Template: A One-Page Show Proposal for YouTube (Adaptable for Broadcasters)

Stop losing opportunities to messy pitches: the one-page show proposal that gets read

If you are a creator or producer juggling multiple submissions, unclear guidelines, and last-minute deadline sprints, this fill-in-the-blank one-page show proposal is designed for you. Inspired by the BBC–YouTube trend in early 2026 that pushed broadcasters toward platform-native deals, this template helps you present a slick, platform-aware pitch that producers, commissioners, and digital partners can scan in under a minute.

Why a one-page pitch matters in 2026

Attention is the scarcest resource. Broadcasters and platforms are now partnering on short-run, high-impact shows that are optimized for discovery and retention. Recent industry moves, including the BBC in talks to produce bespoke content for YouTube, underline a shift: commissioners want concise, data-driven proposals that show platform understanding and measurable KPIs. A one-page pitch forces clarity, removes noise, and increases your odds of moving to a call.

BBC and YouTube talks in 2026 show legacy broadcasters are building platform-first formats to reach younger, streaming-native audiences.

How to use this resource

Read the short checklist, paste the one-page template into a plain document, and fill the blanks with concise bullets. Use the optional 1-page show bible snippet and producer template for follow-up materials. End with a one-line call to action and one link to a reel or sample episode. Keep file sizes low and provide hosted links for media.

One-Page Show Proposal Template (Fill-in-the-Blank)

Copy this entire section into your document and replace bracketed text with your responses. Aim for 250–450 words total.

Header

• Show Title: [Working title]
• Format: [E.g., Episodic / Limited series / Studio / Field / Hybrid]
• Length: [Primary length and alternatives, e.g., 10–12 mins (long-form) + 60–90s shorts]
• Target Platform: [E.g., YouTube (main + shorts) / Broadcaster / Podcast]
• Creator / Producer: [Name, company, one-sentence credential e.g., channel subs, past commissions]
• Contact: [Email | Phone | Link to EPK or showreel]

Logline (one sentence)

[Write a compact, high-impact sentence that explains the hook, protagonist or concept, and what makes this unique on the platform]

Elevator Pitch (30–45 words)

[A short paragraph that sells why the show is timely, who will watch, and what the core promise is]

Why now (platform fit and audience)

• [Why this format fits YouTube: search & discovery, short-form repurposing, vertical creative, chapters]
• [Target audience demographics and where they consume content]
• [Comparable shows or benchmarks and relevant metrics, e.g., average watch time, sub growth]

Episode structure (example)

[Outline a 3–5 beat structure; include moment for hook, retention, and CTA to channel/subscribe]

Distribution & Monetization

• Primary window: [YouTube channel / broadcaster]
• Repurposing plan: [Shorts, clips for social, podcast audio, highlights for FAST or broadcaster]
• Monetization: [Ads, branded integrations, sponsorships, platform funding]

Key Production Details

• Episodes planned: [e.g., 6 x 10 mins]
• Estimated production timeline: [Pre-prod weeks | Shoot days | Post weeks]
• High-level budget: [Per episode or series; range if negotiating]
• Delivery format: [e.g., 4K H.264, closed captions, timestamps & chapters, thumbnail assets, master & shorts pack]

KPIs & Success Metrics

• Views per episode goal: [number]
• Average view duration target: [seconds or percentage]
• Subscriber uplift: [target new subs per episode/season]
• Engagement: [comments, shares, click-through rate to landing pages]

Attachments / Links

• One-line link to showreel or pilot: [URL]
• Channel analytics snapshot: [upload a PNG or link; show 3-month trends]
• Talent release & rights summary: [Yes/No and short note]

Call to action

Available for a 15-minute call week of [date]. Sent materials: one-page pitch, 2-minute reel, analytics screenshot. Contact: [email | phone].

One-Page Show Bible Snippet (Optional single-page follow-up)

When a commissioner asks for more, the follow-up one-page show bible gives a tight overview without repeating your pitch. Use this to expand on tone, key characters, episode ideas, and a sample storyboard for episode 1.

• Tonal reference: [Example shows, adjectives: playful, investigative, cinematic]
• Episode ideas: Bullet list of 6 episode concepts
• Visual style: [Camera, graphic language, thumbnails approach]
• Deliverable pack: [Master file, 3 clip edits, 6 social verticals, captions in 3 languages]

Sample Producer Template (for Industry & Broadcasters)

Use this when you need to show production capability fast.

• Production company: [Name, company registration, brief credits]
• Showrunner / EP: [Name, credits, role]
• Core crew: [DP, editor, sound, post company]
• Insurance: [Yes/No, provider]
• Legal: [Talent releases, music licenses, third-party footage clearances]

Formatting Guide: How to Deliver a Pitch They Will Open

Formatting matters. Follow this practical checklist to make your one-page pitch readable and platform-aware.

