10.2 Pitching story ideas
6 min read•august 21, 2024
Pitching story ideas is a crucial skill for TV writers. It's about selling your concept to decision-makers in a way that's clear, compelling, and memorable. A strong pitch combines a unique premise with well-developed characters and a clear target audience.
The art of pitching involves more than just a great idea. It requires crafting a concise , structuring your presentation effectively, and tailoring your approach to different buyers. Mastering these elements can significantly increase your chances of getting your show greenlit.
Elements of a strong pitch
- Pitching forms a crucial part of the TV writing process, allowing writers to present their ideas to potential buyers and producers
- Strong pitches effectively communicate the essence of a show concept while generating excitement and interest from industry decision-makers
- Understanding the key elements of a pitch helps writers craft compelling presentations that increase their chances of getting a project greenlit
High concept vs low concept
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Top images from around the web for High concept vs low concept
Telling the Coaches Story | The Common Ratio View original
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concept study for TV project | D. Mark Laing | Flickr View original
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UJ005: Figure 2.3 | Plot points on a story arc. The User's J… | Flickr View original
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Telling the Coaches Story | The Common Ratio View original
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concept study for TV project | D. Mark Laing | Flickr View original
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- High concept pitches feature easily grasped, unique premises with broad appeal (alien teacher secretly educates Earth children)
- Low concept pitches focus on nuanced character development and complex themes (coming-of-age story in small Midwestern town)
- High concept ideas often have more immediate marketability but may lack depth
- Low concept ideas can offer rich storytelling potential but may be harder to sell quickly
Logline development
- Loglines distill the core premise of a show into a single, compelling sentence
- Effective loglines include the main character, their goal, and the central
- Use active verbs and vivid language to create intrigue (desperate housewife moonlights as assassin to save family from financial ruin)
- Avoid character names and excessive detail, focus on the
- Revise and refine loglines multiple times to maximize impact
Target audience identification
- Clearly define the primary demographic for the show (age range, gender, interests)
- Consider psychographic factors like values, lifestyle, and viewing habits
- Align the show concept with the tastes and preferences of the target audience
- Demonstrate knowledge of current trends and viewing patterns for the chosen demographic
- Explain how the show will attract and retain the specified audience
Pitch structure and format
- Pitch structure provides a framework for presenting ideas coherently and engagingly to potential buyers
- Well-organized pitches guide listeners through the concept, characters, and world of the proposed show
- Effective formatting enhances clarity and helps maintain the attention of decision-makers throughout the presentation
Opening hook
- Start with a attention-grabbing statement or question related to the show's premise
- Use a relevant personal anecdote or statistic to pique interest
- Present a brief, intriguing scenario from the show to immerse the audience
- Keep the opening concise, aiming for 30 seconds or less
- Transition smoothly from the hook to the main pitch content
Story synopsis
- Provide a clear, concise overview of the show's main plot or concept
- Highlight the central conflict or driving force of the narrative
- Explain the show's unique selling points or innovative elements
- Outline the general arc of the first season or series of episodes
- Use vivid language to bring the story to life without getting bogged down in details
Character descriptions
- Introduce the main characters with brief, memorable descriptions
- Focus on each character's key traits, motivations, and conflicts
- Explain how characters relate to each other and drive the story forward
- Use specific examples to illustrate character dynamics and growth potential
- Avoid lengthy backstories, prioritize information relevant to the show's premise
Tone and genre
- Clearly state the show's genre or combination of genres (dark comedy, sci-fi drama)
- Describe the overall tone and atmosphere of the series
- Compare the show's feel to existing successful series when appropriate
- Explain how the tone supports the story and appeals to the target audience
- Discuss any unique genre-blending or subversive elements that set the show apart
Verbal pitching techniques
- Verbal pitching skills are essential for effectively communicating ideas in face-to-face meetings with industry professionals
- Mastering these techniques helps writers convey enthusiasm and confidence in their projects
- Strong verbal pitching abilities can make the difference between a passed-over idea and a greenlit production
Body language and confidence
- Maintain eye contact with listeners to establish connection and trust
- Use open, relaxed posture to project confidence and approachability
