How to Successfully Pitch Your Idea to the Discovery Channel

Pitching your concept to the Discovery Channel can be an exhilarating but detailed process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the key steps to increase your chances of success.

1. Research the Channel: Understand Their Programming

To begin, familiarize yourself with the types of shows that the Discovery Channel currently airs. Focus on genres such as documentaries, reality series, science, adventure, and nature programming. Understanding these genres will help you tailor your pitch to align with the channel's audience interests and expectations.

Identify the target audience for the channel. The Discovery Channel caters to a wide demographic, ranging from curious kids to enthusiastic adults and beyond. Knowing who your viewers are and what type of content they enjoy will help you refine your pitch and concept to better resonate with them.

2. Develop Your Concept: Unique and Compelling

Create a fresh, unique angle that sets your concept apart from existing shows. It’s critical to have a compelling storyline that engages viewers and provides a new perspective on familiar subjects.

Decide on the format of your show—whether it’s a documentary, a series, a special episode, or something else. Define the structure and story arcs of your show. Think about the key themes and objectives that your concept aims to achieve.

Choose a title that captures the essence of your concept. A catchy title can make a significant difference in capturing the attention of the viewers and the Discovery Channel team.

3. Create a Pitch Document: Concise and Comprehensive

Prepare a pitch document that includes all the essential elements:

A one-sentence logline that summarizes your show: For example, “A groundbreaking series that explores the unexplained phenomena of the universe.”

A brief synopsis of the show’s premise, key themes, and objectives.

An episode guide that outlines potential episodes including main topics or story arcs.

A description of the target audience and why the show will appeal to them.

A detailed visual style that describes the visual approach, tone, and aesthetic of the show.

4. Prepare a Pitch Presentation: Engaging and Impactful

To make your pitch compelling, prepare a presentation that includes:

Visual aids such as a PowerPoint presentation or a video reel to show your concept in action.

An engaging and confident delivery of your idea. Be enthusiastic about your project and show how passionate you are about it.

5. Find the Right Contacts: Connect and Network

Building relationships in the industry is crucial for any successful pitch. Find the right contacts at the Discovery Channel, such as producers and executives, through networking events, social media platforms like LinkedIn, and submission platforms.

Check if the Discovery Channel has a formal submission process on their website. Many networks require pitches to go through an agent or a production company. Follow their guidelines and requirements closely.

6. Follow Up: Persistent but Polite

After presenting your pitch, don’t hesitate to follow up. Send a polite email to reiterate your enthusiasm for the project and ask for feedback. Persistence is key, but always maintain a professional and polite demeanor.

7. Be Open to Feedback: Adaptable and Improving

Be prepared to receive constructive criticism and be open to adapting your concept based on the feedback you receive. Constructive criticism can be invaluable, and it shows that you are serious about developing your pitch into a successful project.

Additional Tips

Professionalism: Present yourself and your materials professionally. Make sure all documents and visual aids are well-organized and polished.

Passion and Authenticity: Show genuine excitement for your project. Passion is contagious, and it can make a significant impact on the reception of your pitch.

Networking: Building relationships in the industry can lead to new opportunities and contacts that can help you in the future. Attend industry events and be active on social media platforms to network with relevant professionals.

By following these steps, you can create a compelling pitch that stands out to the Discovery Channel. Good luck with your pitch and your journey in television production!