How to Create and Pitch an Idea for a Reality TV Show

Co-authored by Lucy V. Hay

Last Updated: December 3, 2023 Approved

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.

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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

Create a unique "hook" for your show.

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It should also fuel the ultimate result that we witness.

3

Dream up a captivating title.

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A title should be clever, clear, have impact, and tell us what we're essentially watching.

4

Write a synopsis.

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The focus of your synopsis will be different depending on the type of show you're pitching. 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.

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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.

6

Get proof of creation before pitching.

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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.

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Never send your pitch unsolicited, but DO send a direct query requesting permission to submit your reality show pitch for their consideration.

8

Use TV industry websites to your advantage.

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Use websites that producers use for scouting new TV show ideas and formats. 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.

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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.

10

Consult with an attorney before signing a deal.

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When a production company is interested, they will propose an "Option Agreement" for your project. 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Warnings

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

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