How to Write a TV Show Pitch Deck That Gets Funded (+Templates)

What does a TV show pitch deck look like?

You might think a simple PDF could launch the next Grey’s Anatomy– after all, this classic show started its journey as just that, but times have changed.

Interactive TV show pitch deck formats immerse producers in your vision, creating an experience that static formats just can’t match.

They bring your show to life with multimedia elements readers can scroll through at their own pace or videos you can embed and play directly within the deck.

This way, you can weave in teasers of your show’s look and feel, character sketches, and even pilot episode snippets.

This is what an interactive TV show pitch deck looks like:

How to write a pitch deck for a TV show (slide by slide)

Creating a TV show pitch deck is like telling a story before the story itself gets told. It’s your golden opportunity to make your TV show idea irresistible to networks and investors.

You need to make every component count to leave a lasting impression and convince network executives that your show is the next big hit.

Here’s how to do it in a few easy steps.

What to include in a TV show pitch deck?

1. Logline (Elevator pitch)
2. Show synopsis
3. Target audience
4. Market positioning
5. Visual style and tone
6. Main characters
7. Production details
8. Production timeline
9. Team
10. Marketing and distribution plan
11. Additional materials
12. Next steps

1) Logline (Elevator pitch)

The logline is your first hook. It’s a single sentence that encapsulates the core conflict and unique aspect of your show.

For a detective series, it might be: “A retired detective is lured back to solve the one case that has haunted him his entire career.”

Or, if ‘Friends’ were pitched today, its logline might be: “Six friends navigate the ups and downs of life and love in New York City.”

Your logline should be equally engaging, offering a snapshot of your show’s plot and appeal.

2) Synopsis

A show synopsis should give an overview of the main plot and key events. Start with a short version (1-2 paragraphs) to summarize the core story.

Then, provide a full version with more detail, covering major plot points and character arcs. Focus on the beginning, middle, and end, highlighting the main conflicts and themes.

Keep it engaging and clear, avoiding unnecessary details while giving a sense of the show’s direction and tone.

Most importantly, your pitch should resonate emotionally. Whether it’s through a relatable protagonist or a universal theme like love, loss, or redemption, find the emotional core of your story and bring it to the forefront of your pitch.

3) Target audience

The target audience section should describe who the show is made for. Identify the key demographics, like age, gender, and interests. Mention any specific groups that might connect with the show’s themes, style, or genre.

Include details about viewing habits, such as fans of similar shows or trends in TV. Keep it concise, showing how your show meets the interests and needs of its audience.

4) Market positioning

Market positioning explains how your show stands out in the TV landscape. Highlight what makes it unique compared to similar shows—whether it’s the concept, tone, or style.

Mention current trends it aligns with and why it fills a gap in the market. Show how it appeals to both audiences and networks, emphasizing its potential to attract viewers and succeed in a competitive environment.

5) Visual style and tone

The visual style and tone section describes the show’s overall look and feel. Is it a dystopian future, a historical past, or a reflection of the modern world?

Feel free to use references to films or TV shows to give a sense of its atmosphere, whether it’s dark and gritty or bright and whimsical.

Discuss elements like colour schemes, cinematography, and set design. Explain how the tone—be it humorous, dramatic, or suspenseful—supports the story. This helps convey the show’s unique vibe to potential networks and viewers.

6) Main characters

The main characters section introduces the key players in your show.

Give a brief description of each character, including their personality, motivations, and role in the story. Highlight their strengths, flaws, and unique traits that drive the plot forward.

Mention how they interact with each other and evolve throughout the series. This helps paint a clear picture of the show’s dynamics and what makes these characters compelling.

If you have a cast wishlist, it’s optional but can be a great way to show who you envision in key roles and how they fit the characters.

7) Production details

The production details section covers key aspects of how the show will be made. Include information on the proposed format, episode length, and number of episodes.

Mention the filming locations, budget range, and any special production elements like visual effects.

8) Production timeline

The production timeline outlines the schedule for bringing the show to completion. Include key phases like pre-production, filming, and post-production, with estimated dates for each.

Mention milestones such as casting, shooting start, editing, and final delivery. This gives a clear view of the project’s progress and helps manage expectations for when the show will be ready for release.

9) Team

The team section highlights the key people behind the project. Include short bios for the creators, writers, directors, and producers, focusing on their experience and past work.

Mention any standout projects or collaborations that show they can make this show a success. This helps show why the team is the right fit to bring the story to life.

10) Marketing and distribution plan

The marketing and distribution plan explains how you’ll get the show in front of your target audience.

Include strategies like social media campaigns, trailers, or partnerships to build buzz. Highlight any unique angles, like tie-ins or events, to attract viewers.

Mention potential distribution channels, like streaming services, networks or OTT platforms, that align with the show’s audience. This shows you’ve thought through not just how to make the show, but also how to ensure it reaches and engages viewers.

11) Additional materials

The additional materials section can include items like a pilot script, teasers, or a series bible. Adding these can strengthen your pitch by providing more context and a clearer sense of the show’s potential.

12) Next steps

The next steps slide outlines what you want producers to do next. Clearly state your ask, whether it’s scheduling a meeting, reading the pilot script, or considering a partnership.

Include a brief call to action and, if possible, embed your calendar to make it easy for them to book a time with you. This slide helps move the conversation forward and shows you’re prepared and organized.

And remember, unlike the ‘Marry Me’ pitch, let’s keep it professional – no inappropriate offers, even if you’re really, really keen on selling your show! 😉

8 tips for writing a persuasive a TV show pich deck

When it comes to pitching TV shows, who better to learn from than Judd Apatow and the queen of TV dramas herself, Shonda Rhimes. Drawing from their experience, here’s how to make your pitch stand out.

1. Write the pilot first: Before you dive into the full pitch, get that pilot script polished. It’s your golden ticket. A strong pilot can open doors for those crucial face-to-face meetings.
2. Get to the point: Apatow’s golden rule – keep it short. Your pitch should be like a great tweet: brief, punchy, and memorable. Can you sum up your story in the time it takes to ride an elevator? That’s the goal.
3. Emotion is key: Rhimes knows drama, and she’ll tell you: hook them with emotion. Your story should tug at the heartstrings or tickle the funny bone – sometimes both.
4. Know your story’s future: Don’t just have a great opener; know where you’re heading. Can you outline seasons 2 and 3? Show them you’re not a one-hit wonder but a saga creator.
5. Practice makes perfect: Rehearse your pitch until it feels like a chat with a friend. You’ve got less than half an hour to make an impression, so make every minute count.
6. Do your homework: Tailor your pitch to your audience. Show that you’ve done your research and know exactly why your show would be a perfect fit for their network.
7. Passion sells: Bring energy to the room. If you’re not excited about your show, why should they be?
8. Ditch the slides: Seriously, leave the PowerPoint at home. This is your story, not a board meeting. Let your words paint the picture.

Interactive TV show pitch deck templates

Creating TV show pitch decks can be tricky because they often need lots of multimedia, like images or teaser videos, which static decks can’t handle well.

Interactive TV show pitch deck templates help you organize all the elements and make them look polished and professional. They’re also optimized for engagement, so they give you an edge over your competitors.

Grab one and see for yourself.