Did you ever have a great idea and then see someone else get rich from the same thing? What about a brainstorm for a new TV series? If you get one, you will have to get an opportunity to pitch your idea to a TV studio executive or to any other person with contacts in show business.
Unfortunately, people who have had no prior success in the industry are almost never get a chance to pitch their idea for a show. This is just a truth that you must recognize or give up your hopes of ever seeing your idea on a TV screen. TV producers and executives are deluged each season with pitches for new series from people who are already experienced and successful at producing or writing shows. So they really don’t need to spend their time looking over tons of scripts from unheard of “want-to-bes” who are attempting to get into the entertainment industry
Networks usually just shred unsolicited pitches or they just return them to the people who sent them with the seal unbroken. This may at first seem evil but there are two good reasons for it. First, very very few unsolicited ideas are any good or unique. Second, the network might already have your idea in production or, at least, they have already been pitched a similar idea. After all, if one person (you) can think of it, so could others. If they opened your package, you would later swear that they stole your idea and they would be forced to defend themselves in court.
So should you just quit! Well, if you have nothing more than a basic idea, then you probably should forget it. Even if you could get in to see someone, they will want to know things like, “What kind of personality does the main character have and where do you see that taking them through at least two or three seasons? Is there a villain? If so, why are they and the main character enemies? Is there a backstory there where we could “flash back” to show how they became enemies? Does the main character have a love interest and how do each of them really feel about each other? Will they be married, dating, exclusive, etc.? Will that change after a few dozen episodes?” The questions could go on and on like that so if you just have an idea like: “Two guys who are best friends love the same girl and the girl loves their father”, that probably won‘t be enough.
If you really want to become a TV writer or producer just do what any person would do in preparing for a professional career. Get an education! Most people in the television industry who act, write, produce, direct, etc. have a college degree. Then get experience! If you are still in school, join the drama club! Develop an idea for a high school play, write the script, direct it, or somehow get some of that “hands on” experience that most entertainment professions just assume that everyone they speak to will have! Move up to your community playhouse or dinner theater, or a local TV station. They simply adore unique, original programming.
Once you have a proven track record you will find it easier to get an agent or get appointments with programming people. Your first job may not be with a major network. Many successful TV writers and producers began at cable channels.
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