I’ve written a pitch/concept for a television/streaming series and am hoping this platform will help me connect with creatives interested in partnering in this work.
“The Culling” explores how individuals and groups of people react as thousands of us float up into space every couple of weeks, never to be seen again.
Now, I'm not sure what to do next. Is figuring out how to get a script written my first step? Although I've written outlines for eight episodes, I am not a screenwriter ... and don't know anyone who is.
Should I pursue representation first?
Or, does it make more sense for me to give up on my dream to share this story with the world?
I welcome any and all advice my Stage 32-peeps might be willing to offer.
Thank you!
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Hi, Bob Gielow. I’m a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know I moved your post from the Authoring & Playwriting Lounge to the Screenwriting Lounge since it's about a TV series. Let me know if you have any questions.
The Culling sounds intriguing! I suggest writing the script first or hiring a screenwriter to write it. A series bible can help you outline your series, and you can use the series bible to help pitch the show.
If you want to write it, I suggest checking out these resources:
"The Secrets To Mapping Out a Multi-Season Story" www.stage32.com/blog/the-secrets-to-mapping-out-a-multi-season-story-3924
"Mapping Out a Multi-Season Story Part 2: Where Do You Get Ideas For This Much Story?" www.stage32.com/blog/mapping-out-a-multi-season-story-part-2-where-do-yo...
Anna Henry also taught a webinar called "Extended Webinar: How to Master Story Structure for Your Drama Television Pilot" (www.stage32.com/education/products/extended-webinar-how-to-master-story-...).
And here's a list of free TV webinars that Stage 32 and Netflix partnered up on: www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Stage-32-and-Netflix-Partnered-Up-o...
If you want to hire a screenwriter, you could make a post on the Job Board (www.stage32.com/find-jobs).
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As always my favorite Maurice Vaughan excellent advice and super kind to include the links.
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That sounds like a fascinating and high-concept idea — “The Culling” immediately sparks curiosity and has a strong, cinematic hook. The image of people mysteriously floating into space every few weeks is both eerie and emotionally charged — exactly the kind of premise that can sustain a series.
If you already have outlines for eight episodes, you’ve done a lot of the hard creative work — that’s the foundation most producers and writers start from. Since you mentioned you’re not a screenwriter yet, here’s a realistic roadmap you could consider:
1. Don’t give up — collaborate.
Many great series start with a creator’s concept and a writer’s execution. If writing scripts isn’t your strength, you can look for a screenwriter to partner with — someone who can translate your story and outlines into a professional pilot script. Stage 32 is actually one of the best places to find that kind of collaborator.
2. Representation can come later.
Managers and agents usually come on board after there’s a polished script or pilot to show. Right now, your focus should be on turning your concept into something tangible — a pilot script or even just a series bible with detailed episode breakdowns and tone/style references.
3. Keep your creative ownership.
When you do find a writer to collaborate with, make sure to clearly define roles and rights — ideally, you’ll remain the creator of the concept, while the writer is credited for the teleplay. This way you keep your creative vision intact.
4. Don’t think of it as giving up — think of it as building a team.
Television is deeply collaborative. Some of the most successful showrunners began as novelists, playwrights, or even idea people who later partnered with experienced screenwriters.
You’ve already got what’s hardest to teach — a compelling idea. The next step is simply finding the right creative partner to help you bring it to life on the page.
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Don't waste your time chasing representation.
To be honest, running around with a TV concept is kinda hoping for a miracle, unless you're very well connected.
Don't waste your time with episodes. Don't get too hung up on the pilot.
The value in a TV series is all in the bible, specifically the concept, the characters, and the direction the seasons take. The concept pulls the audience in, the characters give them something to invest in, and the direction keeps the show going as long as possible.
Work that bible to death, put together a pilot that is more or less a teaser for the show, and maybe see if you can get the right actors to look at it. That would give it momentum.
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Hey Bob Gielow Under the 'Education' tab is a free webinair by Anna Henry. She's a TV exec and I found this talk very helpful.
Here's the link: https://www.stage32.com/education/my-library/9818706608435/learn
Professionals like @CJWalley give amazing advice. I'm not as seasoned so I can't really comment. I'm still learning too. But it couldn't hurt to check out some of the free webinairs :)
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With many, MANY thanks to those of you who responded to my earlier post, I've been working on a series bible for "The Culling," including a logline and season one episode summaries. I am now hoping to identify potential collaborators for this project, which, in my mind, will be a science fiction mystery/drama series, filmed in the style of cinéma vérité or direct cinema, that documents a different group of present-day characters, and locations, each episode. Who would you recommend I contact to ask about their potential interest in this project? Which directors, screenwriters, or actors might get jazzed about this idea? THANK YOU!
You're welcome, Bob Gielow. Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you connect with creatives and industry professionals. Directors, screenwriters, actors, producers, executives, and more. www.stage32.com/blog/the-importance-of-community-and-collaboration-in-th...
And Stage 32’s next Community Open House is happening on October 29th (www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-october-community-open-hou...). It's free, and it'll help you connect with creatives and industry pros. There's going to be a live Q&A during the Open House.
You can also search IMDBPro (https://pro.imdb.com/signup/index.html).