- Employ natural hand gestures to emphasize key points without being distracting
- Smile and show genuine enthusiasm for your project
- Practice power poses before pitching to boost confidence (arms raised in victory stance)
Pacing and timing
- Speak at a measured, clear pace to ensure comprehension
- Vary vocal tone and rhythm to maintain listener engagement
- Use strategic pauses to allow important points to sink in
- Practice timing to fit the pitch within the allotted time frame (typically 10-15 minutes)
- Leave room for questions and discussion at the end of the pitch
Handling questions
- Anticipate potential questions and prepare concise, thoughtful answers
- Listen carefully to each question before responding
- Address the specific query without going off on tangents
- Use questions as opportunities to further showcase your knowledge of the project
- If unsure about an answer, offer to follow up with more information later
- Remain calm and positive, even when faced with challenging or skeptical questions
Written pitch documents
- Written pitch documents complement verbal presentations and provide detailed information about proposed TV projects
- These materials serve as reference points for buyers and can be circulated within production companies or networks
- Well-crafted written pitches demonstrate the writer's professionalism and thorough development of the concept
One-sheet overview
- Create a single-page document summarizing the key elements of the show
- Include the logline, brief synopsis, and main character descriptions
- Highlight the show's unique selling points and target audience
- Use an eye-catching design that reflects the tone of the series
- Keep text concise and easy to scan, using bullet points where appropriate
Series bible components
- Develop a comprehensive document detailing the show's world and characters
- Include expanded character biographies and relationships
- Outline the show's mythology or rules (for sci-fi or fantasy series)
- Provide an overview of the series arc and potential future seasons
- Include visual elements like mood boards or concept art when relevant
Episode outlines
- Create brief summaries of potential episodes for the first season
- Demonstrate the show's ability to generate multiple compelling storylines
- Highlight how each episode contributes to character development and overall arc
- Show variety in episode structures and themes
- Include a mix of standalone and serialized story elements if appropriate
Tailoring pitches for different buyers
- Adapting pitches to specific buyers increases the chances of a successful presentation
- Understanding the unique needs and preferences of different types of buyers helps writers target their pitches effectively
- Tailored pitches demonstrate industry knowledge and increase the perceived value of the project
Network vs cable vs streaming
- Network pitches emphasize broad appeal and potential for long-term success
- Cable pitches focus on niche audiences and distinctive brand alignment
- Streaming pitches highlight binge-worthiness and potential for global appeal
- Adjust tone and content based on each platform's content guidelines and audience expectations
- Research recent successful shows on the target platform to inform your approach
Budget considerations
- Discuss production value expectations realistically based on the buyer's typical budgets
- Highlight cost-effective elements of your show (limited locations, small cast)
- Explain potential for international sales or merchandising to offset costs
- Be prepared to suggest budget-friendly alternatives for expensive elements if necessary
- Demonstrate understanding of the financial realities of TV production
Timeslot and scheduling factors
- Consider how your show fits into potential timeslots (primetime, late night)
- Discuss the show's ability to pair with existing successful series
- Explain how the show can attract and retain viewers throughout a season
- Address potential for year-round programming or limited series runs
- Highlight elements that make the show suitable for specific scheduling strategies (holiday themes, summer programming)
Key Terms to Review (18)
Breaking bad: Breaking Bad refers to the narrative transition of a character from a morally upright individual to one who engages in illegal or unethical behavior, often resulting in severe consequences. This term encapsulates the complex character arcs and moral dilemmas faced by individuals, highlighting how circumstances can drive someone to embrace a darker path, particularly in serialized storytelling that emphasizes long-term character development and conflict.
Character motivation: Character motivation refers to the reasons and driving forces behind a character's actions, decisions, and behaviors within a narrative. Understanding what motivates characters helps to create compelling arcs, enrich subtext, and contribute to the overall cohesiveness of a story, especially when developing series concepts and pitching ideas.
Conflict: Conflict is a struggle or clash between opposing forces, which drives the narrative and character development in storytelling. It creates tension and engages the audience, making the stakes higher for characters. The dynamic interplay between protagonists and antagonists often embodies the central conflict, while other forms can arise through personal dilemmas, societal issues, or internal struggles.
