Television Pitching Skills

mcphedran co ukcoaching people

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Perfect PitchingAlec McPhedran

Galway Freelancers March 2008


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Workshop Aim

The aim of the workshop is to develop and practice effective

pitching technique


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Developing Ideas

1. Know the person2. Know the company3. What is the reason your are

pitching to this person and this company?

4. Why make this programme?


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Developing Creative Ideas

Talent Trends Access Watch TV Know the slot Look ahead Intelligence Intellectual Property (IP)


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Ideas Into Action

Invent ideas Know the commissioners Broadcaster facilities What would the tag line say? Production spend Confidence and belief in your

idea Contacting the right channel


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The First Contact

Only email if you have been asked

Attend networking events Consider co-production Work through broadcasters

commissioning sites


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Main Broadcaster Considerations

BBC funded by licence payers so public service remit

ITV need shows with wide commercial value

Channel 4 also need commercial revenue but also ‘innovative’ ideas


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Overview of Pitching

Be prepared Have lots of ideas Make the most of the time Build your brand Sell your capabilities Even if it’s a ‘no’, leave them

remembering you


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Effective Pitching

Plan for a full hour Order and flow of the pitch Research the commissioner Try and be different – not

wacky If specialist, know your subject Anticipate problems and

respond positively Funded development


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Development Money

Constant communication Deliver on time and to the brief Keep it simple and straight

forward


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Investing Development Money

Talent trawls and casting Contributors research Developing proposals Access to people and places Research costs Developing format and running

order Development of a clear

production budget


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Example £5000 Development Spend

Talent trawl Running order Taster tape Scenarios Sample multi-media package

including web and mobile


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Closing Deals

Agree follow up date for feedback

Pitch other ideas Be realistic of the economics of

scale Thank or interest, ideas and

time Confirm next stages


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The Editorial Specification

Critical part of production Worth the effort of working

through properly Be familiar with current Terms

of Trade issues Once signed – that’s it. Place the first invoice


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Terms of Trade

Independent production companies retain the rights to their programmes. Check with PACT for current negotiations

with broadcasters


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UK Commissioning

bbc.co.uk/commissioning itv.com/about channel4.com/corporate/

4producers five.tv/aboutfive/producersnotes


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IP, Copyright and Patents

World Intellectual Property Organisation

wipo.int

UK Patent Office

patent.gov.uk


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Key Rules of Pitching a Programme

Research the idea Look for the unique factor Develop the idea Write the treatment Research the market Network Prepare and work the pitch


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Thank YouContact Details

Alec McPhedran 07778 211 855

[email protected]

www.mcphedran.co.uk

Business

Television Pitching Skills