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Jeff Van Gonka
06-20-2008, 06:57 PM
Hi,
I'm new to this forum, so thanks for reading and responding to my question. I have written 4 spec episodes including 26 synopses of a very unique mini series targeting inspirational and family markets. I have it well developed and am ready to sell it. It seems to me that this show would be great for ABC Family, or similar TV. Would anyone know the correct contact at ABC Family that I should try pitching to? I'll cold call-no problem with that, but it's easier if I have a direct name. I don't have an agent but have been in the film business as an art director for 26 years. (like that matters, I guess) Thanks for your help and advice in advance!

Jeff

LIMAMA
06-20-2008, 09:19 PM
From one contact I have who deals with them, inspirational is NOT what ABC Family is looking for, sorry. I was told they want edgy, high concept stuff.

Jeff Van Gonka
06-20-2008, 11:11 PM
From one contact I have who deals with them, inspirational is NOT what ABC Family is looking for, sorry. I was told they want edgy, high concept stuff.
Interesting. I don't want to make it sound like a "religious" show, it's just that it has positive themes with a deep story arc that "feels good". Do you have any suggestions for who might want something of hat nature. I know I'm generalizing, but if someone could get me in the zip code I would be grateful...h, it IS a high concept...

LIMAMA
06-21-2008, 08:35 AM
I would suggest hitting HCD, IMDB, looking for producers who might be a good fit.

Jeff Van Gonka
06-21-2008, 09:28 AM
Thanks LIMAMA, I'll do that. I'm new to this marketing aspect of writing,but eventually I'll get it!

Thanks for your help.

Jeff

GreatOz
06-21-2008, 10:18 AM
Limama's right about ABC FAMILY -- they're only after edgy stuff, their target audience late teens to late twenties. They reinvented themselves a couple years back.

Hallmark Channel does "light" inspirational, but no series. Only one-shot telemovies with an occasional sequel.

I think you've got a tough sell on your hands.

You might try Canadian producers like Muse Entertainment. The Canadian market often goes for things that wouldn't fly here.

I know it's too late now, but the best thing to do is know the marketplace BEFORE you develop something.

Jeff Van Gonka
06-21-2008, 10:41 AM
Hey, it's all a tough sell sometimes. Thanks for the advice. I have the shows written in 11, and 22 minute segments, so maybe I can find a fit in some ancillary market. I wrote them modular in the event someone wants "minisodes" for some reason. My little experiment.