How to pitch a show at a major production company

Mark Burnett Productions. They are the genius behind reality hits like The Apprentice, Survivor, Shart Tank, The Voice. I took the opportunity to pitch to them with a student who had what I thought was an excellent idea for a show. So I shared a walk-through with you so that you have a basic understanding of pitching a TV show to a major productions company.

[@DarkPaleUnicorn]

I''ve seen so many screenwriters telling other writers what to do and NOT ONE of them sounded like they actually knew something. you are literally the first writer who makes sense. thank you!

[@USAirsoft]

You’ve really excited me to think about my idea that I’ve been piecing together on paper and in thought. I will keep my hopes high.

[@ringoze]

Being nervous makes other people nervous. And no one should ever get nervous when making a business proposition.

[@JerryCorley]

That's right, you are participating in a mutually beneficial business proposal. You are not begging.

[@JerryCorley]

roger m Yes! So right! You’re offering them a glimpse at an opportunity. And it’s not Amway!

[@MrOldboy1971]

@@JerryCorley I know I'm just a random person, but do u know who to contact to pitch a show, I've been working on it for a year, I really don't care the streaming service or tv channel. It's an action adventure cartoon

[@xmanval1777]

@@MrOldboy1971 contact the writers guild of america east/west you can get agents, producers and pitches from executives just pay $25 and you get 10 years of protection of your coming script

[@MrOldboy1971]

@@xmanval1777 thank u soooo much Man! This will really help me out! Its hard to find nice people now a days

[@jdearman77]

Fabulous video. a great insight on how to pitch

[@michaelsix9684]

I wish we would see more standup comedy contests, Last Comic Standing was a great idea, but that was it.

[@JerryCorley]

“Last Comic” was a good show and created some stars, but the problem is greed. It was rumored that the producers were manipulating the winners (voter fraud). One of the big draws of the show was the fact that the viewing audience voted and chose the winner. When the viewing audience started complaining about that online, the show lost credibility. That’s what I’ve heard anyway.

[@michaelsix9684]

@@JerryCorley Ralphie May did well, but didn't win. Met him long ago, great guy - miss him a lot.

[@veilofreality]

Hi Jerry, thanks for the content. really appreciated the video, will definitely remember the window thing. Would you possibly make another video or maybe have some advice on what an author should know when dealing with a Production that wants to option their TV show?

[@YearoftheMosquito]

Great Informative Video

[@TheUnikita52]

Jerry, can you answer Paul Sklar's question? My question is the same. You can have all you describe in your video but if you don't have an agent, you don'y get anywhere in the entertainment field. This includes companies like Apple who claim to want new concepts but then settle with someone safe and set in social issues not shows that appeal to the current or creative environment.

[@JerryCorley]

I thought I answered it. That is not necessarily true. I'm living proof. I got into a room to pitch my first show because I met Lifetime's musical director at a party. I pitched her my show, she loved it and got me a meeting with the creative team. My writing partner and I met director Joe Carnahan's after my writing partner help move a couch for his girlfriend. He saw our sketches on KZbin, laughed his ass off, asked us to write a sketch for his girlfriend, he loved it. Then we met him for lunch and pitched him "Stretch." They offered us a deal for the rights... we used that leverage to get a manager who handled writers and we got the movie made. So anyone who tells you you have to have an agent to get anything done in this town, doesn't know what he's talking about. He's just cock-blocking himself. KZbin, Twitch.TV, Patreon, Vimeo, give you amazing opportunity to do creative work and develop a viewing (subscriber) base. If you're consistently putting up great content and you've got a following, I assure you that that pressure you've built will get attention. It's a Creative's market. Don't fall for that trap of saying "it can't be done," before you even try. When you do that, you'll never get anything done... guaranteed! :-)

[@mahadmohamed6329]

Hello Jerry, How do I get in contact with someone so I can actually do my own pitch as i want to make a tv show but don`t know who to talk to!

[@KINGKROSBYSKINGDOM]

hi Jerry I have a question I'm a rapper and. comedian and I have been able to integrated​ that in that in my act insane asking is that a good idea

[@JerryCorley]

Dude, do you! If you think it adds a refreshing entertaining dynamic, try it! The audience will tell you whether or not you're kicking ass or shitting the bed. One of my students is now doing mid 6-figures at college shows. One of his core bits is this beat box he does. Kills every time. DON'T LET OTHER COMEDIANS TELL YOU NOT TO DO IT! They are NOT buying tickets for those seats. Do you!

