Making a propostion for a new tv-show at DVinfo.net

Vedran Rupic · April 5th, 2007, 02:57 AM

I have a idea about a tv show that I think will work.
Now I have good contacts with a tv-station here in Sweden. But the thing is
when I present the Idea, I don't want it to look "summercamp" so I need all pointers regarding how to best elaborate and present such an idea.
How does one construct a format like this, I mean in writing.
Does anybody have something that they used and that I can at look just to get the hint of what a proposition looks like. Just to use as some kind of template.

regards

Kyle Ross · April 13th, 2007, 10:12 PM

I don't have a template or anything, but I've worked on something similar. Basically, you'll want to have a concise treatment of what your show is all about, including your target demographic (young adults, pre-teens, children, etc) your show format (13x22, aka 13 shows 22 minutes long each, a half hour thing) and the type of show, IE drama, comedy, action.

After that, it'd be good to have a bible which would include short summaries (no more than a page each, I'd say, maybe a paragraph at least) of each show in your first season (or maybe 10 episodes). They'll need to see you actually have a plan outside your first show. If you've got a pilot script as well, great, and character designs with their personality, story, and any feelings for other characters would be good. I'd break it down like this:

Treatment
Characters
Bible
Pilot

Of course, if you're on good terms try to get an in person meeting. There, just be very passionate about your show, and bring an extra couple spins on your idea, in case they already have something like what you're doing in the works. Then you can present it, and leave your on-paper treatment of the show. Just make it as to-the-point as possible.

Hopefully someone can harsh elaborate on this, but I think I've given you the bare basics... sorry I don't have a template for you!

John Hudson · April 13th, 2007, 10:23 PM

Pilot

Get it together and make your pilot ! Nothing speaks louder than the product !

Ash Greyson · April 14th, 2007, 11:52 AM

Ideas are not worth much anymore, everybody has them, a lot of them good. In order to actual have an idea that is worth something you either need to be in a unique position to deliver your idea in a way that nobody else could OR, do as John says and make it real with a pilot.

ash =o)

Jack Smith · April 14th, 2007, 07:01 PM

To further this a step.Let's say he spends the time/bucks and shoots a pilot and/or short series.Let's say it's pretty good, needs a little adjusting in future shows.But the premise of the show is good.Then what should he do?

Ash Greyson · April 14th, 2007, 09:05 PM

Start pitching it... you might start at production companies if you cant get access to the people you are after at first.

ash =o)

Adam Bray · April 15th, 2007, 01:33 AM

Rich Christensen, the guy that hosts the TV show "Pinks" on Speed Channel said his day job is "selling TV shows".

Is there people with "ins" in the industry that you can hire to pitch for you or something, or does this guy do something completely else?

Ash Greyson · April 15th, 2007, 10:58 AM

Most networks will not even look at anything that is not from someone they have a relationship with. There will be a middle man or production company that will tack on their fee as part of the budget.

ash =o)

Neil Rostance · April 15th, 2007, 12:04 PM

I managed to pitch face to face to commissioning editor of ITV Daytime in Britain, just by going on a course in London...

A lot of really good media training schemes are not only good info, but amazing networking opportunities. Keep your eyes open for any regional training schemes or maybe ones hosted by broadcasters.

He absolutely hated my idea though, and made sure i knew it.

so make sure it's a good one!

April 5th, 2007, 02:57 AM	#1
Vedran Rupic Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Örebro, Sweden Posts: 71	Making a propostion for a new tv-show I have a idea about a tv show that I think will work. Now I have good contacts with a tv-station here in Sweden. But the thing is when I present the Idea, I don't want it to look "summercamp" so I need all pointers regarding how to best elaborate and present such an idea. How does one construct a format like this, I mean in writing. Does anybody have something that they used and that I can at look just to get the hint of what a proposition looks like. Just to use as some kind of template. regards __________________ Documentary work

April 13th, 2007, 10:12 PM	#2
Kyle Ross Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, British Columbia Posts: 48	I don't have a template or anything, but I've worked on something similar. Basically, you'll want to have a concise treatment of what your show is all about, including your target demographic (young adults, pre-teens, children, etc) your show format (13x22, aka 13 shows 22 minutes long each, a half hour thing) and the type of show, IE drama, comedy, action. After that, it'd be good to have a bible which would include short summaries (no more than a page each, I'd say, maybe a paragraph at least) of each show in your first season (or maybe 10 episodes). They'll need to see you actually have a plan outside your first show. If you've got a pilot script as well, great, and character designs with their personality, story, and any feelings for other characters would be good. I'd break it down like this: Treatment Characters Bible Pilot Of course, if you're on good terms try to get an in person meeting. There, just be very passionate about your show, and bring an extra couple spins on your idea, in case they already have something like what you're doing in the works. Then you can present it, and leave your on-paper treatment of the show. Just make it as to-the-point as possible. Hopefully someone can harsh elaborate on this, but I think I've given you the bare basics... sorry I don't have a template for you!

April 13th, 2007, 10:23 PM	#3
John Hudson Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: 32° 44' N 117° 10' W Posts: 820	Pilot Get it together and make your pilot ! Nothing speaks louder than the product !

April 14th, 2007, 11:52 AM	#4
Ash Greyson Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,689	Ideas are not worth much anymore, everybody has them, a lot of them good. In order to actual have an idea that is worth something you either need to be in a unique position to deliver your idea in a way that nobody else could OR, do as John says and make it real with a pilot. ash =o)

April 14th, 2007, 07:01 PM	#5
Jack Smith Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ontario Posts: 445	To further this a step.Let's say he spends the time/bucks and shoots a pilot and/or short series.Let's say it's pretty good, needs a little adjusting in future shows.But the premise of the show is good.Then what should he do?

April 14th, 2007, 09:05 PM	#6
Ash Greyson Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,689	Start pitching it... you might start at production companies if you cant get access to the people you are after at first. ash =o)

April 15th, 2007, 01:33 AM	#7
Adam Bray Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Houston/Austin Posts: 394	Rich Christensen, the guy that hosts the TV show "Pinks" on Speed Channel said his day job is "selling TV shows". Is there people with "ins" in the industry that you can hire to pitch for you or something, or does this guy do something completely else?

April 15th, 2007, 10:58 AM	#8
Ash Greyson Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,689	Most networks will not even look at anything that is not from someone they have a relationship with. There will be a middle man or production company that will tack on their fee as part of the budget. ash =o)

April 15th, 2007, 12:04 PM	#9
Neil Rostance Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Lace Market, Nottingham, UK Posts: 194	I managed to pitch face to face to commissioning editor of ITV Daytime in Britain, just by going on a course in London... A lot of really good media training schemes are not only good info, but amazing networking opportunities. Keep your eyes open for any regional training schemes or maybe ones hosted by broadcasters. He absolutely hated my idea though, and made sure i knew it. so make sure it's a good one!