TV Series Proposal Format

[ReoA]

A while back, there was a thread in which a writer listed what they said was a perfect (format wise) sample of a proposal for a tv series. Now I've searched but can't find it. Anybody remember it and able to where to find it - or another sample?

[jillybob]

Not sure if this what you're looking for, but John August has his pitch for "DC" up at his site here: http://johnaugust.com/downloads_ripley/dc-what-it-is.pdf

It basically covers what the series is about, what the themes are, who the characters are/where they're going, and what several future episodes would be. I've found it to be a decent template for a pitch/proposal/synopsis, except that in place of detailed breakdowns of future episodes, I just outlined what the structure of a basic episode would be, and then sketched out the main arc of the first season.

Hopefully this suits your needs, or is at least a good start.

[ReoA]

Jillybob,

Thanks. If I find the other one, I'll let you know so you can take a look at it too. It's more basic and visual in approach. (I suspect August can get away with less than I can, as a first timer.)

Thanks again.

[ReoA]

Jillybob,

I found it and sent you the link in a PM. (I don't know if the writer would approve or not of me posting it here. So I didn't.) But I thought it presented her vision in a clear, straight-forward, and visual manner.

[Scribble]

nice to see a little activity in the writing for tv section again.

[ReoA]

She had originally posted the link on TVwriter.com. She said it was okay to post here and even gave me a second sample. (Thanks, Whatie.) They're as follows:

http://www.writesafe.com/storage9/stolenheroleavebehindrevised.pdf (http://www.writesafe.com/storage9/stolenheroleavebehindrevised.pdf)
http://www.writesafe.com/storage9/highwaytoleavebehindfinished.pdf (http://www.writesafe.com/storage9/highwaytoleavebehindfinished.pdf)

[Minibrain]

There is no "format" for a TV series proposal.

TV series are generally pitched, verbally, by the creator. Who is almost always the writer.

[odocoileus]

The leavbehinds from WriteSafe look pretty good.


Some other experts chime in,


http://complicationsensue.blogspot.com/2007/04/pitching-networks.html

I generally like a 3-6 page pitch doc that says what the show is. That way the exec I meet can pass it up the chain; otherwise it's just the exec's recap that gets passed up the chain. Also, it's easier to prove it was your idea. A good friend of mine who's a veteran writer uses one page leave behinds. But I like to work out more of the details of a show before I pitch it. Working up 3-6 pages forces me to come up with springboards, that forces me to nail down the relationships, and I often discover (and hopefully fix) problems when I have to do that.


http://twoadverbs.blogspot.com/2007_03_01_archive.html

In addition to the pilot script, provide the show’s concept (logline).

Then offer up a more detailed synopsis (a page in length) of the series, suggesting its scope and trajectory.

Also include a breakdown of the recurring characters (about half a page for each) – which should give the reader an idea of backstory, how they interface with the concept and the interrelationships. TV is character based. Even shows that seem to lack a dimensional dramatis personae were all sold based on the strength of the characters.

Finally, include six to eight loglines for potential episodes.

The subtext of the presentation must allow the reader to understand the architecture of the show, see the movement from episode to episode and season to season and even provide an idea of the "producibility" of the project.