1. Filename: Use a clean format: ShowTitle_OnePage_ProducerName.pdf
2. Font & layout: Single column, 11–12pt sans-serif, 0.5in margins
3. File type: PDF; include a plain-text email body and hosted links for media
4. One-line subject: ShowTitle | One-Page Pitch | PlatformName — ProducerName
5. Attachments: One-page PDF + one-line link to reel + analytics screenshot (PNG)
6. Size: Keep total email under 10 MB; host video on private platform links

Sample Cover Letter / Email Body (Short & Direct)

Paste this and personalize. Keep it to 3 short paragraphs.

Subject: ShowTitle | One-Page Pitch | YouTube — ProducerName

Hi [Commissioner Name],

I have a platform-native series idea that fits YouTube audiences and repurposes into shorts and social clips. I am sending a one-page proposal plus a 90-second reel. The series promises [main promise in 10 words].

Attached: One-page pitch, showreel (link), analytics snapshot. I’m available for a 15-minute call on [dates]. Thanks for considering — I can send a compact budget and episode outline on request.

Best,

[Name] — [Title / Company] — [Contact | Link to EPK]

Platform-Specific Notes for YouTube (What commissioners expect in 2026)

In light of broadcaster-platform collaborations like BBC–YouTube, commissioners will ask: Is this optimized for algorithmic discovery, modular repurposing, and audience retention? Address these points directly in your one-pager.

• Retention-first structure: Identify the first 30 seconds hook and mid-roll re-engagement moments.
• Shorts strategy: Describe how each episode yields 3–6 vertical clips of 15–60s each.
• Metadata plan: Provide sample title, 200-word description, 10 tags, and 3 timestamp chapters for episode 1.
• Thumbnail strategy: Explain the consistent visual template and A/B test approach.
• Localization: Plan for captions and 2–3 languages for initial markets.

Legal and Rights Checklist (Quick Overview)

Before you submit, be ready to answer legal questions. Put a one-line summary in your one-pager and have documents ready if requested.

• Talent releases: [All cast signed? Y/N]
• Music licensing: [Original, library, or cleared third-party?]
• Exclusivity: [Are you seeking platform exclusivity or non-exclusive licensing?]
• Rights reversion: [When do rights revert to you?]

Data & Evidence: What To Include Without Overloading

Commissioners crave evidence. Include up to three concise data points that prove traction or capacity.

• Channel growth snapshot: last 3 months percent change
• Top-performing video: title and average view duration
• Brand ad case: example of a successful branded short or campaign

Advanced Strategies & 2026 Trends to Mention

To stand out, reference how your show will use current trends without sounding like buzzword salad.

• Modular production: Build for microcontent first, then longer masters for linear partners
• AI-assisted workflows: Use AI for closed captions, rough cuts, and localization—note human oversight for editorial control
• Data-first commissioning: Offer an iterative pilot model with analytics-based go/no-go checkpoints
• Brand safety & verification: Address content moderation and synthetic media verification where applicable

Real-world example (experience)

One creator used this one-page approach in late 2025 and moved from cold email to commisioning call within 4 days. The pitch highlighted a 60% average view duration on similar videos, offered a pilot of 3 eps, and provided a 90-second reel. The commissioner commented that the one-page format made it easy to triage and forward to legal and digital strategy teams.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a 12-page deck when the commissioner asked for one page
• Sending large attachments rather than hosted links
• Overstating metrics without screenshots or sources
• Ignoring platform-specific deliverables like thumbnail packs and shorts

Quick Submission Checklist

• One-page PDF pitch filled from template
• 90–120 second reel link (privacy: unlisted or private link with access token)
• Analytics snapshot (PNG) showing last 3 months
• Short email body with subject line and call to action
• Producer template and legal one-liners ready if requested

Future Predictions: What Commissioners Will Ask for in Late 2026

Expect more platform-broadcaster co-productions, data-first pilots, and deals that favor modular rights. Commissioning teams will increasingly require:

• Short-form deliverables alongside long-form masters
• Clear AI use policies for editorial integrity
• Real-time analytics access during pilots
• Flexible rights that allow broadcasters to move content between platforms

Final Notes on Tone and Presentation

Be decisive, not verbose. Use numbers, not adjectives. Show you understand the platform by demonstrating how a typical episode will be discovered, consumed, and converted into subscribers or revenue.

Call to Action

If you want a custom one-page pitch reviewed, paste your filled template into an email and request a critique. For hands-on support, submit your one-page pitch, a 90-second reel link, and an analytics snapshot — we offer feedback that focuses on both editorial fit and platform optimization.

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