HOW TO PITCH A TV SHOW THAT SELLS

SELLING A TV SHOW IS A CAREER GAME CHANGER

How to Pitch a TV Show that Sells
A Class for Writers
With Carole Kirschner

Space is LIMITED for the course.

Registration Closes October 6, 2024

“Carole has been game-changing in my pitching process. From helping me refine series concepts, to crystallizing character to coaching me on a funny, impactful pitch-delivery – she’s been a key part of every sale I’ve made”

— Vera Santamaria Showrunner PEN15

THIS COULD BE THE OPPORTUNITY YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR

The TV business is on the verge of a gold rush. 30 years ago, there were only 4 networks, and they only bought shows from established writers. But today? It’s the Wild West and Hollywood is hungry for new and diverse voices. All it takes is passion, combined with the skill to pitch your show to the executives in charge.

But you have to know what you’re doing, because the network execs have rules. And you need to know the rules to play their game.

How do I know? I used to be one on them.

 Hi, I’m Carole Kirschner.

I’m currently the creator and director of the CBS/Paramount Writers Mentoring Program and the director of the Writers Guild of America Showrunner Training Program.

But not that long ago, I had a different job: meeting with writers and deciding to pass on or BUY their pitches. First at CBS, and then and as Vice President of Steven Spielberg’s first Amblin Television department.

Now I work with writers, at all levels – from showrunners to #prewga – to take their careers to the next level. And I can tell you from experience:

NOTHING TRANSFORMS YOUR CAREER LIKE DELIVERING A KILLER PITCH

When I was a development executive, I heard more than 5,000 pitches! Some were fantastic – so good we had to buy them right there in the room. But the majority of them? Forgettable at best, and sadly some were awful.

Over this time, I decided to study what made the great pitches so great. I realized there were certain elements present in almost every pitch we just HAD to buy. It was fascinating. Eventually, I distilled it down to 10 elements, which I went on to teach to my clients and students. And I’m excited to teach them to you!

In the years since, I’ve discovered something really encouraging. A lot of folks think you’re either born good at pitching, or you’re not. I can tell you from experience, it’s just not true.

GETTING GREAT AT PITCHING IS A SKILL YOU CAN LEARN!

In fact, three of the folks who took this course previously each used it to re-structure their pitches… and each of them sold their shows, in the room, to major broadcast networks or streamers. 

 SELLING A SHOW WILL NOT ONLY CHANGE YOUR CAREER, IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

These days, we’ve all heard stories about people breaking through and selling a show, seemingly out of nowhere. Some have spent years as assistants. Others came from outside the business entirely. The idea of going from financial struggle to financial freedom – paying off your student loans, buying a house, providing for your family when you might not have been able to before – it isn’t just a dream, it’s something we really see, year after year.

Less dramatic, but no less transformative, are the working writers who’ve spent a lot of time in rooms, working tirelessly 60 even 70 hours a week, to bring someone else’s vision to life. It can be good work, and financially rewarding. But let’s face it, you didn’t get into this challenging and demanding career to bring someone else’s story to the screen. You want to tell your own stories and see your own “created by” credit at the end of the titles.

In some cases, the difference between a pretty good career and one that changes television and our culture forever, comes down to good vs. great pitching.

From showrunner to pre-wga, I have seen firsthand that truly killer pitching is the #1 most neglected skill by writers at any level.

And, as I said, it can definitely be learned. Which is what my course, “How to Pitch a TV Show that Sells” is all about.

 ONE MISTAKE I SEE A LOT OF WRITERS MAKE...

One mistake I see a lot of writers make is believing “If my writing is really strong, I don’t need to learn how to pitch. I’ve already got the golden ticket. The studios are hungry for great stories, aren’t they? And that’s what I know how to create. Surely, pitching is helpful, but not really critical. Right?”

Trust me, I understand that thinking, but the reality is, it’s

100% Wrong!

Remember what I said above, about the opportunity of a lifetime, and studios being open to buying pitches from folks at any level?

Well, there’s another side to that.

There was a time 20-30 years, when someone could get staffed, keep their head down, work their way up to EP and maybe get handed a show.

But those days are long over!

Today, incredible opportunity also means incredible competition. Yes, there are more buyers, but they’re all busier than ever.

Development execs might hear 30 pitches in a week. And the pitches they’re hearing are better than they’ve ever been.

In today’s business you have to write well AND pitch well.

But if you can do that? Amazing doors will open for you.

