SOYOUWANNA PITCH A TV SHOW?

5. GET ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

You have a killer concept and you have a convincing, succinct treatment. Congratulations! You're almost ready to start knocking on doors. But remember, a good part of your pitch (and it's the fun part) is all about you. You're not only selling the project, but you're selling yourself as well. Whore.

Along with your treatment, you may be asked to provide:

• Budget parameters and information about financiers already on board, if you have them. It's not absolutely required that you provide funding for your project, but it's unlikely that a network or production company will foot your bill entirely. If you have a rich benefactor who has promised to pay for the pilot episode, let 'em know. You'll get points for initiative, credibility, and understanding the bottom line.
  
  
• If you are pitching an idea for a series as opposed to a special, include a brief Episode Breakdown, outlining key dramatic events in each episode or installment.
  
  
• A demo tape or a portfolio of current or previous work of yours or any other key individual whom you may have associated with the project. If your cousin is a Nobel Prize-winning scientist who has agreed to consult about the dietary habits of the extra-terrestrial villains in your program, let 'em know.

Check your submission agreement or call your contacts again to learn exactly what, if any, supplemental materials are required. Remember that they may not be returned, so keep copies of everything.