Writing my first sitcom pilot. Taking the screenwriting course with Spencer Robinson - it is amazing. Highly recommend it.
My question is - have I got a chance for a successful pitch on my first try? Anyone out there had success with their first sitcom pitch?
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Regardless of what happens as long as you can learn from the pitching process it will always improve. Its something that takes a lot of practice to get right sometimes. If you can, ask for feedback whether you're successful or not.
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Define "success"?
If success means a pilot sale to a corporation/studio/network (actual money in exchange for tv idea), very unlikely.
If success means a rep signs you off a sample pitch and writing samples- maybe.
Thanks friends. Insightful help!
There's always a chance but it's highly unlikely. All the best & good luck to you.
Thanks Doug.
Not my place to speak in front of these giants, I would say, just look at the odds from numbers you see around you, they're going to tell you bluntly, the only reason to write is you believe in your story and an idea needs to see a wider expression. Just don't quit if you want it.
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Thanks Sandeep. Having fun with the process. I just needed to know there is a chance, however small it may be, to make a convincing pitch.
Odds aren't that small either, and you got it right. Fun's the name of the game my friend!
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I was very lucky early in my career when my writing partner and I sold our first pitch - a comedy sketch series on Canadian TV. We pitched to the VP, who then called in the President, and we re-pitched it to him. They got a very well known writer/comedy star from Toronto on the phone (that they had been exploring TV ideas with) and we walked out with an agreement to write and produce the pilot. It subsequently sold to a network with 78 episodes produced. Looking back on it the key to it were.....prove we had comedy chops (I had to stand up and do some comedy impressions from my standup act and my partner showed some scripts from some shows that were in production and for which he ad sold them a few). A lot of it was back and forth, ideas, But it began with a clear one-line description, "a weekly satire of a television newscast". Luck and timing were on our side too!
Paul Zalzal congratulations on that!
Quick question, do you have a link to the screenwriting class you mention? Thanks
Thanks Barry and Hunter. Ward, the course is Spencer Robinson’s pilot 6 week writing course.
sure... the problem is not to get the first, but to continue within the twister once it starts !
and
sitcom are character develpment based - cause the actor hired is to be the star.
if you only have a pilot, the power people will feel that it 'has no legs'