PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

This article provides aspiring writers and creators a step-by-step guide for creating and pitching new Reality TV show ideas for the television industry.

1

Choose a category.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This may be a "Docu-Style" series that shows viewers a unique world, family, lifestyle or business. Or it may be a competition series with a structured format, leading to an ultimate winner or specific result.
  2. Advertisement
2

Create a unique "hook" for your show.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It should also fuel the ultimate result that we witness.
3

Dream up a captivating title.

PDF download Download Article
  1. A title should be clever, clear, have impact, and tell us what we're essentially watching.
  2. Advertisement
4

Write a synopsis.

PDF download Download Article
  1. For example, if you're creating a docu-series format, focus on describing the people involved and their relationships. You'll also want to describe the unique world the show takes place in and the potential events that will unfold.
    • If you're creating a competition format, focus on writing a synopsis of the "arc" of the series that describes how the competition works and progresses over the course of the season. This may involve the elimination of contestants based on competition or choices by judges or other person, or it may involve points or votes awarded that lead to a single winner each episode or at season end.
5

Write a 1 to 4 page pitch.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Once you create and write your Title, Logline, and Synopsis, you should ideally have a very brief but impactful pitch between 1 and 4 pages.
  2. Advertisement
6

Get proof of creation before pitching.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This provides third party proof that you created this specific and unique expression of a TV format at a specific date and time.
7

Research potential producers.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Never send your pitch unsolicited, but DO send a direct query requesting permission to submit your reality show pitch for their consideration.
  2. Advertisement
8

Use TV industry websites to your advantage.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Production companies scouting on websites like the TV Writers Vault are required to agree to a "Non Disclosure" agreement, and are tracked electronically by the database as they read your pitch.
    • Although most companies do not take unsolicited pitches, it is still critical that you make efforts to find direct connections to development executives and producers at production companies.
    • Some will take a pitch submission, and most will require you to sign a "Material Release Form" which acknowledges their role within the creative TV Industry and the fact that they may already be working on a similar or identical project, and therefore have the right to produce such.
9

Pitch in person.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Follow that with specific descriptions of what we're potentially seeing unfold in the show. But don't get bogged down in too much detail. You want to give the powerful highlights in very efficient beats. This may include the specific challenges, or ultimatums and contestants or subjects face.
  2. Advertisement
10

Consult with an attorney before signing a deal.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This gives the production company exclusive rights, for a limited time period (typically 12 months) to sell your TV show idea to a network. Be sure to consult with an Attorney before signing any deal.
    • A standard production deal for a TV show idea should include an on-screen "Created by" credit, some form of production credit, a per-episode fee (usually a percentage of the show's per episode budget), and small percentage of the production company's profits.
    • If you want to be a screenwriter, read screenplays online. You can visit simplyscripts.com or the BBC writer's room.
    • Join Facebook groups to read other want-to-be screenwriters' work, swap work with other writers, and watch movies and television.
    • Analyze the story's concept, structure, plotting, and role of various characters.

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Where do I submit my idea for a reality TV show?
    Community Answer
    Most production companies don't take unsolicited pitches. If you don't have direct connections to pitch, you'll want to use an online marketplace like tvwritersvault.com, where producers scout new projects. They provide electronic proof of review, and all activity is monitored. Most of the major companies use that pitching platform to scout, and they're in agreement with an NDA, which you can't get in the traditional process of pitching big companies.
  • Question
    Can I make my own reality show, even if I'm not in showbiz?
    Community Answer
    Of course you can. You just need to cast some roles, and have the props and setting.
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Create and pitch many different TV show ideas. It takes a lot of tries to get the right project to connect with the right Producer.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Never send your TV show pitch to anyone unsolicited. Production Companies do not accept unsolicited material for your and their protection.
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing tips, check out our in-depth interview with Lucy V. Hay .

      References

      1. http://www.tvwritersvault.com/creating/create_and_pitch_reality_tv_shows.asp
      2. http://www.tvwritersvault.com
      3. http://www.creatorsvault.com
      4. Creating and Pitching TV Show Ideas | The TV Writers Vault [1]
      5. TV Industry Scouting Database | TV Writers Vault [2]
      6. Good In A Room: How To Pitch and Sell Your Reality TV Show
      7. Intellectual Property Archival & Protection [3]

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 143,613 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Temira Hargrove

        Jun 6, 2016

        "Very provocative. Pushes me to action. Thanks for the information."
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement