I have this really funny idea for a 30 minute comedy. I'm currently saving up for this retro truck I really reallyyyy want so I thought it would be a good idea to sell the idea. Does anyone know any emails to TV stations I can try. ;)

Thanxx:)

TV Stations don't buy scripts and ideas. Networks and production companies do. If it's any good, hire an agent to negotiate on your behalf.

I would start by actually writing it. It's much easier to sell something concrete than a general idea.

As a general rule, a 30 minute episode will be about 25-27 double spaced pages.

Once you have it written, rewrite and rewrite. Polish it and prune it. Make sure all the spellings are correct, the stage directions are possible and the typing is clear. Read it aloud. Go over it all again to make sure.

These days, no-one is going to waste time correcting your mistakes, they just won't buy. But if you have a good, professional product, you can make money.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eileen G

I would start by actually writing it. It's much easier to sell something concrete than a general idea.

As a general rule, a 30 minute episode will be about 25-27 double spaced pages.

Once you have it written, rewrite and rewrite. Polish it and prune it. Make sure all the spellings are correct, the stage directions are possible and the typing is clear. Read it aloud. Go over it all again to make sure.

These days, no-one is going to waste time correcting your mistakes, they just won't buy. But if you have a good, professional product, you can make money.

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You agree with the OP that he should approach a TV station with his script as opposed to a network - or an agent?

It depends on his situation. If there is a local station that he watches and knows exactly what sort of work it takes, then a direct approach will get better results, He may not get the sort of coverage that might be possible IF he gets an agent AND then a network deal, but if he has a play already broadcast, he's in a much better position to get an agent or a network deal for his next piece.

I'd bet money that no agent will even consider him unless he already has a fully written screenplay, and some suitable experience. He's as likely to get a good response directly from a producer.

By the way, don't forget radio. It can be a really great market.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eileen G

It depends on his situation. If there is a local station that he watches and knows exactly what sort of work it takes, then a direct approach will get better results, He may not get the sort of coverage that might be possible IF he gets an agent AND then a network deal, but if he has a play already broadcast, he's in a much better position to get an agent or a network deal for his next piece.

I'd bet money that no agent will even consider him unless he already has a fully written screenplay, and some suitable experience. He's as likely to get a good response directly from a producer.

By the way, don't forget radio. it can be a really great market.

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Guess things have changed - one of my roommates in NYC was a writer, sold to the networks because the local stations had no money/authority to purchase scripts. She also sold ideas but, as you said, she was recognized.

Good to know.

It really depends on your situation. I live in Ireland, and the national station, RTE will accept work directly from writers, though now they expect professional work from the beginning. There was a time they would assign a producer to help you get from idea to production stage. I also know of English stations which will accept directly as long as it's suitable.