Learn from an Emmy-nominated producer who's crafted over 350 pitches!

See sample pitch decks & get a downloadable TV pitch checklist

PLEASE NOTE: Although this exclusive Stage 32 class is no longer live and the teacher is not available on email, we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

The difference between your project happening and not happening is usually your pitch. Pitching is where the rubber meets the road in your creative career, and you had better be ready to give your project its very best chance when the moment presents itself.

Sam Sokolow has put almost 20 original shows onto TV, including the 20- time Emmy-nominated limited series GENIUS for National Geographic Channel and Disney+. The fourth season of GENIUS - GENIUS MLK/X - which depicts the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X recently was released.

To accomplish this goal, Sam has set up close to 75 projects at networks, studios and streamers in his career. And to do that, he has crafted over 350 pitches that have been heard by every major streamer, network, and distributor in the world.

Sam has certain principles that he brings to every pitch, a format that he has found consistent success with, and a spirit that he feels makes all the difference. He believes anyone can craft a great pitch and do it in their own style.

In this exclusive Stage 32 4-session on-demand class, Sam will share everything he knows about pitching and put you in a position to build your best pitches for your own projects.

You'll cover all the materials you need to pitch a television series in today's market, how to determine who to pitch to, how to craft a fantastic pitch, and more!

You'll also review multiple pitches and pitch decks Sam has done and be provided with a REAL pitch deck used to sell to networks and streaming platforms and a pitch preparation checklist from the instructor. 

Sam has pitched TV series and films to small and large rooms of executives, at conferences, and in every virtual format that exists. He will teach you all of his principles for crafting your best pitch for any project and share insights that have allowed him to build a career through pitching at a consistently high level... his philosophy has always been "we may not always get a sale, but we will always have a great pitch."

PLUS! You will receive:

• A downloadable Ultimate TV Pitch Checklist
• Pilot script of Sam's Emmy-nominated show GENIUS

Praise For Sam's Teaching on Stage 32:

"I'm so glad I got to work with Sam. His knowledge is very evident in his teaching and I'm better for it! After taking this course, I feel much more confident in pitching." -- Carolyn R.

"There's a lot of info I learned here that I had no idea I didn't know. The pitch can really sink or swim your project, so I can't express the importance of learning this material enough!" -- Amanda H.

Session 1 – The Pitch Essentials

A great pitch starts with a great understanding of your project, the marketplace, and, most importantly, a strategy that gets the people you are pitching - the buyers and prospective partners - excited to be involved. They need to see how your project will work for their audience and also be a feather in their cap as an executive or partner. In this class, we explore those key fundamentals so you can begin crafting a pitch that gets noticed.

• What really is a pitch
• Crafting an idea that sells
• Building the pillars of your project & pitch
• Identifying the right kind of pitch for your project

Q&A with Sam

Assignment: Write your own original logline for an existing show that is currently on air to share with the class

Session 2 – Building your pitch

What should your pitch look like? What materials should you have? Who should be involved? What do you need to be prepared? In this session, you will learn how to set your project and pitch up for success.

• Building your Pitch
• The pitch Materials
• The Pitching Materials timeline
• Who should be a part of your pitch, and what are their roles
• Rehearsing your pitch for success

Q&A with Sam

Assignment: Pick one of your own ideas and write down TWO current shows that you think are good comparisons for a pitch and tell me WHY they are strong "comps" together

Session 3 – The Pitch logistics

Finding the right company and then person to pitch to and setting up the meeting can be hard to navigate, but there is a way. Then deciding the best way to approach the pitch, the best medium, and getting clear on your goals are super key. Sam breaks it down so you can prepare to nail the pitch.

• Finding the Right companies to pitch
• Identifying the right person to reach out to
• Setting up the pitch
• Beyond just selling - your greater pitch goals
• The best pitch medium for your project

Q&A with Sam

Assignment: Prepare a one-minute pitch of an original idea to share with the class

Session 4 – Rocking the Pitch and Follow Up

Our final class focuses on rocking your pitch. Filled with tips and tricks on what to do and how to avoid common pitfalls. The differences between pitching in person versus zoom, how to deal with feedback, creating a personal connection, and the importance of the follow-up. We will also wrap up the pitch process with your final questions.

• Conducting yourself with grace
• Tips to Nailing the pitch
• The keys to pitching in person
• The keys to pitching via zoom
• The art of following up

Q&A with Sam

PLEASE NOTE: Although this exclusive Stage 32 class is no longer live and the teacher is not available on email, we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to effectively pitch a TV project.

All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to prep and shoot their film.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to effectively pitch a TV project.

Producers who want to better understand TV pitches to companies in the entertainment industry.

Actors who want to understand TV pitches to companies in the entertainment industry.