[@owensmithtv]

Yes! Use all your talents! Get it! Don't hide your light! Good luck out there and keep creating.

[@Daltnn]

lil mistake typing SharK tank in the desc xD

[@justinbrewer3288]

Can you give me a little more information about the Sizzle Reel/Powerpoint aspect of the pitch. I feel like this is an important element of a pitch. What if you haven't shot any footage yet? (hoping to get the funding by those you are pitching to). Also: you mentioned that getting your idea stolen is very rare. However, if this was to happen what do you do? How do you protect yourself against something like this?

[@JerryCorley]

Great question, Justin. And apologies for the shitty response time on my part. You can put together what we call a rip--o-matic. It's small scenes and segments from existing films or shows that put together the tenor, theme and style of your project. Add some music and use that as your visual pitch mechanism. Hit me back and I'll give you a link of one we did for our movie "Stretch, " that got made by the way.

[@alexman378]

@Jerry Corley Where can I watch that? Also, just to get more of an edge, I’ve shot a 10 minute scene from my first episode that establishes some of the characters, some of the story, the mood and tone without it being forced exposition. I made sure it looked like it had 5 times the actual budget and looks professional. Took the idea from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Whiplash. Does that count for anything, because it doesn’t sound like what you explained to be a Sizzle Reel.

[@bacurryiaffaldano]

WGA PROHIBITS leave-behinds.

[@Crowka274]

Grabage ends at 5 30.

[@mrbrownroyyal]

Thank you!

[@zillianer]

hello i loved your very and its my dream to make a animated tv show and im working on my show bible for awhile i was wondering how would u say i could get a agent or get in the position to get a pitch meeting for a show idea i have

[@andrewfox8673]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 "shart tank" I'd totally watch that show.

[@livingyourlife3130]

Thank you, for your videos. You are changed my life.

[@standup4332]

Great content. Thanks Jerry. Here you gave a good example of a production company already working on a similar concept/idea/program. Are there any good resources that you can use to research whether your idea or a manifestation of it, has already been done (and so might need tweaking) or has been shopped around and has not been touched (i.e bad concept) -so that you can save time pitching something that has little chance of succeeding?

[@hadjiossama8738]

I had many scribt of filmes and series and i dont knwo what i must do to make it pls i need your help

[@JT-kb8kz]

Hey Jerry, can you teach how to convert a joke which gives a chuckle to an applause break?

[@michaelsix9684]

confidence is so critical to success in everything

[@NoizyCloset]

This is amazing information! There are some great detailed points you brought out. Thank you so much

[@DrCharlesParker]

Interesting, helpful streetwise discussion about the structure/plan - both strategy and tactics in the room. Very helpful much appreciated, now to look for the right production company. Thanks!

[@worldboxentertainment988]

I have been trying to reach out to producers for an animated tv show pitch & my emails are always left unread.

[@JerryCorley]

Sometimes you hit a wall when it comes to access. That’s when you try different methods of access. Phone calls, Drop-ins, pitch festivals, self-producing a short and submitting to festivals and finally pitching to agents and managers to have them use their relationships to get you into the room. The secret is to use polite persistence and never say never. Also realize that the theory of 6 degrees of separation is true. Identify 1 show runner of a show that your show is like. So your research about the show runner, interests, hobbies, etc. Somewhere in your research you’re going to find someone that you know who knows someone who knows the show-runner. Then use that relationship to get an appointment. That show runner already has relationships in place that could get that script in the right hands.

[@AlmightyArceus]

Thank you for this video! Very informative for getting into this for the first time. I wanted to ask, in your pitch meetings, is there any importance in knowing the economic success companies have had on other shows? Perhaps to strengthen the power of your pitch? Or does that not have a place?

[@JerryCorley]

Background research is always a plus. (Information is power), Although if you’re a writer pitching a show and you get an offer for a deal, consider it an offer to go into negotiations. At this point, secure a manager, agent, and an entertainment attorney who independent of your creative reps. They will know how to navigate this complicated process while having your best interest in mind. You can check sites like IMDBPro, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo. Billboard, Adweek, Variety, and Hollywood Reporter to keep up with trends and show success.

[@johnniemuskgrow2878]

This was great it helps you to understand the playing fields are truly level as long as you believe it, and do your best pitching to anybody shit their human too, no matter who the nerd is your in front of, their still nerds, trying to be cool and hip and funny and mainly critical and know it all's.