“I went into Carole's TV Pitching class feeling fairly mystified about the whole process; what exactly do you say in a pitch? What are the execs expecting? How do you make your project - or your take on their project - stand out? In a few short weeks, Carole has made me feel like an expert. She provided step by step instruction for constructing a dynamic pitch for any TV project, and she brought in numerous top notch guest writers to perform pitches they've sold. I'm very excited to put what I've learned into practice. This is one of the most valuable classes I've taken in Hollywood!”

— Sarah J. Eagen

 THERE’S A PROVEN, STEP-BY-STEP METHOD TO CREATE A POWERFUL PITCH AND DELIVER IT CONFIDENTLY EVERY TIME.

As I mentioned above, nearly all great successful pitches have 10 things in common. I’ve distilled that information into a proven, step-by-step method to create a powerful pitch and deliver it confidently every time. I’m going to take you through each of the steps so that you know exactly what you need to do to pitch like a successful writer/creator who’s sold shows and had them on their air, and sometimes more than one show on the air.

IMAGINE ENDING A PITCH AND THE EXECUTIVES BUY IT IN THE ROOM!

Imagine an executive – maybe even the president of the network – totally engrossed in what you’re saying, excitedly asking questions, even offering suggestions as you go through your pitch. It’s obvious she’s hooked, already in love with your characters. She can see the show on her network!

Imagine calling your family and friends to say “they bought it in the room!” Or sharing it on social media, “hey, they bought the show!”

Imagine, assembling a team of great writers. You’re running the room, breaking story and building something great with you at the helm. The first day of production, an early morning on set, seeing your words and ideas made real. Watching dailies turn into cuts, until your idea is an episode, then an entire season of television you’re immensely proud of.

Imagine you’re in your living room with your family and friends, and maybe your writing staff -- watching the premiere episode of the show you created. Your name just below the words “Created By”

And then – it’s okay – I won’t tell anyone – think of the financial freedom it would mean for you. The freedom to do the things you want to do, live where you want to live, and travel to the places you love to visit, but maybe weren’t able to afford before. And know with all that, the money you earned was doing something you love and are passionate about.

I created my new course “How to Pitch a TV Show that Sells” for ambitious writers determined to succeed in television.

PITCHING IS THE KEY TO THE KINGDOM!

Hear what Gossip Girl writer, Elaine Loh, learned from the course.

What Previous Students Have to Say…

  • "I recently killed a pitch using everything I learned in your class. The investor said, “I normally don’t put my own money in but I will and I’ll help you raise the rest.” Even with the dearth of opportunities out there, I’ve been doing really well in my pitches. All my projects have legs."

    Maria Alexandria Beech
    Partner, Neighborhood Pictures

  • "I used Carole's method to the letter in developing my pitch to the network and we sold it in the room last week!"

    Warren Hsu Leonard

  • "Carole’s class gave me real-world tools that transformed how I pitch, both on the page and in the room, and the results speak for themselves. After taking her class, my very next pitch landed a development deal."

    John Titley

  • "Before this class, I honestly thought my pitch was in good shape, so I thought I was already ahead of the game. What surprised me the most is that in learning how to pitch from Carole, I actually learned about the weaknesses in my series. The class was SO MUCH MORE than I thought it would be. I would tell anyone thinking of taking Carole’s class to RUN don’t walk to the computer and sign up!"

    Gilda Porcari

  • “The course went well beyond my expectations. Each session was a fascinating, and engaging masterclass with professional instruction and guidance, by one of the most respected executives in the Entertainment Industry. Carole’s workbook is essential for every writer, no matter what level in their career. My pilot would not have been as polished and ready to pitch, had I not taken this course.”

    Flavia Bowen

  • Carole's pitching class is not like anything else out there. Every other 'how to pitch' class talks about structure and maybe you practice your pitch, but you don't get information on what it is like to be IN the actual rooms working in the industry. Carole's class brings in actual showrunners who have sold projects to come in and talk about how to pitch in the room, as well as demonstrate how they do their pitches. It's a truly unique experience where you get the information right from those who are currently pitching. I learned a lot from this class and highly recommend it to other writers, especially those who are preparing to take out projects. 

    Nandini Bapat

  • “I had been stressing out about how I was going to sell my new TV series without the proper guidance I needed. Carole’s Pitch class answered that question and more. Her course demystified the Pitch meeting. You can tell Carole put her heart and soul into this, bringing in generous speakers who provided their insight and experience to make us better artists. This class has been a real game changer.”

    Ioanna Vriniotis

  • "Prior to taking Carole’s class, the pitch process seemed to be a mystical backroom. I struggled to know if I was doing it right. But after taking her class, the veil has been lifted. Seeing example pitches by showrunners who sell projects regularly would’ve been worth the price of admission alone, but gaining a process and confidence in my OWN pitches was invaluable. I now know it is only a matter of time before I sell my projects regularly. "

    Alvin Cowan

  • “The info and exercises and speakers were all super helpful and timely for me and gave me a grasp on the art of pitching I didn't have before. Carole breaks it all down so clearly – every writer should grab the chance to learn from her.”

