A strong pitch is key to selling a show, which is why TV writers put so much effort in preparing one. Now they want to get paid for that — and increasingly are.
In a trend that started after the pandemic and took hold after the strike, many writers are earning a fee ranging from $5K-$25K to develop a pitch for a series.
Traditionally, production companies and studios make “if come” deals with writers for a project, guaranteeing them a script fee, typically in the low six figures, which is only paid if the project sells.
Writers spend time to prepare what is referred to as “development material,” which they use during the pitch meetings to better present their vision for the series with the goal of securing a buyer.
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