Page 1 of Where do you go to pitch a TV programe idea?

I`ve got loads of good ideas in this area, but no actual experience. Do you think it`s best to approach independent production companies or are there dedicated people you can talk to at all the main channels? Also what`s to stop them nicking your idea, without giving you any credit?
I appreciate any helpful ideas.

I know there are fairs for this kind of thing where TV executives walk around and ppl have booths and pitch their ideas and the networks can buy them. I don`t know what they are called and where you might find more info though.. :(

Duplicate, please ignore.

(still read it tho, dintya?)

This item was edited on Saturday, 6th March 2004, 17:37

The BBC are currently doing their `BBC Talent` thing again, and by the sounds of it, you`ve got the kind of thing they`re looking for. Go Here for more details

Also, if you`re worried about someone nicking your idea, there`s a simple and cheap way of placing a rudimentary `copyright` on your plans.

Bascially, get your idea down on paper, giving as much detail as you can. Then bung the sheets into an envelope and send them to yourself by recorded delivery. When it arrives, don`t open it, but keep it in a safe place.

Now, after you`ve pitched your idea to the bigwigs, if they say no thanks to you, but start a programme that`s uncannily similar to your idea, you have Past-Office-Dated proof that you had the idea first.

I believe someone successfully sued the makers of Maltesers using this method

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Quote:
Also what`s to stop them nicking your idea, without giving you any credit?

Nothing, unless you copyright it. Just write your proposal down, including a treatment and script. But if it`s just an idea, then they can still use it without crediting you.

My advice would be film a test/pilot (depending on the idea). Then you`ve shown it wasn`t just an idea.

You can`t copyright a basic concept like "giant robots attack the Empire State". You have to have it worked up into something recognisable as a unique work - like a script or a novel - and even then you have to send yourself a sealed, dated copy that will establish that the work existed on a given date.

J Mark Oates

Would just reinforce Mark Oates points and add .... the TV business is particularly unscrupulous when it comes to ideas. Just offer a precis with more detail to follow if they are interested. Expect to see any of your good ideas in dome form in the near future ...unless you tread carefully. Try the BBC first before you go to any independents. All contacts available on bbc website.

Best of luck!! ;)

Thanks for all the tips, unfortunately that BBC talent thing isn`t really suitable, it`s mainly looking for performers and writers of drama.
I also had a look at the BBC advice section for pitching ideas, some useful info, but they`re no longer taking pitches for factual programing from members of the public, so it looks like i`m gonna have to pitch my idea to an independent production company after all.
A long shot, but anyone know a good one to do business with?

Thanks for all the tips, unfortunately that BBC talent thing isn`t really suitable, it`s mainly looking for performers and writers of drama.
I also had a look at the BBC advice section for pitching ideas, some useful info, but they`re no longer taking pitches for factual programing from members of the public, so it looks like i`m gonna have to pitch my idea to an independent production company after all.
A long shot, but anyone know a good one to do business with?

Monkey tennis?