UNSCRIPTED PITCH ACCELERATOR
NBCUniversal LAUNCH, in partnership with NBCU Entertainment, is looking for the next, big unscripted idea through its first-ever UNSCRIPTED PITCH ACCELERATOR.
The NBCU LAUNCH UNSCRIPTED PITCH ACCELERATOR provides access for independent producers and content creators to get their projects in front of our unscripted teams for potential development across our various platforms. The conventional pathway to pitching a project typically requires one to come in with representation or an established production company/studio attached. This Accelerator eliminates that requirement in the hopes of expanding our consideration pool to include anyone with a great idea.
The participating NBCU Entertainment networks/platforms are: NBC, cable networks Bravo, E!, Oxygen, USA, as well as our streaming platform Peacock.
Up to five pitches will be selected to receive a $20,000 development deal with NBCU Entertainment to further develop the concept for possible greenlight consideration.
We are open to unscripted pitches in the following categories:
- Shiny-floor/in-studio formats
- Structured competition formats
- Premium documentary series
- Social experiments
- Dating/relationship formats
- Game shows
- Character-led docu-soaps, occu-soaps, and docu-series
- Lifestyle formats
- True crime series
Examples of shows that fit each category are listed in the FAQs.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the FAQs section below, as it is designed to guide you towards a strong and complete submission.
Program Info
Submission Period
Submissions will be accepted from May 21, 2024 through June 30, 2024. They will not be accepted after 11:59 PM (PT) on June 30, 2024.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be legal residents of the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work legally in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not offered to Accelerator participants.
- Applicants must be at least 21 years of age as of June 30, 2024.
- Material submitted to other competitions or contests are eligible.
- Material must be submitted by the creator of the concept.
- Material can be submitted by a team.
- Submitted pitches and material must not be encumbered by any obligation to or option held by a third-party prior to applying to the Accelerator.
- If the project is talent-led or based on protected IP, written agreements and/or attachments must be secured with the proposed talent and/or IP rightsholders by the time of submission.
Submission Requirements
Submissions are accepted via electronic submission only.
Those applying must submit a complete application package which includes the following required items:
- APPLICATION must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- SHOW TITLE AND LOGLINE (One to three sentence description that succinctly conveys the concept)
ONE-PAGE PITCH DOCUMENT
This one-sheet may include the following:
- The premise and overall description of the project
- Overall style and feel of the series
- Format beats (if concept is a formatted show)
- Gameplay (if concept is a gameshow)
- Description of the world and possible storylines (if concept is a docu-soap or docu-comedy)
- List of key characters (if concept is talent-led)
TREATMENT/DECK is a more in-depth version of the one-page pitch going into more detail about the overall concept of the show (not to exceed 10 pages).
In addition to the details outlined in the one-page pitch above, this treatment/deck may also include:
- Detailed key character descriptions (for talent-led concepts)
- Description about one’s connection, inspiration, and intention for the concept, as well as one’s access to the story
- Description of the concept’s cultural relevance (e.g., why tell this story now?) and the concept’s originality/uniqueness
- If the project is talent-led or based on IP, indicate whether you have secured written agreements or attachments with the proposed talent, their story, or the IP, as that is required.
- If the project is a true crime series or premium documentary series, indicate who you have access to and who can help tell the story.
- Description of the creative or creative team involved in the project
- RELEASE FORM must be completed, signed, and dated for submissions to be accepted. An incomplete release form will result in disqualification. Digital signatures are accepted.
- RÉSUMÉ outlining chronological paid employment history (may include entertainment and non-entertainment positions) and any entertainment-related honors/awards. Positions must have been held within the past 10 years (two pages or less). Only list compensated positions with the exception of entertainment industry internships and full-time volunteer work at non-profits. If listing entertainment projects, only include projects that were produced and/or optioned. The applicant’s resume will provide us an understanding of their work history and insight into their individual life experiences.
- CHARACTER REELS are REQUIRED for talent-led series, such as docu-soaps, occu-soaps, or docu-series that center around a specific family, group of friends, or business. Character reels are short videos about 3-5 minutes in length, featuring the proposed talent of the show and showcasing the world they live in. Character reels must be in .mov format to be accepted. Talent-led pitches without character reels will not be considered.
