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

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.

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Play. Use Your Power. Create With Gusto: An Appeal To Your Creative Spirit by Robin Carus, Casting Director

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:

* Do the work fearlessly.
* Reach out fearlessly.
* Take up space fearlessly.

Introduce yourself to the person you admire or you wonder if you should connect to. Send the email. Say yes to the scene that scares you. Let yourself be seen — not in perfection, but in truth. You don’t need to wait for someone to open a door. You are the door.This industry needs what you bring — but first, you have to believe you have a right to bring it.

You do.

So get out there. Play. Lead with power. And show up with gusto.

We’re watching. We’re rooting. And we can’t wait to see you shine.

Written by: Robin Carus (Casting Director) has cast everything from iconic commercials to groundbreaking theatre to independent film and television.