This weeks #TopTip comes from our Development Producer Jennie Stacey for anyone looking to pitch their original projects to production companies or broadcasters:

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!

Companies and broadcasters will already have projects in development for different age groups/audiences, and usually they are looking for projects to balance out their slate.

So for example they might have a bunch of pre-school projects but are on the look-out for a comedy for boys aged 6-10. There is no point in pitching them more pre-school projects; it will give them an easy way to say no. Find out what they’re looking for first and target your approach that way.

And never, ever say “it’s a show for kids of all ages” – that will give the impression that you don’t understand children’s audiences. Some shows have really wide appeal, which is wonderful, but do your best to pinpoint exactly which age-group will enjoy it most.

Children’s viewing needs change almost year on year, and the more you understand what appeals to each age-group the better your project will be!