Any application that does not meet the aforementioned criteria will be disqualified.
Additional Information
There is no limit to the number of concepts an individual may submit. However, a separate application must be submitted for each individual pitch.
Notification
Due to the volume of submission received, only those applicants who are selected to participate in the Accelerator will be notified. Applicants who are not selected will not be notified. Please check our social media pages for updates on the selection process.
We reserve the right to amend the Program at any time.
FAQ
General Questions
- What types of unscripted projects can be submitted?
We are open to unscripted pitches in the following areas:
- Shiny-floor/in-studio formats (e.g., THE VOICE, AMERICA’S GOT TALENT)
- Structured competition formats (e.g., AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR, THE TRAITORS)
- Premium documentary series (e.g., THE REBELLIOUS LIFE OF MRS. ROSA PARKS)
- Social experiments
- Dating/relationship formats (e.g., LOVE ISLAND, LOVE UNDERCOVER, COUPLE TO THROUPLE, QUEEN’S COURT)
- Game shows (e.g., THE WALL, PASSWORD)
- Character-led docu-soaps, occu-soaps, and docu-series (e.g., VANDERPUMP RULES, BELOW DECK, SUMMER HOUSE, REAL HOUSEWIVES)
- Lifestyle formats (e.g., SWEDISH DEATH CLEANING)
- True crime series (e.g., SNAPPED, PROSECUTING EVIL WITH KELLY SIEGLER)
- Can I submit a concept as a team?
Yes, you can submit a concept as a team.
- Can I submit multiple concepts?
Yes, you can submit multiple concepts. However, a separate application must be submitted for each individual pitch.
- Is there an application fee?
No.
- If I am an independent, unscripted creative and don’t have the experience to fully develop my concept after being given a development deal, will I be matched with an experienced unscripted production company/studio to help develop the project?
Yes. If an applicant receives a development deal and the interested platform determines that the applicant does not have the requisite experience and/or resources to fully develop the project, the platform will assign a production company or studio to help develop the concept with the applicant’s consent and agreement.
- If my project gets selected for a development deal, is there a guarantee that my concept will be produced?
No. Though your project may be selected for a development deal, there is no guarantee that it will be produced.
- If my project receives a development deal but is ultimately passed on by the platform, does the concept and development materials revert back to me?
Yes, subject to the signature of a quitclaim to be negotiated in good faith within the platform’s customary standard terms.
- Can I live outside of the United States to submit?
No, you must be a legal resident of the United Stated to submit. Applicants must also be authorized to work legally in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not offered to Accelerator participants.
- If given a $20,000 development deal, what does that money go towards?
The $20,000 goes toward the bolstering of development materials, such as the creation of a series bible, a sizzle reel, more in-depth casting materials and casting reels, etc.
Eligibility
- Do I need a manager, agent, or entertainment lawyer to submit my concept?
No, you don’t need a manager, agent, or entertainment lawyer to submit. However in lieu of representation, you are required to submit a completed and signed release form for your project to be considered.
- Are Comcast-NBCUniversal employees eligible to submit?
Yes, Comcast-NBCUniversal employees are eligible to submit. Submissions from employees will only be considered after employee gets written manager and HR approval to participate. Preparation of any materials for submission is entirely voluntary and not part of the employee’s job duties.
MATERIAL
- Is material based on my life, someone else’s life, or a project in which I own the rights eligible?
Yes. (Legal Discussion Point).
- Can I submit material that has already been produced?
No.
- Can I submit material that has been previously optioned, but all rights have been reverted?
Yes.
- Can I submit animation material?
No.
- 18. Who owns the rights to the material submitted?
Applicants retain ownership of all material submitted. (Legal Discussion Point).
- May I submit material that I previously submitted during the last application period?
Yes. However, new material will better reflect a writer’s progress.
- What is the acceptable format for submitted material?
All materials (submission release, resume, pilot scripts, letter(s) of recommendation) must be submitted in PDF format through the application website with filenames titled as follows: [Piece of Material] – First Name Last Name (e.g. Pilot – John Doe; Resume - Jane Doe, etc.). The personal essay should be submitted through the text entry box on the application website.
- Who reviews submissions?
NBCUniversal executives, producers, and professional evaluators.
- Will I receive feedback on my submission?
No. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to provide feedback.