    Hadi Nicholas Deeb

  • "This class exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with the course material, my new colleagues, or my work output. Before this class, my pitching experiences were limited. After completing this class, I feel confident I can effectively communicate my pitch to buyers. If you want to learn how to create a pitch, hear advice from working writers and executives, or want to take a great class and meet talented writers, take this course."

    Robert Morgan

  • "Carole's class was well-structured and watching experienced showrunners and writers pitch was invaluable. I started out with no experience pitching and I left it with a strong 5-min pitch that I was able to use in my application to fellowships."

    Ann Chun

  • “This is the most amazing course. I was terrified of pitching, but now I have the tools to be confident. It was especially delightful to hear the pros pitch - and their own anxiety about something that is so difficult for writers.”

    Sandi Jerome

  • "Carole clearly cares about her students and the classes as a whole. Her dedication comes through the screen."

    Dan Trotta

GETTING GREAT AT PITCHING IS A SKILL YOU CAN LEARN!

Space is very LIMITED for the course.

Registration Closes October 6, 2024

 THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU

➤ Are ready to take your pitching – and career – to the next level

➤ Have pitched before, but didn’t get the results you’d hoped for

➤ Have never pitched before

➤ Have representation, but haven’t sold a show yet

➤ Don’t have representation, and know being great at pitching will help you find your perfect manager

➤ Love writing, but hate sales and are worried you’ll blow your pitch

➤ Are committed to your writing career and getting a show on the air

➤ Are a working writer who feels “stuck” working on shows you don’t love

➤ Are outside the business and want to maximize your chances of breaking in and selling a show

➤ Are thinking of giving up on your dream because it just seems too hard or out of reach

I love writers and have worked with hundreds of them as they climbed the ladder of success in their careers. One of the most satisfying things in my life is when I see a passionate writer confidently pitch their series and get it on the air.

This is YOUR time!

Enroll Now in How to Pitch a TV Show That Sells and Here’s What You’ll Learn in This 5 Module Program:

  • 5 Video Training Modules: Though you can work at your own pace and complete the program in five weeks or longer, if you have an upcoming pitch, the program can be accelerated getting you that much closer to realizing your dreams.

  • Actionable: You’ll learn the core concepts, be given concrete examples, and then specific instruction on how to put the theory into action in your own pitch.

MODULE 1:

Introduction, Inspiration Story, and Hook

In the first module, we’ll talk big picture. What a pitch is designed to do, who specifically it needs to convince, and the overarching 10-part structure of the best pitches.

  • How your scripted show gets sold

  • Comedy vs drama (and mistakes to avoid)

  • An overview of the 10 elements of a killer pitch.

  • Learning to get up close and personal and grab the buyer’s interest with your inspiration story (and why that is CRUCIAL to a great pitch)

  • The elements of a killer hook, and how it can launch a great pitch with energy and forward momentum

MODULE 2:

Writing Your Killer Pitch: Part 1.

Our second module takes a careful, methodical look at the first half of your pitch, examining each element — why you need it, how to create it, and where it fits in the overall presentation.

  • Loglines. Why the best pitches have loglines, what makes them absolutely essential, and a simple formula to make yours incredibly compelling.

  • Introducing your main character — how to get the listener on your protagonist’s side before the story even begins.

  • Supporting characters — which ones to introduce, which ones to leave out, and how to make each character interesting and totally memorable. (Hint: it’s not adjectives like “quirky.”)

  • Tone, how to explain it quickly, and the significant downsides if you don’t.

  • The World of the Show — how to explain it clearly and vividly, whether your show is a sci-fi space opera or a contemporary romantic comedy.

MODULE 3:

Writing Your Killer Pitch: Part 2.

Now we cover the key components of the second half of a killer pitch:

  • How to present your show’s “story engine” and episodic structure, whether it’s a 3-camera comedy, a network police procedural or a totally serialized streaming drama.

  • How to present your pilot story, the longest and maybe most important element of your pitch. What to say, and just as important, what to leave out.

  • Season Arcs. Nearly every pitch that sells covers something about the future of the show. But what is the right amount? And what it too much?

  • The magic of a powerful CODA, to land your pitch and get executives ready to BUY.

MODULE 4:

Pulling it All Together

This module talks about how to take the different elements covered so far, and combine them into a singular and polished whole. We also discuss memorization and performance skills that apply to everyone, including writers who consider themselves “shy.”

