Hollywood thrives on the power of ideas. The myth of the "closed door" has been shattered by the Internet, and this professional's experience proves it.
Hollywood is a dynamic industry driven by innovative ideas, and television remains one of the fastest-evolving platforms for storytelling and entertainment. Contrary to popular belief, Hollywood is not an exclusive club reserved for insiders. Instead, it is a constantly evolving machine that seeks fresh concepts to captivate audiences. After seven years as a Development Executive, working closely with producers to create and pitch ideas, I can attest that success in Hollywood is about aligning the right concept with the right producer at the right time.
One of the most iconic examples of a simple idea transforming into a television empire is the story of Merv Griffin. In 1964, after the quiz show scandals, Merv and his wife Julann were brainstorming show ideas during a flight from New York. They stumbled upon a unique concept: "What if we gave the contestant the answer, and they had to figure out the question?" This playful exchange led to the creation of "Jeopardy!"—a game show that became a cultural phenomenon.
In 1986, Griffin sold "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune" to The Coca-Cola Company for an astounding $250 million in cash (source: The New York Times). This success story underscores the potential of a simple yet innovative idea.
Today, the television industry is vastly different from the 1960s. The number of outlets and opportunities for new TV shows has increased exponentially. According to a report by FX Networks, the number of scripted original series on TV has more than doubled in the past decade, reaching 532 in 2019 (source: FX Networks Research). This surge in content creation means that Hollywood producers and development executives are constantly on the lookout for new ideas, often turning to the Internet to source fresh material.
One valuable tool for both producers and writers is The Television Writers Vault. This platform allows producers to scout new projects and provides writers with a direct channel to market their concepts and scripts to the television industry. Writers can also find professional advice on formulating concepts and understanding the inner workings of the industry.
Being an outsider does not preclude you from success in Hollywood. In my first year as a development executive at Merv Griffin Entertainment, I discovered a concept created by a journalist in Florida. The idea, summarized in a two-page outline, explored how far an ordinary person would go to help a stranger in need. This concept, reminiscent of "Pay It Forward" meets "Candid Camera," was immediately recognized for its potential. Merv Griffin signed the writer to an option deal, and the project was sold to Disney on our first pitch.
Recent success stories include Timothy Centner from Alabama, who sold three reality-based projects through The Television Writers Vault. Similarly, Jon Stewart from Illinois sold a reality-based program centered around his life to a Fox Television Studios executive.
A compelling logline is crucial for capturing a producer's interest. A logline is a one or two-sentence description that conveys the essence of a show. Here are examples of effective loglines for popular TV shows:
Protecting your ideas is essential. Aspiring writers do not need to be union members to secure their work. The Creators Vault offers an online archive for electronic proof of creation. Additionally, the Writers Guild of America provides a registry service for writers.
When a producer offers an option deal, it is advisable to seek the counsel of an entertainment attorney. Typically, the writer receives an upfront payment for the exclusive right to sell and produce the project. Once the project reaches production, the writer receives a negotiated purchase price and a small percentage of the production company's fees.
Stay inspired and look for compelling stories in your life and the world around you. With dedication and hard work, you might just sell the next groundbreaking idea to Hollywood.
By understanding the evolving landscape of television, leveraging online platforms, and crafting compelling loglines, aspiring writers can break into Hollywood and turn their ideas into successful TV shows.
