So You Want to be the Next Shonda Rhimes (But for Hulu)? How to Pitch a Show That'll Make Them Say "Hulu and Chill" (But with Your Show, Not Netflix)
Ah, the glamorous world of television pitching. You've got this brilliant idea for a show – funnier than The Good Place, sexier than Bridgerton, and with more twists than a pretzel factory. But here's the thing, getting that idea from your head onto millions of screens involves a hurdle or two (or ten). Fear not, aspiring showrunner! This guide will equip you to pitch your show to Hulu like a seasoned pro (or at least someone who's watched a lot of Shark Tank reruns).
Step 1: Know Your Audience (Because, Let's Face It, You Need Them)
Hulu isn't your grandma's cable package. It's a streaming service with a specific vibe – think binge-worthy dramas, hilarious comedies, and shows that make you yell "wait, WHAT?" at the screen. So, before you channel your inner Don Draper and pitch a historical documentary on sock production (important, yes, but maybe not Hulu material), research what kind of shows they're already crushing.
Here's a handy cheat sheet:
- Drama: Think The Handmaid's Tale meets Normal People, with a dash of true-crime intrigue.
- Comedy: It's all about the LOLs, baby! Think Only Murders in the Building meets Brooklyn Nine-Nine, with a healthy dose of pop culture references.
- "Wait, WHAT?": The Handmaid's Tale meets What We Do in the Shadows, with a healthy dose of mind-bending sci-fi or fantasy.
Remember, you gotta make Hulu execs think, "This show is perfect for our platform, and it'll totally make our subscribers forget about that weird stain on the couch they keep meaning to clean."
Step 2: Craft a Killer Pitch (Because Attention Spans Are Shorter Than a Toddler's Temper Tantrum)
You've got five minutes (or maybe less) to convince a room full of busy execs that your show is the next Game of Thrones. Here's how to make those minutes count:
- Hook 'Em From the Start: Open with a bang! Imagine your pitch as the first line of your show's pilot episode. Make it intriguing, funny, or shocking – anything to grab their attention.
- The Elevator Pitch: In a single, bold sentence, summarize your show's entire premise. Think: "Groundhog Day meets a singing competition show set in a retirement home." Clear, concise, and crazy enough to pique their interest.
- Characters Are Key: Don't just talk plot, talk people! Briefly introduce your main characters. Are they lovable losers? Powerhouse women with a penchant for revenge? Talking animals with a surprising grasp of existential philosophy?
- Conflict is Your BFF: What makes your characters tick? What challenges will they face? Underline the central conflict that will drive the story forward.
Step 3: Be Prepared to Answer the Tough Questions (Because There Will Be Tough Questions)
Here's where things get real. Be ready to answer questions about your budget, target audience, and why your show is different from everything else out there. Confidence is key, but don't be afraid to admit you don't have all the answers. They'll appreciate your honesty (and maybe even give you some pointers based on their experience).
Bonus Tip: If you can, have a pilot script or a detailed series bible ready to share. It shows you're serious and have put in the work.
Step 4: The Art of the Follow-Up (Because Nobody Likes Being Ghosted)
Don't disappear after your pitch. Send a thank-you email reiterating your key points and expressing your enthusiasm. This is your chance to show your passion and professionalism.
Remember, pitching is a marathon, not a sprint. It might take a few tries before you land your dream deal. But with a killer concept, a captivating pitch, and a whole lot of perseverance, you might just see your show become the next Hulu phenomenon. And then, who knows, maybe you'll be the next Shonda Rhimes (but hopefully with slightly less terrifying plot twists).
