June 2025

Do you have a compelling idea for a TV series or film but aren’t sure how to bring it to life?

You’re not alone — I’ve been there, too. Over the years, I’ve developed several projects, including a 30-minute pilot that’s currently being shopped to networks and production companies. One of my earlier pilot scripts became a graphic novel (a great workaround for budget limitations), and I’ve even self-produced pilots and worked on theater productions at every level — including co-producing the Broadway play The Cottage.

If you’re thinking about pitching your idea, I have one big piece of advice: do the work ahead of time. And yes, I mean a lot of work.

Even if you’re not a writer, you don’t need a fully finished script to start. But you do need a well-developed concept, characters, and an understanding of the world your story lives in. Here’s how you can start laying the foundation for a successful pitch.

Step 1: Develop Your Idea

Before you write a single scene, start by answering a few key questions:

What’s the core concept of your show or film?
What makes it fresh, unique, or marketable?
Who is your target audience?

From there:

Write a logline – one concise, punchy sentence that captures your premise.
Create your characters – each should have distinct personalities, motivations, and emotional arcs.
Sketch the story – think about major plot points, season arcs (if it’s a series), and recurring themes.

Step 2: Write the Pilot

Your pilot should:

Introduce the world and tone of the project.
Showcase your main characters and the dynamics between them.
Include a hook — something that grabs viewers (and execs) in the first few minutes.

Step 3: Build a Series Bible

This is your show’s blueprint and should include:

Character profiles – backgrounds, goals, flaws, and development arcs.
Episode guide – summaries or loglines for a full season.
Tone and themes – what emotional beats and ideas will resonate throughout the show?

Step 4: Refine and Get Feedback

Before pitching, make sure your materials are rock-solid:

Share your script and/or bible with trusted readers or mentors.
Revise and polish based on feedback — clarity, structure, and originality matter.
Consider workshopping your pitch out loud. Can you explain your show in under two minutes?

Step 5: Start Pitching

When you’re ready to pitch:

Research potential buyers – production companies, networks, and streaming platforms that match your show’s tone and genre.
Create a pitch deck – a visual presentation highlighting the story, characters, tone, and market appeal.
Network – go to industry events, connect with producers, or submit to pitch platforms like iPitch.tv.

Bonus Tips

Protect your work – register your materials with the U.S. Copyright Office or the Writers Guild.
Stay flexible – pitching is collaborative; be open to feedback and creative adjustments.
Be persistent – this is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t get discouraged by rejection. Learn, refine, and keep going.

Want Help Developing Your Pitch?

At Actors Connection, we offer a 2-week class: HOW TO PITCH YOUR PROJECT with Marilyn Atlas, a seasoned Talent & Literary Manager and Film Producer. Marilyn brings a wealth of experience and insider insight into the pitching process — from crafting your story to navigating industry relationships.

Whether you’re just starting or refining your materials, this class is a fantastic way to elevate your pitch and get actionable feedback from someone who’s been there.

Tony Nation is a producer, writer, professional actor and partner at Actors Connection. Follow this link to find out more about him.

Actors — let’s pause for a moment.

In a world full of self-tapes, callbacks, endless waiting rooms (virtual or otherwise), and the constant wondering of “did they or didn’t they see my tape/see me/see what I bring to the table”, it’s easy to forget why we do this work in the first place.

But here’s your reminder: this work is about play. It always has been.

Remember the feeling of stepping into a character for the first time — not to impress, not to perfect, but just to be. That childlike joy of pretending. Of building a world from a line, a breath, a feeling. Play is not a frivolous luxury. It’s your birthright as an artist. It’s where discovery lives. Where magic starts.

But play doesn’t mean you’re powerless.This is also about power — your power. The ability to walk into a room and shift energy. To tell the truth boldly. To take a story, shape it, and make it breathe. Every time you walk into a room (or press record), you’re not asking for permission to exist. You’re bringing you — your perspective, your energy, your lived experience, your art — and that is your greatest strength.Your power isn’t something to earn — it’s something to remember. To own.

And finally, let’s talk about gusto — that vibrant, unapologetic enthusiasm that cuts through doubt and says: “I am here. I love this. Let’s go.”

Show up with that.

Not to prove yourself. But to claim your space. To remember that acting is not about being picked. It’s about picking yourself — again and again — even when it’s hard, even when you’re tired, even when the world tells you to be smaller.

So here’s your call to action:

So You Have a Great Idea for a TV Show or Film… Now What?