Pitching the Idea:

[Doc Bernard]

I don't have anything scheduled, but I am trying to approach a studio for a pitch meeting.

I have a script/major scene, that I wrote awhile back. And wouldn't you know it? A TV series comes out that absolutely encapsulated what I was writing (you have no idea how confusing that was, "How did they get my idea?????????") That's how similar it was, even the logline matched mine almost to a T. So instead of just tossing my idea away, I thought maybe I could see about presenting the idea to them. It would be a POV I have not seen on the show yet.

This is an aspect of the biz that I am not shy about saying "I just don't know anything".

So.......what are the mechanics involved in doing a pitch to a network? I have reached out to someone that is or was the showrunner, whether or not I get a return call/message remains to be seen. But it's a start.

What else should I prep for should I get the opportunity to pitch?

 

[Charli]

I once read where guys used "visual aids" to mark out their story. This way you have something for the executives to look at, instead of just hearing your words. Even a short demo of what you are considering would work, or what a cork board with photos, illustrations, etc.

That's how one guy got his vision across.

 

[Ryan-Guy]

Are you saying that you want to pitch an additional idea for an existing show or a new show that will be similar/compete with an existing show?

From what I have gathered reading about pitching ideas to studios/networks about existing concepts is that they will not allow you to present the idea. For example, if you have a spec pitch for the sequel to Judge Dredd, they won't let you past the lobby. The reason is that if you pitch an idea and they pass on it, and then later a separate group of execs make the sequel and the writer, who has never heard your idea, has a similar plot/scene/character/etc, you can sue them. Therefore the studios would rather not hear your idea at all.

 

[john threat]

you need an agent!#@
see if you can get your hands from friends on the internet former TV pitches, both presentation and pilot and sample scripts.
it really depends on what you are pitching.
you kinda need a agent or lawyer, but if you want to risk a one on one meeting go for it! you never know if a show runner is in a good mood to put you under his wing!