I continue to meet people who think they’re going to get rich overnight and that cutting corners in their show development is a reasonable idea. It seems people think this is an easy business to get into; that those of us who work in the biz somehow lucked into our jobs. Well we didn’t.
We busted our asses to get here and we bust our asses everyday to stay here. It’s not an easy business. BUT, the good news it’s attainable for people who have good ideas and are willing to work hard.
The Execs you will pitch your show have worked their tails off to get to their positions. They have studied, worked nights and weekends, and continue to strive to be at the top of their game to remain in their jobs.
So why would it make sense to bring these people an idea that you haven’t put much effort into?
It doesn’t.
The good news is there are lots of people trying to sell their show ideas while doing the least amount of work possible. They get an idea, book a meeting, and walk into that meeting wholly unprepared to tell the Exec what an episode looks like, who the characters are, what Broadcaster it is for, and who is going to watch it.
But, if you are willing to do the work, these people’s unpreparedness is actually going to make you look good! The Exec’s will be relieved when you have answers to their questions. They will be happy you’ve done your homework, happy they didn’t waste their time taking a meeting with you, and more than happy that there is a chance your show might be the one they’ve been looking for!
So, all you have to do is not take shortcuts. All you have to do is do your research and homework. All you have to do is actually develop your show idea past an idea and into a show an Executive can visualize on the screen.
It’s not easy. It’s not for everyone. And it’s definitely not something that is going to be accomplished overnight.
BUT! The good news is, it’s achievable. And there’s enough people taking the shortcuts that if you do the work it’s not that hard for you to stand out and have your show be seen by the decision makers.
So, which group are you going to be in? The one that thinks they’re going to get rich overnight? Or the one that makes the Execs happy they took the meeting?