how to pitch tv show ideas?

[robusiness]

Hello all, i have several different television show ideas for a bunch of different networks. Does anybody know a website or forums that specifically deal with these type of proposals in order to pitch some of my ideas.

thanks

[sweepy]

you could watch that episode of seinfeld? i think most tv networks have information on this on their websites somewhere? I know ABC Australia does

[silversurfer]

I have pitched TV show ideas to both networks and production companies. None were ever bought.

The very first thing I have to suggest is that THEY need to come to YOU. I was invited to pitch my ideas to VPs. I seriously doubt my ideas would have been listened to if they came off the street. I am not familiar with any US TV shows that were bought this way recently- anyone?

So, in general, make yourself known to the world of TV production by producing:
1. youtube videos
2. a blog
3. published magazine articles
4. a published book
5. Winning a contest such as a screenwriting contest or independent film contest
6. Date a media president's daughter/son

Then spend as much time as possible with TV producers or future TV producers. In my case, friends of mine when I worked in independent student films eventually became network employees and invited me to NYC to pitch ideas. These people NEEDED me to come up with great ideas, they begged me to come up and pitch these ideas. If I begged them, like all their friends surely did, they'd have blown me off.

Another thing I found frustrating was that I had good ideas that I was told, "People pitch that idea every week (they list people who pitched almost identical ideas), it will never work, but everyone always pitches it." And yet I still see no reason why that one idea will never work, but what I DID get from that is if I had to put 20 pitches together for one meeting and everyone else put 20 pitches together there's going to be a lot of overlap.

Two friends of mine went with item #6, dating the daughters of a 1960s actor and a 1970s director and both had much success with their projects.

and I know one famous film director and one not-so-famous film producer who has two $100 million films she produced in the last 10 years and both complained that more people are turning them down than ever.

good luck,

SS

[smanville]

Hi Robusiness!

You'll want to look up the TV Writers Vault online if you're looking for an online venue for pitching concepts and projects, as you mentioned. Its used by over 90 production companies, with several project having been sold, and hundreds of writers making new connections with development execs and tv producers.

Hope you find the right path for your project.

Best,
Scott

[malahverdian]

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia was a show that was picked up after the writers simply sent in their pilot that they created themselves to FX Network.

[Scott Bradley]

I would recommend getting to know someone in TV, and then figuring out how the whole system works...Its all about who you know in the TV/RADIO/Print business

[clueless]

You can post your show pilot or idea on video sharing site like youtube or pitchadream.com. PitchaDream is new but it is a community dedicated to new show ideas
Hope this helps

[Doodyps]

You have to make it yourself before anyone will listen ("make it" can have multiple meanings here.

Also, are these just ideas for shows, or would you be writing them? I'm pretty sure you have to write the scripts for them to take you seriously. They won't just listen to a concept. I could be wrong though. My sis lives in LA and just got into SAG. I don't have any first hand knowledge though.

[fresh108]

We've pitched and sold ideas to English channels before. Pitching is very very difficult. We've been pitching for years and have sold off quite a few. A previous poster was correct, you need good contacts, it's not who you know it's who you blow!
Also have your ideas on paper so pitching is easier.

[Sgar]

In my paticular case I authored a chapter in a book that led to a TV part on a discovery channel show. I built a giant bow for Da Vincis catapult. They are now interested in doing a show specificaly on my specialty. I want the publicity right now to help market my primitive theme park when the time comes. Steve

[HENARRY JAYA]

The person writes a show - finds producers to pony up the money and they pitch it to the programming executives at a network or cable station.
Usually it's the writer(s) who pitch the idea for a TV show to the producer first, then they pitch it to the executives in charge of programming.

The producer and writers then start working on a pilot, and interviewing actors/actresses. Sometimes they may have someone specific in mind but more often than not, it's a great audition that cinches the deal.
It's not easy to do unless you've already done some work in the business. That said, if your reality show has a star or group of stars already attached, it makes life a lot easier.

Please be advised that most production companies and networks aren't interested in hearing pitches for shows without star attachments, produced 3-7 minute presentations on tape, or know-quantity producers attached.

[orson.octavius]

I think you should break in to a station ans hold them all hostage and forcr them to listen to your pitch and them force them to give you a contract worth Gazillions!
Good plan!

[fresh108]

Orson, I love your Idea!! lol.
It's pretty hard pitching in England.
Although here a lot of TV stations give you an opportunity to send in ideas through their websites.

[akula]

In my paticular case I authored a chapter in a book that led to a TV part on a discovery channel show. I built a giant bow for Da Vincis catapult. They are now interested in doing a show specificaly on my specialty. I want the publicity right now to help market my primitive theme park when the time comes. Steve

ahem..how cool are our members!!??
great stuff steve

[bestill]

Go through different networks websites and shoot out emails to employees. Try and get in touch with ANYONE. Ask them if you could be directed to the right place. Keep pushing my friend.