SOYOUWANNA PITCH A TV SHOW?

3. MEET, GREET, AND NETWORK

Make tons of copies of your treatment, stick it under your arm, and start swimming with the sharks it's now time to think very seriously about whether you want to align yourself with a known producer who has a track record. We don't want to discourage you, but it is extremely tough to get a pitch meeting if you are new to the business. If the Development Executive you are trying to contact already has a relationship with a successful producer, your idea will be more likely to be heard if Mr./Ms. "Known Producer" brings it forward. It's all about who you know (hey, no one said Hollywood is fair).

How do you meet a producer who wants to work with you? You network. That is, you must build a support system of powerful (read: well-connected) people who like your work. This is also called "schmoozing," and it's what makes the Hollywood world go 'round. Attending film festivals (yes, even if you're pitching for television!), industry conferences, classes and entering writer's contests are time-honored ways to schmooze. So even if you can't get into NATPE (the annual conference and new programming market for the National Association of Television Program Executives) this year, don't despair. Enter all the television writing contests that you can. Industry professionals often serve as judges, and you might win a development deal. More likely though, you'll start a very useful collection of business cards.

If you can afford to make a complete career change, getting an entry-level job or internship with a television production company can help you meet the right people. (Check those industry associations again, or browse the phone book). Exposure to groups like these will help you to connect with like-minded people who might offer some good input. Plus, it's always nice to have friends.

If you still want to try to pitch your idea yourself, almost all networks and production companies require that you approach them through an agent or an entertainment attorney. TV is all about money, and as such, networks are wary of wasting any time on an unknown, no matter how cute you are. Agents and entertainment attorneys know the inside of the business, and if you hire one, it's his/her job to help you work the system. A professional's services can be crucial if you are optioning a title, too.