracts

• Legal Representation: If a network expresses interest in your show, work with an experienced entertainment lawyer to negotiate the terms of the deal.
• Creative Rights and Compensation: Ensure that the contract protects your creative rights and provides fair compensation for your work.

Additional Insights

• Evolving Industry Landscape: Be aware that the television industry is constantly evolving. With the rise of streaming services and changing audience preferences, it’s essential to stay informed about current trends and adapt your approach accordingly.
• The Importance of Relationships: Building relationships with industry professionals is crucial. Attend industry events, network with other writers and producers, and seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support.
• Rewrite the Pilot: Be prepared for the network to want you to rewrite the entire pilot with their input.

Selling a TV show is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By combining creativity, preparation, and strategic networking, you can increase your chances of success in this competitive industry.

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