I have a 40 page outline of a TV Drama Series titled "White Dragon" with full episode description (for the first ten episodes), character profiles, and plot outline which extends through to Season Three. I also have the pilot script finished and ready to send out. My question is, as a package deal, how do you go about sending something like this out to television networks and/or producers? I know there's an intriguing, complex story that would make for good television. I just need the advice of anyone who knows of the process necessary to take the next step with my writing.
Screenwriting : What is the process in selling a television drama to a television network or producer? by Jeremy Hunter
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Jeremy:
If you want to pitch a show, tighten up your pilot, and if it's an hour drama I would format it like this Grey's Anatomy breakdown:
The Grey’s Anatomy pilot:
• Teaser – 3 pages
• Act One – 11 pages
• Act Two – 11.5 pages
• Act Three – 8 pages
• Act Four – 9 pages
• Act Five – 8 pages
Then I would put together a show bible only for the first season. I would include your character descriptions, no more than a few sentences. I would include an overall show synopsis and the a synopsis of 8 to 10 episodes if it's cable. But no more than 12. Each show synopsis should be no more than three to five paragraphs. You may want to consider including character arcs for your protagonist and antagonist.
In your show synopsis, you may want to consider comparing your pilot to similar shows like Narcos or Queen of the South. Then decide who you're going to try to pitch. Join IMDB pro and look up television producers and send them query letters. You may also wish to try Virtual Pitch and look for TV producers and the kind of genre shows they're looking for.
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What he said! I don't think anyone will ever read that 40 page outline but it's good to have to create smaller docs and to just have the knowledge of the world for meetings and whatnot.
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I read that the teaser should never be more than two minutes. True or not?
Peter - you makin' up your own rules here? In the tv world, teasers are usually in the two to four minute range designed into 30 second blocks to work with the advertising requirements - but not always. So the hard & simple answer to your question is; False.
I read that someplace.. I was to told watch the CSI teasers. Somebody lied to me.