So You Want to be the Next Shonda Rhimes? How to Pitch Your Killer Show to Hulu (Without Them Running for the Hills)
Let's face it, everyone has a show idea these days. From your grandma's epic bingo night chronicles to your neighbor's existential musings on the life of a spatula (hey, could be a quirky dramedy!), there's a story out there begging to be told. But how do you, a brilliant (and hopefully slightly less spatula-obsessed) aspiring showrunner, get your masterpiece on the world's hippest streaming platform: Hulu?
Fear not, fellow dreamer! Here's your one-stop guide to pitching your show to Hulu and becoming the next binge-worthy sensation (or at least getting a polite "thanks, but no thanks").
Step 1: Know Your Audience (Because They Probably Don't Know You...Yet)
Think of Hulu as that cool kid at the party. They've got a killer playlist (think "The Handmaid's Tale" followed by reruns of "Golden Girls"), a knack for finding hidden gems ("Only Murders in the Building," anyone?), and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor (seriously, those "Huluween" ads).
So, before you launch into your epic fantasy saga, take a deep breath and research, research, research! Underline what kind of shows Hulu is known for. Are they all dark and gritty, or do they sprinkle in some laugh-out-loud moments? Is their target audience glued to their phones, or curling up with a nostalgic classic?
Tailoring your pitch to their tastes shows you've done your homework and separates you from the "Lord of the Flies with Influencers" crowd.
Step 2: Craft Your Pitch Like a Superhero Landing (But With Less Spandex)
You've got five minutes to grab their attention and convince them your show is the next big thing. So ditch the Shakespearean monologues and focus on a killer hook. Think of it as your show's elevator pitch: a concise, captivating description that leaves them wanting more.
For example: "Imagine 'Downton Abbey' reimagined in a self-storage facility, where a family of hoarders battles socialites for closet space and the secrets they hold!"
See? Intriguing, right? Now, flesh out your concept with the show's core conflict, the main characters (avoid the "chosen one" trope, it's been done!), and a hint of the unique world you've created.
Remember: humor is your friend! A light-hearted approach (even if your show is a dark comedy) shows your passion and makes the execs feel comfortable.
Step 3: Look the Part (But Maybe Skip the Clown Costume)
While you don't need to rent a red carpet gown, dress professionally with a touch of your show's personality. Pitching a quirky sitcom about a dog detective agency? Maybe a subtle paw-print tie will do the trick. A high-stakes legal drama? Keep it sharp and sophisticated.
Your appearance is your first impression, so make it count (and avoid anything that might spill coffee on those pristine conference room tables).
Step 4: Be Prepared to Be Picked Apart (But Don't Take it Personally)
The executives might ask tough questions. They might poke holes in your plot. Don't take it as a personal attack! This is their chance to see how you handle pressure and how flexible your vision is.
Be open to feedback and use it to strengthen your pitch. Remember, they're not out to crush your dreams, they're just trying to find the next diamond in the rough (and that rough needs a little polishing sometimes).
Step 5: Follow Up (But Not Like a Stalker)
After your pitch, send a thank-you email reiterating the key points of your show. Don't pester them for a response, but a gentle reminder a week or two later never hurts.
Rejection is a Part of the Game (But It Doesn't Have to Be the End)
Getting your show picked up by Hulu might not happen overnight. But with a polished pitch, a positive attitude, and a healthy dose of humor, you'll be well on your way to television glory (or at least a hilarious anecdote about the time you pitched a show about a sentient toaster).
So chin up, fellow dreamer! The world (and Hulu) needs your unique voice. Now get out there and pitch that show like your future binge-watching sessions depend on it!
