by Mj Ferruzza

Created on: December 28, 2007

Getting a television series idea to the networks is almost an impossibility for most writers.
The ideas have to be pitched to a producer or network honcho and only 1:500 get a green
light to produce a pilot. The pilot then has a 1:150 chance to become a series.

But fear not. I list the Top 5 ways to get your series started on the right track.

#1 Have everything in order.

Make sure you have the pilot written and registered with the WGA.
Have a series "bible" which lists characters and settings.
Have an outline for 4 - 13 episodes ready.

#2 Hire a pitchman
There are services in Los Angeles and N.Y. that will pitch your idea for
a set fee. This process can be expensive especially if the idea is shot
down. But they have more contacts and the inside track on how to
approach a prospective network or producer. Cost? Around $5,000+.

#3 Send your script to a prospective TV personality and let their
production company option your idea. Let their people do the pitch-
work for you.

#4 Raise a couple million dollars and produce the series independently.

#5 Contact an established writer or producer and take them out to
lunch, or dinner, or an expensive vacation...play the game of "I
scratch your back, you scratch my back".

These will not get your series any closer to being produced, but keep
trying. Jim Henson's idea for the Muppet Show fell on deaf ears until
he found a rich producer in England to head the project independently.
He proved all the naysayers wrong.

Keep after it. But remember! Most TV series never end up how they
started off in conception. Be open. Be flexible. And save your best
writing for projects that you have complete control over. Good luck.

For more information visit: www.creativetalentworkshop.com

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