The Art and Science of Pitching New TV Sitcom Scripts
In my TV career, I worked in lowly production roles on many sitcoms but as I thus knew many sitcom writers and producers, I was privy to their battle stories and partnered with several of them to make pitches of my ideas. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to approach the pitching process for new TV sitcom scripts.
Understanding the Industry Landscape
As an outsider with a good idea, your first step is to locate someone already with a production deal with a broadcaster network. This is the bread and butter of how broadcasters seek new ideas to fill their schedules. Whomever has a successful sitcom on the air at the moment is probably the most likely to be asked for ideas or to get a meeting to pitch another idea.
Do not have direct connections? Use the 'Six Degrees' technique by leveraging your contacts book. Playing Six Degrees can help you cut out a few layers with your next pitch. For instance, with one of my ideas, I partnered 50/50 with a writer who had 600 sitcom episode credits, but we had to give 20% of the show to a producer who had enough clout to get it picked up by Lifetime. While fortunate to do so, it still added an unnecessary layer to the pitch process.
The Pitch Process in Detail
Pitches are often made over drinks in the bar at the awards ceremony, in the sauna at the golf club, or simply whenever a broadcaster happens to meet a hot producer. An established producer with enough clout can ring up the commissioning editor at a broadcaster and pitch a concept. If the broadcaster likes the concept, a meeting is set up, and the producer comes in to make a pitch with more detail, but not always. The acclaimed sitcom "The Football Wives" pitch consisted entirely of the title, as the concept alone was enough to sell the show.
The Importance of Timing and Opportunity
In my experience, the response from broadcasters in the USA is usually quite quick. The commissioner may pass with an immediate answer, allowing the producer to take the idea to several places in a short span of time. However, if not successful, you may be offered a contract to develop the idea all the way up to shooting a pilot. Opportunities can be fleeting, so it's crucial to be prepared and ready to capitalize on even the briefest of meetings.
Resources and Inspiration
A recent article in Los Angeles Magazine about Robert Kosberg: The Pitch Guy offers valuable insights into effective pitching techniques. Robert Kosberg is a professional pitch consultant known for his success in developing scripts and stories that make it to the big screen and beyond. His expertise can provide invaluable advice for aspiring sitcom writers and producers.
Understanding the pitching process and the dynamics of the television industry is key to success. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an aspiring writer, knowledge of how to pitch a sitcom script effectively can open doors to tremendous opportunities in the entertainment industry.