How to pitch a TV show to PBS Kids

In its own words

“If your project fits those guidelines, please share your materials through the PBS KIDS submissions portal here.”

“PBS KIDS does not accept or review submissions sent via conventional postal delivery (e.g. USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) or via email.”

“PBS is not obligated to return proposal submissions and PBS is not responsible for lost materials.”

What it says it looks for

“PBS KIDS focuses on commissioning educational content for kids ages 2 to 8.”

“PBS KIDS has announced today a request for proposals (RFP) for an original, book- or game-based multiplatform property for preschoolers, with a curriculum focus on functional literacy.”

“Prior industry experience is not required.”

What it has bought from outside

1. 1993

   Arthur from Marc Brown (Arthur books), produced by WGBH

   “In January 1993, Marc Brown was approached by WGBH, a PBS affiliate, about the possibility of adapting his Arthur books into a television series.” en.wikipedia.org

2. 2012

   Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood from Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story Media Group

   “The series debuted on September 3, 2012, on PBS Kids.” en.wikipedia.org

Other companies that take a TV show

• Shark Tank (ABC)Open applicationShark Tank’s producers are looking for entrepreneurs, inventors and creators to pitch the Sharks.

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  BBCHolds open callsBBC Writers’ Open Call takes scripts from writers aged 18 and over living in the UK or Ireland.

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  Hallmark MediaDoes not take outside ideasHallmark Channel does not accept or consider unsolicited scripts, ideas or proposals.
• Bravo (NBCUniversal)Does not take outside ideasBravo’s parent NBCUniversal accepts no unsolicited submissions for shows and takes a license to anything sent anyway.
• Cartoon NetworkDoes not take outside ideasCartoon Network falls under Warner’s terms, which accept no unsolicited stories, scripts or ideas and owe nothing for what is sent anyway.
• Discovery ChannelDoes not take outside ideasWarner Bros.
• Great American MediaDoes not take outside ideasGreat American Media is taking no unsolicited pitches, scripts or programming ideas for now, and expects to open a submission system later.
• HBODoes not take outside ideasHBO accepts no unsolicited concepts, stories or ideas, and treats anything sent as free for its use.

All of them, open doors first