[@ComedianOmarTarango]

Hopefully, you'll respond to this question; I've recently gone into business for myself as a marketing manager. I am marketing another comedian's show and securing sponsors. When I get a sponsor, what percentage cut should I reserve for myself? I'm using those sponsor funds to 1. Pay for the free tickets offered with the package, which I send to the producer comedian of the show, 2. reserve a portion of it for paid ads on FB, 3. Reserve some perks for the comics the day of the show, and 4. Whatever my cut should be... HELP!

[@JerryCorley]

Great question! It depends on what kind of deal you have arranged with the other party who is producing the show. Deals can vary for each project and/or producer. It could be a linear deal or could be a tiered deal. In a linear (simple) deal, you can agree on a retainer for each event, (paid up front to secure your services), then maybe a percentage 5-20% of the total take (door + sponsor money). If you’re a freelance marketing manager, I might do tiered deal: Retainer to secure services + incentives if the take (gross) reaches a certain amount (usually based upon ticket sale percentages of total capacity of the venue), which promise you bonus $$ at each percentage of capacity in excess of 65% capacity, etc. If you are doing FB Ads then be sure to cone to an agreement on the ad budget. That should be paid by the producer, not you. Because that means you have to lay out money up front (which by its nature, kinda also makes you a producer). You get paid for your specialty FB Marketing, Securing Sponsors, the producer should be funding the ad spend (unless you have made other arrangements). Sometimes when you’re just starting out, you can offer your services to show them what you can do. It might be a small investment on your part, but if you kill it for them, you can make it up on the back end. Bottom line: there’s no template or one way to do these things. Deals can vary vastly. But if you stick to the philosophy of being sure you deliver value, (Win-win), then it usually works out. Hope that helps!

[@ComedianOmarTarango]

@@JerryCorley You have no idea how much this information helps. You are the ONLY one I've found online who has broken it down like this. Thank you so much for answering!

[@oscarine28]

Hi Jerry, tell me how much does a new script TV game show format cost and where I can find the producers who are interested in tv game shows?

[@JerryCorley]

Not sure what you mean as far as how much does it cost? We shot a demo for a show at my studio (minimal cost) and now having it shopped to the production companies that do non-scripted. You can check the game shows that are on the air. Find out who produces and distributes by watching the credit crawl. Use Google to find contact info, call or write and see if you can get on the phone for a soft pitch. Be sure you register your idea with the WGA (Writer's Guild of America)

[@cornelljermaine]

Very good! Kudos!

[@pearlskakler4648]

What if you can't find an agent. Where do you even begin?

[@JerryCorley]

Hi Paul. Great question. I answered it above. First off, it pays off to be in L.A. or New York. One thing you can do it subscribe to Writer's Digest and go to pitch festivals to start to develop relationships with agents and network creatives. Also write a short film 28-50 minutes, and submit it to the big festivals. Tribeca, Sundance, Toronto, Leeds, etc. Go to where the eyeballs are. Reach out to people on Facebook and ask if someone knows and agent or manager that you can invite to a screening of a short. One of my students applied and got a writer's assistant job for a TV show. He built relationships internally, wrote a spec script and it got picked up for an episode. He was now on staff, got an agent as a result and is now working for another show.

[@chrischancellor452]

Hi Jerry! I am a 13 year old who's trying to make it big as early as possible, i was wondering if age played a factor how funny a joke is, or if they "were not expecting that from someone his age" thank you so much and i hope we can talk soon! -Chris Chancellor

[@alexman378]

One think you’ve got going for you is that you are young and already know what you want. If you want to pitch a show one day and it’s something you believe you can be just as passionate about in 5 or 10 years as you are now, begin writing every day about it. Elaborate on the world, the characters, the episodes and you better start learning about how the filming process goes. Start practicing, the good thing about being young, you have time to make all the garbage you can from early on, so that you can become better and be at a professional level by 18. KZbin is a great place to learn. Age will play a factor, too young is usually alarming for producers, so you need to compensate for that. If you show them a professional show bible, great story and script, you’ve shot some good quality short films and seem passionate about it, there is a chance you’ll get there fast. If you can find any type of work in actual films or series all the better, a good resume with a few recommendations go a long way. Plus, if you’re friendly, you’ll definitely make good relationships with people who are older, more experienced and better connected, who will get you to the door. Good luck.