Pitch Mode: Notes from an Agent

1. Personal stories/ connection to the concept.

Think of a personal anecdote to introduce this idea and convince them that this is a story born out of your own conviction and it is also a story that only you can tell.  Show them that you are the unique writer who can truly bring this story to light.

2. Ideas, Themes, and Concepts.

A. What is your show about thematically?

B. What are you saying with the show, what cord does it strike?

3. Pitch an anecdote from the show that demonstrates what it is you’re writing about and shows the potential of the series.  A common practice is to pitch the teaser to set up the premise and the characters.

4. Characters in the series.

A. Pitch the main characters and their respective relationships to each other. The characters should bring a strong point of view to our central themes.

B. As you describe each character, think of a character beat you can tell about each of them to give them more life.

5. Tone of the show.

A. Discuss examples of what our show will be similar to. Pacing, humor, style, etc.

6. Week to week.  What are we watching each week?

A. What is the episodic nature of the show. What happens each week.

B. Setting, A stories, B stories, why the characters will be together.


A good practice is to think about shows you like and imagine you are the creator and are pitching those shows, how would you do so?


In total, think 10-15 minutes max, but a general rule is the shorter the better without leaving anything out.  The more concise and clearer, the better the pitch.