Pilot under "discussion" at cable net

[Nashrambler]

My pilot has been pitched and requested at a cable net. it's a sitcom -- my first. i've been in the biz for over 30 years on the crew/directing side and have little exp with series development.

I hope I can get a bit of a road map here -- a "what you can expect" response. They've had it for a month and will "discuss It" this week together. if they want to move forward, what would they offer me? I assume an option. If they are WGA sigs, then some $$, too. If not that, then what?


Any info is appreciated!
Thanks,

Nash

[artisone]

When you say requested, do you mean they bought the pitch and you'll be writing the pilot?

[Nashrambler]

Sorry about the confusion. I mean that the pilot script was requested for review after I pitched it. They've had it for a month and will be discussion it at the net this week.

[artisone]

Here's the WGA schedule of minimums. Depending on the network, you might get the absolute minimum, or a little more.

http://www.wga.org/uploadedFiles/writers_resources/contracts/min2008.pdf

[Nashrambler]

Thanks, artisone. It would be great if they called and offered a deal right away, but my guess is they will want to do some intermediate "development" without pay. Or is it a choice for them of a deal and a check or a "no thanks"?

[artisone]

Thanks, artisone. It would be great if they called and offered a deal right away, but my guess is they will want to do some intermediate "development" without pay. Or is it a choice for them of a deal and a check or a "no thanks"?

They would not be able to develop without paying you (rewriting, etc.), at least in theory. They have to purchase your pilot first in order to develop it. After that they might sneak some free work from you.

[Nashrambler]

Thanks, artisone. I'm guessing, too, that they would prob. be looking to "partner" me with a prod co. they know and trust.

[MargoChanning]

First, good luck with the pilot.

Secondly, how in hell were you able to pitch directly to a cable network?
Was it to the VP of of Original Programming, or what?

I'm just very curious as these people are generally hard to get to directly.

Thanks in advance for your response.

[Nashrambler]

First, good luck with the pilot.

Secondly, how in hell were you able to pitch directly to a cable network?
Was it to the VP of of Original Programming, or what?

I'm just very curious as these people are generally hard to get to directly.

Thanks in advance for your response.


I paid $200 to FadeIn magazine to pitch to 5 companies I chose from a list of participants-- prod co's and this network were available choices. The pitches were over Skype, form my semi-comfortable office in Nashville. I pitched this pilot and two ideas for features according to the BG I got on the web before the pitches. I was asked for more material by four of them, so, so far, so good.

[jimjimgrande]

that's amazing. you must pitch very well.

I hope they buy it , even though it means I will have to eat so many of my words about how the tv business works.

[peasblossom]

Good luck to you Nashrambler! I did Fade-In's Skype pitchfest last June and got a good number of requests for scripts as well. It's a good way to "attend" a pitchfest, without leaving home.

[Nashrambler]

Thansk, Peas! I appreciate the support. I've been told the script is moving to the "button-pushing" committee, and i'll know something solid this week.

Still find it hard to believe it myself, and understand that it must get harder to pass each step the further you go.

I don't think, by the way, that I'm such a good pitcher, artisone. I think this is a really good fit for this network. And it's a good idea and script.

But we'll see...

[Nashrambler]

Peasblossom, how have the pithces you did in the online end up? I got requests for material from 5 companies, but despite an email to them all a month later, I've not heard a word except for the pilot.

They were all legit firms -- I checked them out on the web before the pitching began. Is this how it is?

[Nashrambler]

I don't think, by the way, that I'm such a good pitcher, artisone.


Sorry -- I meant jimjim. My mistake.

[cgarrett07]

Nash, I know how you feel. When I was introduced to my director buddy and he mentioned that he wanted to focus on features and not television, he talked me into doing movies with him.

I like you still can't believe this is happening and I guess I won't until I get that first paycheck (which I will frame)

[Nashrambler]

Update:

They passed on the pilot this week. There is a religious element in the comedy line that is fundamental (no pun intended)and is scaring away many folks. I was asked by the dev exec I originally pitched to to please bring him whatever else I come up with, so it wasn't the writing.

I think I have to take it to Showtime or HBO, but I last heard HBO is looking for "woman- oriented" ideas and this has 3 guys in it. Don't know how true it is.

Any ideas to get to those nets w/out an agent are highly appreciated!

Thanks,

Nashrambler

[jimjimgrande]

sorry it didn't work out and thanks for keeping us posted

[LIMAMA]

Good luck Nash, but I wish I knew how to get to HBO too. I have a "woman oriented" show idea which would be perfect for them.

[NikeeGoddess]

Good luck Nash, but I wish I knew how to get to HBO too. I have a "woman oriented" show idea which would be perfect for them.showtime s having success with quite a few woman-protag shows. but don't forget amc and tnt. they'll want to hop on the ride as well.