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Happy 2017! Today, on episode 88 of Producing Unscripted we’re helping you kick off the new year right. Trying to break into unscripted television, documentary series, true crime or reality TV? Here are three ways you can stand out from the crowd in 2017.
2017 – The Year You Separate Yourself From the Hollywood Crowd
Just some of what we cover today:
- The list of things you must know about each project you pitch
- The “elevator pitch” culture and what to do instead
- What not to say in a pitch meeting in 2017 – or ever
- The scope of a producer’s pitch
- Should you seek sponsorship or integrations for your show before pitching it?
- How to take your pitch from “idea” to “package”
- Why packaging makes all the difference, especially when you’re just starting out
- Type of shows you can pitch that are automatically a package
- The pros and cons of learning new skills and how to find the right balance
- The real point of learning new skills in Hollywood – and how that helps you
- And…the one thing Biagio hopes Joke NEVER LEARNS how to do 🙂
Here’s the cheat sheet to today’s podcast episode. It’s based on all the filmmakers and producers who’ve impressed us lately. It’s also inspired by those who haven’t. Be sure to listen to today’s episode for all the must-know details. Hit that giant red “PLAY” button above to listen here.
[tweet_box]3 Ways Aspiring TV Producers Can Stand Out in 2017[/tweet_box]
1. Prove You Know Your Stuff – Seriously!
This might surprise you, but we receive TV show pitches from people who can’t answer questions about their pitch. You better know how your show will work from week-to-week. Another “can’t blow it” moment is when we ask you which TV networks would air your show and why. (See helpful and related links below for more on this one.)
2. Pitch Packages, Not Concepts
Maybe we’ve said it a thousand different ways over the course of this podcast series. That’s still not enough. Now, more than ever, you must think of your pitches as “packages” and not “concepts.” Please, don’t EVER pitch “ideas.”
3. Keep Learning, And Let It Inspire Your Work
There’s a fine line between learning skills that improve your work and just spinning your wheels. Some people study for years and put none of it into practice. Others read a blog post, steal some tips, and instantly improve their work. Which would you rather be?
It’s a new year, make it a great one. Hit that giant “play” button above and make sure you stand out in Hollywood in 2017!
Transcript Coming Soon!
Helpful and Related Links
- Follow us on Twitter: @JokeAndBiagio – we hang out there often and try to respond to most tweets.
- Truly understand how to pitch unscripted television so that people take you seriously.
- Here’s the 101 on pitching packages not ideas
- Can you say – realistically – where your potential TV show could air? Check out Top Secret: What TV Networks Buy (And Why)
- Understanding the soft pitch – what it is and what it isn’t. CRUCIAL if you’re pitching to someone you know or who is willing to meet you in the early stages of development.
- Understanding your show’s story engine – what is is and how to put it to use for you.
- Your ultimate cheat-sheet to learn how to edit: Steal This Editing Secret to Edit Film and Video Like a Pro. Older post but still just as relevant.
Let’s Make Some TV Together
Trying to break into unscripted television, reality TV, documentary series, or true crime? Want to pitch to our company? Here’s how: