How to Pitch a Show to Netflix: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Pitching Process
Pitching a show to Netflix is a competitive and highly selective process. Netflix receives thousands of pitches every year, and only a small percentage of them are selected for production. To increase your chances of getting your show on Netflix, it’s essential to understand the pitching process and what makes a great pitch.
Step 1: Research and Preparation
Before pitching your show, it’s crucial to research the current trends and popular shows on Netflix. Netflix has a vast library of content, and understanding what types of shows are currently popular can help you tailor your pitch to appeal to their audience. Make sure you have a solid understanding of the show’s concept, target audience, and marketability.
Here are some key things to consider when researching Netflix:
- Genre: Netflix has a diverse range of genres, including drama, comedy, sci-fi, and fantasy. Identify the genre that best fits your show.
- Target audience: Understand who your target audience is. Are they young adults, families, or older adults?
- Marketability: Consider how your show will appeal to Netflix’s audience. Will it be a hit or a miss?
Step 2: Crafting Your Pitch
Your pitch should be concise, clear, and compelling. Keep it short and sweet, ideally 1-2 pages. Use a clear and concise writing style, avoiding jargon and technical terms that might confuse the Netflix team.
Here are some key things to include in your pitch:
- Show concept: Clearly describe your show’s concept, including the main characters, plot, and setting.
- Target audience: Identify your target audience and explain how your show will appeal to them.
- Marketability: Highlight how your show will appeal to Netflix’s audience.
- Unique selling points: Identify what sets your show apart from other shows on Netflix.
Step 3: Preparing Your Materials
To increase your chances of getting your show on Netflix, it’s essential to prepare your materials in advance. Make sure you have the following:
- Show bible: Create a show bible that outlines the show’s concept, characters, and plot.
- Pitch document: Prepare a pitch document that includes your show concept, target audience, and marketability.
- Visuals: Create any necessary visuals, such as concept art or character designs.
- Test scripts: Prepare any necessary test scripts.
Here are some key things to include in your materials:
- Show bible: Include all relevant information about your show, including characters, plot, and setting.
- Pitch document: Clearly and concisely explain your show’s concept, target audience, and marketability.
- Visuals: Use any necessary visuals to help bring your show to life.
- Test scripts: Prepare any necessary test scripts.
Step 4: Submitting Your Pitch
Once you’ve prepared your materials, it’s time to submit your pitch. Make sure you follow Netflix’s submission guidelines. Submit your pitch through Netflix’s website or email.
Here are some key things to include in your submission:
- Show title: Include the title of your show.
- Genre: Specify the genre of your show.
- Target audience: Identify your target audience.
- Marketability: Highlight how your show will appeal to Netflix’s audience.
- Unique selling points: Identify what sets your show apart from other shows on Netflix.
Tips and Tricks
- Be authentic: Be true to your show’s concept and vision.
- Show enthusiasm: Show your passion for your show.
- Be prepared: Be prepared to answer questions and provide additional information.
- Follow up: Follow up with Netflix to let them know you’re still interested in their show.
Conclusion
Pitching a show to Netflix is a competitive and highly selective process. To increase your chances of getting your show on Netflix, it’s essential to research the current trends and popular shows on Netflix, craft a compelling pitch, prepare your materials, and submit your pitch through Netflix’s website or email. Remember to be authentic, show enthusiasm, be prepared, and follow up. With persistence and hard work, you can increase your chances of getting your show on Netflix.