  • You’ll learn how to craft your Killer Pitch

  • You’ll learn the key to mastering the “performance of it all”

  • We’ll discuss the correct way to practice to elevate your pitch to a Killer Pitch

MODULE 5:

The Ultra-Important Business Side of Things

Now that you know the components of a pitch, and how to practice and deliver it with poise and confidence, the final series of videos guides you on how to actually sell it, including the POV of buyers, and how to navigate the business.

  • You’ll understand what buyers are looking for

  • You’ll learn the secret of how to “give great meeting”

  • You’ll discover how to get your foot in the door

  • You’ll learn how a writer and their project get to a studio executive

 Plus you’ll get FOUR additional live-on-Zoom CLASSES with Top-Level Writers & SHOWRUNNERS—

The five-module series gives you the theory you need to know how to pitch. But theory isn’t practice. That’s why it’s so valuable for you to see great writers delivering great pitches, and get their personal insights on how to write and deliver your own at the highest possible level.

I’ve hand-picked and assembled an awesome group of successful writer/showrunners, each of whom has sold one or more series, some of which have run for multiple seasons. In each session, they will deliver a pitch—a valuable showcase of what actually works to sell shows to networks and streamers in the real world—and then offer their thoughts, insights, and personal tips and tricks on how to make your pitches stand out from the crowd. They’ll also answer any questions you have

—And, a FIFTH live-on-Zoom SESSION with a Senior-Level NETWORK buyer.

Ever wonder what goes through a senior-level executive’s mind when they’re hearing a pitch, deciding whether to PASS or BUY? Wonder no longer!

One of the most valuable pieces of the course, this session alone might just be worth the price of admission. Hearing a working senior-level executive share what makes a great pitch from her perspective, offering you her best advice and pet peeves, can take your pitch from very good to KILLER—and help you avoid secret pitfalls that you just can’t learn about without this kind of exclusive access.

You’ll ALSO receive these valuable BONUSES (Valued at $1,991)


★ Bonus 1: How to Give Great Meeting.
In this video training, you’ll get my tips and strategies to help you walk into any meeting with the confidence that you're fully prepared and ready to crush it. ($497 value)


★ Bonus 2: The Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Networking
In this video training, you’ll learn how to network in a way that creates authentic connections—without feeling awkward or sleazy. ($497 value)


★ Bonus 3: A 1-hour group Q & A session with me to answer any remaining questions and connect with fellow class members at the end of the program. ($997 value)

Plus you’ll receive…

  • The How to Pitch a TV Show That Sells Interactive Workbook with guided exercises to accompany each module.

  • Recordings of all zoom sessions, available to you for one year.

  • Email Template for Cold Query Letters

“I would not be here without Carole Kirschner, that is a fact. I can honestly say I’ve trusted this woman with my career and she’s never let me down”.

- Akela Cooper, Screenwriter M3GAN, Co-EP “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”

“Every piece of advice that comes out of Carole Kirschner’s mouth is pure gold! Thanks to her insightful tips on how to mine your own life for material, I was able to pinpoint a transformational event that had TV series potential. The idea – Gordita Chronicles – not only turned into a sample that got me staffed, but it sold as a TV series."

- Claudia Forestieri, Creator/Co-Showrunner “Gordita Chronicles”

“I owe a great deal of my success, opportunities and outlook on show business to having spent time listening to Carole’s insight, advice and expertise.”

- Aaron Rashaan Thomas, Creator/Co-Showrunner “SWAT”

Join us for
How to Pitch a TV Show That Sells!

​✔ 5 Live on Zoom Pitching Classes ($3,000 value)

​✔ 5 Video Training Modules  for 5 years ($597 value)

✔ 3 Valuable Bonuses ($1,991 value)

✔ Zoom Recordings for 1 year (Priceless!)

​✔ How to Pitch a TV Show That Sells Interactive Workbook

​✔ Email Template for Cold Query Letters

​✔ Killer Logline Formula

Total Value = $5,588

Regular Price: $1997

Discount Price: $997

JOIN THE RANKS OF TV WRITER/CREATORS WHO PITCH THEIR TV SHOWS CONFIDENTLY EVERY TIME

Option One

Pay in Full

$997

Option Two

2 Monthly Payments of

$547

 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

I want you to be sure you’re satisfied, so there is a 14-day, 100% money back,
no questions asked guarantee.

2022 CBS/Paramount Writers Mentoring Program graduation dinner.

CBS Alum on Strike

FAQs ABOUT THE COURSE:

I’m already a working writer who’s sold pitches. Is this program just for beginners?

