Submit an Idea for a Cable TV Show
A finished script is not necessary to submit a great idea for a cable TV show. You don't even have to know write a script. In fact, station executives and their staff do not have the time to read whole scripts. To submit a show idea, you need a short summary of your program's concept on paper, some research and organizing. Your cable series can become a reality with creative drive and much tenacity.
Instructions
1. Create a logline. This one line synopsis of your show idea illustrates the essence of plot, characters and genre. Think of a TV Guide show summary. When someone asks you what your show idea is about, you will recite your logline.
2. Write a treatment on your cable show idea. Briefly describe your show idea in 1 to 5 pages. Use standard 8 ½ X 11 inch white paper. Double space 12 point Courier New in black ink. The first page will begin with the show's title, your name and personal contact details. Your logline will precede the treatment story premise. Make copies and use to pitch your sdevelopment executives.
3. Register your treatment with the Writer's Guild of America. This prevents others from trying to claim your idea as their own. Your treatment will be assigned a registration number. Include this number on the first page of your treatment.
4. Complete market research. Define your target audience and learn your proposed show's appeal to them. Conduct low cost research through interviews or at screenings of similar programs or genres. Start a blog on your show and record the response.
5. Contact cable TV development executives. Resources like The Hollywood Entertainment Directory will list names of station development heads. Turn over tends to be high in the TV industry, so call ahead to insure directories are up to date.
6. Pitch your show. When you get in front of industry decision makers, you will be expected to speak up to sell your idea. Use your treatment as a guide and be clear, animated and persuasive. Describe how your target audience will love tuning in to watch this show. An agent comes in handy at this point since they pitch for a living.
Tags: show idea, your show, your show idea, first page, Idea Cable, Submit Idea