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.