Absolutely not. I’ve gone out of my way to make this program helpful for writers at all levels, from outside the business to showrunner. 

It’s interesting: there are thousands of books on screenwriting, and almost nothing good on pitching. For this reason, almost everyone seems to be some version of ‘self taught’ when it comes to selling shows. And very few writers, even those who have pitched a lot, have seen things from the buyer’s perspective — or even seen pitches given by other writers. 

I’ll put it this way: if you feel like you’re already incredible at pitching, and feel like you know exactly what you’re doing when you go in to pitch a TV show, skip it. If you’re open to learning and hearing new ideas that might be helpful and raise your game? I’d love to have you!

 

What if I’m not In the TV business yet, or have never written a screenplay? Will this course still be worth my time?

Absolutely, yes. If you’re just taking your first steps toward a career in this industry, this is a great place to start. The techniques you’ll learn in this class are universal, and will serve you from the start of your journey to the end. Becoming great at pitching will launch you forward and put you ahead of the game, making you much more attractive to potential representation — especially potential managers, who are always looking for clients who know how to sell. 

Learning to pitch is learning to connect, and that’s a skill that will serve you at every stage of your career. 

"Just like you have to break a pilot or break an episode, you have to break a pitch. Carole has not only given me the tools to do so, she’s turned my fear of pitching into an excitement for finding my voice as a storyteller off the page. "

- Diana Mendez Boucher

“I'm incredibly grateful to Carole for offering this class. It is amazing, insightful and indispensable. For years, I struggled with pitching. Now, for the very first time - I feel confident and excited to pitch. Carole's 10 Steps and the impressive Guest Lecturers provide a clear and concise blueprint for how to succeed. Thank you, Carole!”

— Robert Bella

“I feel lucky to have stumbled upon this rare gathering of Carole's TV executive experience, her friendly relationships with top TV writers and her ability to teach in a clear and digestible way. Her class format allows writers to structure a successful pitch with video modules that a writer can do on their own time, allowing a student to learn the structure of a pitch in depth, at their own pace. Then we meet once a week to hear guest speakers who are top level, seasoned writers. They share tips, stories and do their successful pitch that sold.

“I wish Carole's class was available earlier in my career. It would have saved me years of fumbling. However, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. Carole and her class appeared when I got serious about writing. This class is just what I needed to take my scattered material (and self) and tighten them into a solid pitch. I feel capable that when the next door opens for me, I will know what and how to do it. Thank you Carole!”

— Lela Lee

“Carole's course on pitching has instilled in me not only a strong sense of how to build an effective pitch but also a genuine confidence in my ability to deliver in the room. ”

— Stuart Wiberg

“I’d highly recommend Carole’s class for TV and feature writers at any level. If you’re a beginner, she'll teach you the basics of the industry, mapping out how ideas flow from the writer all the way to networks, cable, or streamers. Her modules are very easy to follow, and her exercises force you to dig deep into your ideas, where they either flourish or fall apart.

“I can’t emphasize how much you’ll also learn during her live classes, in which industry leaders pitch and answer questions from the students. That is where you see how Hollywood really works. You learn pitching formulas, performance styles, and insider tips on how to convey your ideas successfully. There's ample time for asking questions about preparation and execution.

“Moreover, you're split into groups where you make friends with other writers who are at a similar level. It creates community but also provides a place for excellent feedback on pitches and even projects. I should say that before the class ended, I followed a suggestion from a class speaker and landed my first real job in scripted. I'm so glad I invested in Carole, and in myself. It's worth every minute and penny.”

— María Alexandria Beech

  • Speaking at Comicon.

    So much fun.

  • Lena Waithe and Me

    Lena is one of my favorite showrunner training program alum and speakers

  • WGA SRTP Picket

    On the picket line with my amazing co-conspirators Yvette Lee Bowser and Jeff Melvoin, the heart and soul of the WGA Showrunner Program. What an honor!

 

About Carole Kirschner

 
 

Having spent more than 20 years as a senior level television development executive, including stints at CBS and as Vice President of Steven Spielberg’s first Amblin Television department, Carole’s heard more than 5,000 pitches, read more than 3,000 scripts, been involved with developing dozens of television series

She is the Creator and Director of the CBS/Paramount Diversity Writers Mentoring Program and the Director of the Writers Guild of America Showrunner Training Program.

As an international speaker and entertainment career coach, Carole teaches writers, directors and producers the strategies and skills needed to succeed and thrive in the entertainment industry.

Her book, Hollywood Game Plan: How to Land a Job in Film, TV or Digital Entertainment is taught in colleges and film schools around the country.