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I have a unique and rather compelling concept for a TV series based on true events. I have completed a well written pilot that has been reviewed by professionals. I want to pitch the idea and pilot to specific production companies that have a history of success in this genre.
The question is: what do I include in the initial pitch I send to them besides the basics of things like Show name, logline, genre and a page outline?
Must I send the complete pilot? Must I send the bible (which I do not have yet?
Unfortunately as an unknown like most of us here, the production companies capable of creating (quality) TV series won't give you the time of day unless you are referred to them by an agent.
You can try a cold query, sometimes that gets a meeting or a request for more info. Basically, you need a query letter with an elevator pitch, something which is short but somehow gets across the whole concept and hooks the reader. It's tricky to pull off but possible.
Then you need to find production company people and their email addresses. If you send your pitch to their standard info email address they will most likely be rejected. It's a case of identifying which companies produce the type of show you have written, then scouring placed like IMDB Pro to see if you can get an email address or guess it. You can guess a lot of them, most are their name followed by @ and then the name of the production company .com.
It's a labyrinth! Good luck!
EDIT - Another tip is to enter the pilot into some high profile competitions. It is a long shot, but if you win one of these then this may help your queries.
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