1. Watch the programs on the channel you are pitching to.
Do your homework!
2. Character, character, character.
3. Beyond the pitch, know what the show is and where it is headed.
4. Don’t pitch anything you are first going to apologize for; “This probably isn’t right for you, but…”
5. Be passionate about what you are pitching.
6. Be descriptive in your characters and stories. Know your characters and the situations that generate the stories in your series.
7. Pitch with art. It helps establish the characters and the tone of the project you are pitching.
8. Be confident!
9. Please don’t pitch the project while dressed in a costume that will deter from what you are pitching.
10. Be able to pitch out the concept in a few sentences.
11. Be on time to your meeting.
12. Humor is always appreciated.
13. Please, don’t pitch us in the restroom.
14. Ask questions to find out what the broadcaster needs.
15. Be nice to the entire acquisitions team! We all work together.
16. Be patient. Allow us time to properly review the pitch with our team.
17. Please don’t pitch us the same project every time.
18. Don’t give up on your project or the broadcaster you are pitching to. Chances are the project isn’t the right fit for us, but maybe your next one will be.
19. Be professional and establish good relationships. Talk to everyone!
20. Look at the big picture. Be open to partnerships that could help get your project made.
Karen Miller is the director of acquisitions and co-productions at Disney Channels Worldwide. Prior to her post at Disney, she oversaw the development, production and distribution of Atlantyca’s hit animated series Geronimo Stilton and worked as animation associate producer on The Simpsons Movie. She was also the VP of property acquisitions at Warner Bros. Consumer Products and a producer for Warner Bros. Television.
