How do you pitch and sell your TV production ideas in a competitive market?

1 Know your audience

Before you pitch your TV production idea, you need to know who you are pitching to and what they are looking for. Different platforms and networks have different target audiences, genres, formats, budgets and standards. You should research the current trends, ratings, preferences and gaps in the market, and tailor your pitch accordingly. You should also identify the key decision-makers and gatekeepers in the organization, and learn about their backgrounds, interests and expectations.

2 Develop your materials

To pitch your TV production idea, you need to have a clear and concise presentation of your concept, story, characters, tone and style. You should prepare a pitch document that summarizes your idea in one or two pages, and includes a logline, a synopsis, a brief outline of the episodes, and a description of the main characters and their arcs. You should also have a pitch deck that visually supports your pitch document with images, graphics, mood boards and references. Depending on the stage and type of your project, you might also need a script, a trailer, a pilot, a bible, a budget or a treatment.

3 Practice your pitch

Once you have your materials ready, you need to practice your pitch and make sure it is engaging, confident and concise. You should rehearse your pitch aloud, preferably with a partner or a coach who can give you feedback and suggestions. You should also anticipate potential questions and objections from the buyers, and prepare your responses and solutions. You should aim to deliver your pitch in 10 to 15 minutes, and leave some time for discussion and feedback.

5 Follow up and negotiate

After you pitch your TV production idea, you need to follow up and negotiate with the buyers who express interest or make an offer. You should send a thank-you note, a reminder of your pitch, and any additional materials they request. You should also be ready to discuss and agree on the terms and conditions of the deal, such as the rights, the fees, the royalties, the credits, the creative control and the timeline. You should consult with your legal and financial advisors before you sign any contracts or agreements.

6 Be flexible and persistent

Finally, you need to be flexible and persistent when you pitch and sell your TV production ideas. You might face rejection, criticism, delays or changes along the way, but you should not give up or take it personally. You should be open to feedback, suggestions and adaptations, but also stick to your core vision and values. You should also keep developing and pitching new ideas, and building relationships with the industry professionals. You never know when your next opportunity might come.