Pitching a TV Show: It’s destroying my soul, and I love it. (Part One)

Last year, a slightly younger and definitely more naive self said:

“Wow, I just wrote this 60-page document with a rich backstory for an animated show; let’s try to bring it to life by reaching out to TV studios and networks; how hard can it be?“

4 months younger Tay

Well, it turns out it’s really hard. No, hard isn’t descriptive enough… F***ing hard, oh yes! That works better.

First things first, Why even bother writing a TV show?

Because TV money sounds sweet, joking aside, the real reason is a long-held passion for animated shows and interguide storytelling. It has been my go-to escape and a significant source of creative ideas in my most challenging times.

‘My Dinosaur Life’ (the show I wrote) is the culmination of years filled with daydreams, plotting, and, let’s be honest, a fair share of procrastination. As far back as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of entering the animation industry. And now, I’ve taken my first bold step with this project, which has been both an exhilarating and terrifying experience. But more than that, I see it as an opportunity to introduce atypical lead characters, to represent them positively, and to resonate with those who, like me, see the world from a slightly different angle.

It all sounds like an easy journey. Send some emails, maybe call some Netflix secret phone line. Share my idea and boom! It’s a new hit show. But then came the reality check, like a bucket of ice water on my dreamer’s parade. Here’s my journey and what I’ve learned so far.

My goal

Every creator has that one idea that keeps them awake at night, plotting and planning, sketching characters on napkins, and dreaming of the day it all comes to life. For me, it was this animated show—a world so vibrant, characters so alive, I could hear their voices in my head (I swear I’m not that crazy). This wasn’t just a fleeting fancy; it was a call to action—a mission. To bring laughter, adventure, and maybe a little wisdom into the living rooms of anyone willing to tune in. Am I being pretentious? Of course, I am. But that’s part of the fun.

The process

To pitch your average TV show, you need a few key points:

• A good concept
•  Pitch deck with an intriguing logline
•  Show Bible
•  A s**tload of luck
•  Be someone/know someone in the industry
•  Be open to collaboration and criticism.

Simple enough, eh? Let’s break this down:

A good concept

It’s like Star-Wars.. but under the sea!!!

This is an example of a no-so-good concept. Or maybe it is not so bad now that I think about it…

At the heart of every show is its concept—the unique spark that sets it apart from the rest. ‘My Dinosaur Life’ began as a flicker in the imagination, fueled by a passion for storytelling and a desire to see the world through a different lens. The challenge? Convincing others that what captivated you for years would also captivate an audience.

Remember, television is a business; it doesn’t just matter how heartfelt your story is. If you cannot convince a network that your words are appealing, they won’t invest millions to make it happen.

Pitch deck with an intriguing logline

This is your show’s handshake, the first and possibly most crucial impression you’ll make on potential backers. A compelling logline acts as a beacon, drawing interest to the depth and potential of your concept. It’s about encapsulating the essence of your show concisely and intriguingly without being overwelling or revealing too much or too little. The challenge here is to balance creativity with clarity, ensuring that your passion project is immediately understood and appreciated for its uniqueness.

So… What the heck is a logline?

Ah, loglines. Those deceivingly simple texts are designed to encapsulate the essence of your show. Who knew that condensing months of brainstorming, character development, and world-building into a couple of sentences could be so… daunting? Here I was, thinking that writing the script and the show bible was hard. It turns out that explaining your show in one paragraph quickly and compellingly to someone who has probably heard tons of ideas is an art form in itself.

Here’s what I crafted:

A decade after a cosmic event transforms some humans into animal hybrids, Nyx, an unassuming fox-human hybrid, finds himself unexpectedly recruited into the Global Unity for Interspecies Protection (GUIP). Thrust into a world rife with interspecies tensions and bureaucratic intrigue, Nyx must navigate unknown dangers and unravel a sinister intergalactic conspiracy, discovering the unlikely hero within himself and challenging the fragile balance of this transformed world.

Now, Is it a perfect logline? Well, that’s debatable. For once, it is too long, but I’m unsure what to cut without leaving critical information out. So far, It’s doing a good job. Of course, this will change as I progress on my pitching.

Show bible

I swear it’s not for a cult.. or is it?

The bible is the DNA of your show—an in-depth document that outlines everything from character arcs to thematic elements, setting, and plot structure. Creating a show bible not only demonstrates your commitment and vision but also serves as a valuable tool for potential collaborators to understand the full scope of your project. It’s a testament to your envisioned world, a detailed guide that breathes life into your concept on paper. And with detail, I really mean it. I even have my character’s favourite food, music and colour.

A S**tload of Luck

Ah, the unpredictable element that can make or break dreams. Luck in the TV industry might come in the form of timing, connections, or simply being in the right place at the right time, you might catch the network executive on a good day, or viseversa. While it’s the one factor beyond your control, it’s also a reminder of the importance of persistence. The more you pitch, network, and refine your concept, the more you increase your chances of being “lucky.”

Be Someone/Know Someone in the Industry

Breaking into television often involves navigating a web of connections. Networking, attending industry events, and even social media outreach can open unknown doors. While it may seem like an insurmountable challenge, especially for newcomers, remember that every industry veteran was once an outsider. Building relationships is as much a part of your journey as developing your project.

Be Open to Collaboration and Criticism

This might be the hardest pill to swallow, especially when your project is close to your heart. Yet, collaboration and constructive criticism are crucial for growth. They can transform a good concept into a great show, refining and expanding your vision through the expertise and perspectives of others. Embracing feedback doesn’t mean compromising your vision; it means allowing it to evolve and reach its full potential.

The Harsh Reality

Diving headfirst into the pitching pool was like stepping into an alternate universe where “No” is the national language and “Come back later” is the customary greeting. I quickly learned that passion, while crucial, is only part of the equation. The rest? A mix of timing, market trends, who you know, and, frankly, a dash of sheer luck.

The Learning Curve

Each pitch meeting was a masterclass in humility. You think you’ve prepared for everything, but there’s always that one question you didn’t anticipate, like “How does this fit into our Q4 strategy?” or “Can the talking dog have a sidekick?” But with each stumble, I refined my pitch, sharpened my vision, and learned to speak their language.

Why Keep Going?

So, why continue on this soul-destroying, caffeine-fueled odyssey? Because when I close my eyes, I still see my stories lighting up the screen. I hear the laughter and feel the heartstrings being tugged. It’s not just about bringing my vision to life anymore; it’s about sharing a piece of my world with others, hoping it might light up their day, even if just for a moment.

And yes, maybe, just maybe, TV money does sound sweet. But sweeter still is the thought of someone, somewhere, quoting my characters or someone enjoying sitting down to watch my show together.

That’s the dream that keeps me going. F***ing hard as it may be. (yes, we already established I’m pretentious)

And to anyone out there wrestling with their creative beast: keep pushing, keep crafting, keep doing what makes you happy and remember, every great thing was once just an idea that someone, somewhere, believed in against all odds.

Tay, 4 months older, a tad wiser, and infinitely more stubborn

Hey, and if you want to know what all this dino life stuff is about. You can check the official website. https://mydinosaurlife.com

The boring and legal stuff:
© 2024 Vedla. All Rights Reserved. ‘MY DINOSAUR LIFE’ , characters, concepts and related promotional elements are Intellectual Property of Vedla Creative. All characters and events in the concept are fictional.

Cover image by ifeelstock – stock.adobe.com. Used under the Adobe Stock Editorial license agreement.