The Ultimate TV Pitch Class

Taught by Sam Sokolow

$399

On Demand Class - For immediate download. Unlimited access for 1 year.

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Class hosted by: Sam Sokolow

2-time Emmy Award-nominated Executive Producer at National Geogaphic's GENIUS

Sam Sokolow is a two-time Emmy-nominated producer, perhaps best known for his work in developing and producing the Emmy nominated limited series GENIUS for National Geographic Channel and Disney+, one of the first prestige limited series to find a wide audience. In his career, Sam has executive produced 18 original TV series and set up dozens of television and film projects at major studios and distributors in Hollywood and is well-versed at finding success developing, pitching, and selling his projects. Previously, he co-wrote, produced, and directed the award-winning independent feature film THE DEFINITE MAYBE, starring Josh Lucas, Roy Scheider, and Bob Balaban. Sam is currently the Head of Education at Stage 32. Full Bio ยป

Summary

A New Exclusive Class!

Learn everything you need to craft a world-class pitch for your television series from an Emmy-nominated producer who's crafted over 300 pitches for distributors worldwide!

Plus! Receive exclusive handouts, including real pitch deck used to sell to networks and streaming platforms. 

The difference between your project happening and not happening is usually your pitch. Pitching is where the rubber meets the road in your creative career, and you had better be ready to give your project its very best chance when the moment presents itself.

Sam Sokolow has put almost 20 original shows onto TV, including the 20- time Emmy-nominated limited series GENIUS for National Geographic Channel and Disney+. To accomplish this goal, he has set up close to 75 projects in his career. And to do that, he has crafted over 300 pitches that have been heard by every major streamer, network, and distributor in the world.

Sam has certain principles that he brings to every pitch, a format that he has found consistent success with, and a spirit that he feels makes all the difference. He believes anyone can craft a great pitch and do it in their own style.

In this exclusive Stage 32 4-session class, Sam is going to share everything he knows about pitching and put you in a position to build your best pitches for your own projects.

You'll cover all the materials you need to pitch a television series in today's market, how to determine who to pitch to, how to craft a fantastic pitch, and more!

You'll also review multiple pitches and pitch decks Sam has done and be provided with a REAL pitch deck used to sell to networks and streaming platforms and a pitch preparation checklist from the instructor. 

Sam has pitched TV series and films to small and large rooms of executives, at conferences, and in every virtual format that exists. He will teach you all of his principles for crafting your best pitch for any project and share insights that have allowed him to build a career through pitching at a consistently high level... his philosophy has always been "we may not always get a sale, but we will always have a great pitch."

What You'll Learn

You will receive handouts over the course of the class, including:

  • A pitch deck that have been used in actual pitches to networks and streamers
  • A pitch preparation checklist

Session 1 – The Pitch Essentials

A great pitch starts with a great understanding of your project, the marketplace, and, most importantly, a strategy that gets the people you are pitching - the buyers and prospective partners - excited to be involved. They need to see how your project will work for their audience and also be a feather in their cap as an executive or partner. In this class, we explore those key fundamentals so you can begin crafting a pitch that gets noticed.

  • What really is a pitch
  • Crafting an idea that sells
  • Building the pillars of your project & pitch
  • Identifying the right kind of pitch for your project

Q&A with Sam

Assignment: Write your own original logline for an existing show that is currently on air to share with the class

Session 2 – Building your pitch

What should your pitch look like? What materials should you have? Who should be involved? What do you need to be prepared? In this session, you will learn how to set your project and pitch up for success.

  • Building your Pitch
  • The pitch Materials
  • The Pitching Materials timeline
  • Who should be a part of your pitch, and what are their roles
  • Rehearsing your pitch for success

Q&A with Sam

Assignment: Pick one of your own ideas and write down TWO current shows that you think are good comparisons for a pitch and tell me WHY they are strong "comps" together

Session 3 – The Pitch logistics

Finding the right company and then person to pitch to and setting up the meeting can be hard to navigate, but there is a way. Then deciding the best way to approach the pitch, the best medium, and getting clear on your goals are super key. Sam breaks it down so you can prepare to nail the pitch.

  • Finding the Right companies to pitch
  • Identifying the right person to reach out to
  • Setting up the pitch
  • Beyond just selling - your greater pitch goals
  • The best pitch medium for your project

Q&A with Sam

Assignment: Prepare a one-minute pitch of an original idea to share with the class

Session 4 – Rocking the Pitch and Follow Up

Our final class focuses on rocking your pitch. Filled with tips and tricks on what to do and how to avoid common pitfalls. The differences between pitching in person versus zoom, how to deal with feedback, creating a personal connection, and the importance of the follow-up. We will also wrap up the pitch process with your final questions.

  • Conducting yourself with grace
  • Tips to Nailing the pitch
  • The keys to pitching in person
  • The keys to pitching via zoom
  • The art of following up

Q&A with Sam

 

About Your Instructor

Sam Sokolow is a two-time Emmy-nominated producer, perhaps best known for his work in developing and producing the Emmy nominated limited series GENIUS for National Geographic Channel and Disney+, one of the first prestige limited series to find a wide audience. In his career, Sam has executive produced 18 original TV series and set up dozens of television and film projects at major studios and distributors in Hollywood and is well-versed at finding success developing, pitching, and selling his projects. Previously, he co-wrote, produced, and directed the award-winning independent feature film THE DEFINITE MAYBE, starring Josh Lucas, Roy Scheider, and Bob Balaban. Sam is currently the Head of Education at Stage 32.

Schedule

Monday January 30th – 4pm-6pm PST

Monday February 6th – 4pm-6pm PST

Monday February 13th – 4pm-6pm PST

Monday February 20th – 4pm-6pm PST

FAQs

Q: What is the format of a lab?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Classes are typically 90-minute broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32.

Q: Do I have to be located in a specific location?
A: No, you can participate from the comfort of your own home using your personal computer! If you attend a live online webinar, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class.

Q: What are the system requirements?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live class. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer

Q: What if I cannot attend the live lab class?
A: If you attend a live online class, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class. If you cannot attend a live class, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.

Q: Will I have access to the lab afterward to rewatch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of the lab, you will have on-demand access to the video recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like!

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Questions?

If you have a generic question about Stage 32 education you can take a look at our frequently asked questions section on our help page, or feel free to contact support with any other inquiries you might have.

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