LIVE: Lecture (Pitching (without bitching))

Is your idea SWOT ready?

• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Opportunities
• Threats

• Your idea must have an OBJECTIVE
• Write this into your proposal, written in the present tense and with an active voice. A written representation of the visuals and your treatment. (Shouldn't be more than a page but no less than a paragraph.)

• An alloted time to convey your idea
• Pitch to the most senior members of the programme or relevant channel commissioner or development exec

• Outline your initial intentions and ambitions. To include:
• Working title, location
• Subject and premise (Idea in a sentence - USP, Synopsis - Clear overview of content, contributors, VTs and Style)
• Target Audience and channel (Research and evidence data)
• Style and tone (Mood board, contributors - reference well known faces)

• How does your format add up the storytelling and usp
• Why should it be commissioned - originality should be stressed, don't compare as it doesn't sound new
• Running order - be clear and detailed so we know how your show works
• VTs - how will they be used - BE CREATIVE
• Basic camera plan/floor plan 

• Use visual aids - powerpoint etc to provide guidance and structure
• Show example clips of similar/existing content to illustrate what it will be like 
• Bring it to life - involve your audience - props/costume
• BRAND! (Match colours, fonts etc)
• Take us through your idea logically step-by-step
• Is your idea viable? (Have you contacted people already? have you considered the viability of your options?)

• Consider appearance and pace (you AND your pitch)
• Have practice runs (peer feedback)
• Be enthusiastic, colourful and SELL it
• Empathise your USP
• More practise = more confidence = better pitch 

• Be prepared to expand on your presentation when you are asked questions – have more detail available 
• Take your time – if you are unclear ask! 
• Have facts and figures – back things up with real answers ! 
• If you are asked something you really do not have an answer to, REMAIN POSITIVE – see it as a way of improving and expanding your idea and respond in a confident way to the suggestion/request

• Every week Broadcast has a list of dos and don'ts from channel execs – these are a few common themes: 

DO: 

• BE BRAVE AND SURPRISE 
• BE PASSIONATE AND ENGAGING 
• CHALLENGE CONVENTIONS – NEW ANGLES 
• PITCH IDEAS IN A PARAGRAPH 
• PITCH THE TOP LINE – ARTICULATE IT IN A SENTENCE 
• KNOW EXISTING OUTPUT AND SPOT OPPORTUNITIES 
• DEVELOP A DIALOGUE WITH COMMISSIONERS 
• PITCH IDEAS AND STORIES NOT SUBJECT MATTERS 

DON’T: 

• SEND LOTS OF IDEAS – BE FOCUSED 
• PATRONISE EDITORS WITH GIMMICKS 
• WATER DOWN THE IDEA TOO SOON 
• FLOG A DEAD HORSE/OLD CHESTNUTS 
• DEVELOP ‘OFF MESSAGE’ IDEAS i.e. Not right for slot/channel/brand etc 
• MAKE PROMISES YOU CAN’T KEEP 
• ENSURE IDEAS WORKED UP 
• WORRY ABOUT ‘FANCY’ PRESENTATIONS