Elevator pitch: An elevator pitch is a concise and persuasive speech that summarizes an idea, project, or product in the time it takes to ride an elevator, typically around 30 seconds to 2 minutes. It is essential for grabbing attention and conveying the essence of a show’s premise or story idea in a compelling way, making it an invaluable tool for writers when they present their concepts to producers or networks.
Executive: In the context of pitching story ideas, an executive refers to a high-ranking individual in a production company or network who is responsible for making decisions regarding the development, financing, and production of television content. Executives play a critical role in the creative process as they evaluate pitches, provide feedback, and ultimately decide which projects will receive funding and support for development.
Hook: A hook is a compelling element designed to grab the audience's attention at the very start of a story, making them want to keep watching or reading. This can be achieved through intriguing questions, surprising twists, or engaging character moments that set the tone and build anticipation for what’s to come. A well-crafted hook is essential for drawing viewers in and creating a memorable experience.
Logline: A logline is a brief, one to two-sentence summary of a screenplay or TV show that captures its essence and main conflict. It typically highlights the protagonist, their goal, and the obstacles they face, making it a vital tool for capturing interest in the story's premise. A strong logline is essential for pitching ideas and understanding the narrative structure, as it distills complex stories into a concise statement.
Network branding: Network branding refers to the strategic approach by television networks to create a distinct identity and image that resonates with audiences. This involves using consistent themes, visuals, and messaging across programming to establish recognition and loyalty among viewers. A strong network brand influences the types of shows produced and how story ideas are pitched, aligning content with the network's overall image and target demographic.
One-sheet: A one-sheet is a single-page document used to present a concise summary of a film, TV show, or story idea. It typically includes key information such as the logline, premise, character descriptions, and visual elements, making it an essential tool for pitching story ideas to producers and executives.
Pitch meeting: A pitch meeting is a formal or informal gathering where writers present their story ideas or concepts to decision-makers, such as producers or network executives, in hopes of gaining approval or funding for a project. These meetings are crucial for the development of television shows and require writers to effectively communicate their vision while also being open to feedback and collaboration.
Producer: A producer is an individual or entity responsible for overseeing the production of a film, television show, or other media project, from the initial concept to the final product. Producers play a crucial role in the creative and financial aspects of production, managing budgets, hiring key personnel, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within scope. They are instrumental in making key decisions that impact the overall vision and execution of a project.
Series bible: A series bible is a comprehensive document that outlines the essential elements of a television show, including character descriptions, setting, plot arcs, and themes. This document serves as a roadmap for writers and producers, ensuring consistency and coherence throughout the series while also being a crucial tool when pitching the show to networks or studios.
Showrunner: A showrunner is the individual responsible for the overall creative direction, management, and production of a television series. They serve as the chief decision-maker, overseeing writing, production, and post-production processes, while also maintaining the show's vision and continuity.
Story arc: A story arc is the overall narrative structure that follows a character's journey, often encompassing their development and changes throughout a storyline. It connects various plot elements and character experiences to create a cohesive narrative, making it essential for building engaging narratives in both episodic and serialized formats. Understanding story arcs allows for effective integration of multiple storylines, refining scripts through revision, and shaping ideas during pitching sessions.
Target demographic: A target demographic refers to a specific group of people identified as the intended audience for a particular media product, such as a TV show or film. Understanding the target demographic helps creators tailor their content to resonate with that audience, influencing everything from character development to marketing strategies.
The Simpsons: The Simpsons is an animated television series that debuted in 1989, known for its satirical take on American culture, society, and family life. The show features the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—and has become a cultural icon, influencing countless other animated series and setting new standards for the format. Its unique storytelling, character development, and humor resonate across diverse audiences, making it a staple in the realm of animated series.
Theme: Theme is the underlying message or central idea that a story communicates, often reflecting universal truths or moral lessons. It goes beyond the plot to explore deeper meanings, connecting characters’ experiences to broader human experiences. A strong theme can elevate a story, providing audiences with something to ponder long after the story ends.
Treatment: A treatment is a concise document that outlines the main elements of a story or series, including characters, plot, tone, and overall vision. It serves as a roadmap for writers, helping to clarify the show’s premise and making it easier to pitch story ideas to producers or networks.