This article provides aspiring writers and creators with a detailed guide to creating and pitching a television show idea for the television industry.
Steps
Step 1. Identify the category of the TV show you want to create
It could be a documentary-style series that shows viewers a unique world, a family, a lifestyle, or a business. On the other hand, it could be a competition series with a structured format, which would end with a winner or a certain result.
Step 2. Create the unique "hook" for your program
This will be the only premise and theme that motivates the events in the series and the end result that viewers will see.
Step 3. After you've decided on the premise and unique hook for the show, you can create the captivating title for the show that supports the core concept
The title should be smart, clear, impactful, and essentially indicate what the TV show is about.
Step 4. If you are coming up with a documentary-style series, you should focus on writing a synopsis that includes a description of certain people and their relationships, a description of the unique world in which the show takes place, and a description of the events. potentials that will happen
Step 5. If you come up with a competition format, focus on writing a series curve synopsis that describes how the competition works and how it progresses through the season
This would include elimination of contestants based on competition or the choice of the judges or another person. Similarly, you could include points or votes that would result in only one winner each episode or at the end of the season.
Step 6. Once you create and write your title, award, and synopsis, you should have a short, one- or four-page launch summary, but make it impressive
Step 7. Before putting your idea out on the market (production companies, agencies, TV channels, or marketing services), get a proof of creation, searching for your TV show online among archive services
This will provide proof that you are the creator of this unique television format at a certain date and time.
Step 8. Look for production companies that produce shows of a similar genre
Never submit your idea if it's not requested, but do submit a direct request for permission to submit your TV show idea for them to consider.
Step 9. Use the television industry websites that producers use to explore new ideas and formats for a television show
Production companies exploring online on web pages like TV Writers Vault need to agree to a nondisclosure agreement and are electronically tracked by the database when they enter the materials and read any TV show ideas. Although most companies do not accept unsolicited ideas, it is important to try to have a direct connection with development executives and producers at production companies. Some of them will agree to receive your idea, they will make you sign a material publication form that makes known their role in the creative television industry and the fact that they could already be working on a project similar or identical to yours and that for this, they would have the right to produce it.
Step 10. When you meet producers in person, be very direct and communicate the sole purpose of the show
Give them specific descriptions of what the show will potentially look like. However, don't go overboard with so many details. You must give them the most outstanding and efficient way. This could include specific challenges, ultimatums, participants, and topics.
Step 11. When a production company is interested, they will propose a preliminary contract for your project
This allows you to have exclusive rights for a limited period of time (usually twelve months) to sell your television show to a television channel.
Step 12. Be sure to consult with an attorney before signing any documents
A standard production agreement for a television show should include "Created By" credit on screen, some type of production credit, an episode fee (typically a percentage of the show's budget per episode), and a small percentage. of the profit of the production company.