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How to Pitch a TV Series in Canada

Getting your pitch for a TV series past the script-reader and into the hands of the television producer is a challenging hurdle for all screenwriters, in Canada and elsewhere. Competition is fierce and television production companies receive thousands of submissions each month. It is vital your pitch stands out from the rest as being innovative, professional and highly commercial to catch the eye of the producer.

Things You'll Need

  • A4 White paper
  • Computer
  • Printer
  • A4 Manila envelopes
  • Metal fasteners
  • Contact addresses
  • Postage stamps
  • Pencil or red pen
  • Black pen
  • Pocket notebook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Print off a copy of your pilot episode. Proofread it by circling errors in pencil or red pen. Ensure your script is perfect before submitting it to a producer. Do not give the script-reader the excuse to reject it because it is riddled with typos. Make the necessary corrections. Read it through before printing off a final copy. Bind it with metal fastenings. Don't forget to include a front title page and character page.

    • 2

      Write a one or two page outline of your pilot episode including your idea for the whole series. Include a log-line on the front page of your script to sell your TV series concept in one sentence so to hook in the attention of the producer. For instance, 'She wants to live, he wants to die, but it's not their decision.'

    • 3

      Research which Canadian television producers may be interested in producing your television series. Do not pitch to a producer who has produced something similar to your idea in the past. Producers look for new commercial perspectives. Check submission guidelines to know what they are expecting in your submission. For example, CBC Radio Canada lists specific criteria for dramas and comedies, so writers should submit with that in mind.

    • 4

      Write a cover letter addressing it to a person who deals with submissions and not to a generic 'Sir' or 'Madam' as this shows lack of research.

    • 5

      Send your pitch to a TV producer and only pitch to one producer at a time, as it is standard practice.

    • 6

      Pitching your idea in-front of a TV producer, if you get the rare opportunity, you need to be well-prepared and able to verbally communicate your idea with clarity, brevity and passion. Be bold without being arrogant but you need to really sell your idea to the producer.

Screen Writing

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