NBCU LAUNCH, the umbrella brand that encompasses the extensive inclusion efforts across NBCUniversal’s entertainment television portfolio, has once again demonstrated its dedication to inclusivity in unscripted television. This commitment was reinforced with the introduction of the new NBCU LAUNCH Unscripted Pitch Accelerator.

It is an open call for independent creators to pitch their concepts for unscripted shows to NBCU’s network development teams.

They are are looking for new hit unscripted franchises for platforms including Peacock, NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen True Crime and USA Network.

The initiative is open to all creators!
They do not need representation nor a relationship with an established production company or studio – opening access for the networks to get the best ideas.
Up to five pitches will receive a $20,000 development deal with NBCU Entertainment to further develop the concept for possible greenlight.
Submissions are open until June 30, 2024 at the NBCU LAUNCH website.
This announcement marks the one-year anniversary of its major entry into inclusion efforts for unscripted television.

The NBCU LAUNCH Unscripted Pitch Accelerator offers independent creators and producers a chance to present their ideas for unscripted series to NBCUniversal television executives. The objective of the initiative is to discover new unscripted franchises that will captivate audiences across the company’s entertainment television platforms, such as Peacock, NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen True Crime, and USA Network.

Creators are invited to submit pitches covering a wide range of genres and formats. This includes shiny-floor/in-studio formats, competition formats, social experiments, dating/relationship formats, game shows, character-led docu-soaps, occu-soaps, lifestyle formats, true-crime series, and premium documentary series. The top five pitches will receive a $20,000 development deal with NBCU Entertainment. This will give creators the necessary resources and support to further refine their concepts for potential greenlight consideration.

Independent producers can submit their concepts without the need for representation or a relationship with an established production company or studio, allowing for a wider consideration pool to find the best ideas. Submissions for the NBCU LAUNCH Unscripted Pitch Accelerator can be made between May 21 and June 30, 2024 on the NBCU LAUNCH website.

There are numerous excellent show ideas in our industry. Our Unscripted Pitch Accelerator aims to discover new voices and talent in the TV industry by providing independent creators with access to the pitch process. Jeanne Mau, Senior Vice President of TV Programming Diversity Equity & Inclusion at NBCUniversal, believes that these fresh perspectives and untapped talent will play a crucial role in shaping the future of television. Our new initiative is open to everyone and is designed to enhance our current efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in unscripted content. It aims to empower storytellers by providing them with the opportunity to develop the next successful unscripted franchise for NBCU, and ultimately become highly accomplished producers.

NBCU has a rich history of creating unscripted shows that have become iconic in popular culture. According to Corie Henson and Rachel Smith, Executive Vice Presidents of Unscripted Content at NBCU Entertainment, we are always on the lookout for new and exciting series to add to our already successful franchises like “America’s Got Talent,” “Deal or No Deal,” “The Real Housewives,” and “Vanderpump Rules.” Through the NBCU LAUNCH Unscripted Pitch Accelerator, we have the unique chance to broaden our search and welcome creators from all backgrounds with their original ideas. We aim to not only discover our next major successes, but also provide talented producers with the opportunity to make a breakthrough,”

The Unscripted Pitch Accelerator coincides with the one-year anniversary of NBCU LAUNCH’s initial push for greater inclusion in unscripted programming. This is the newest addition to their expanding range of inclusion initiatives in unscripted television. They have already introduced the NBCU LAUNCH Unscripted Producers Initiative, NBCU LAUNCH Talent and Casting Assistant Program, NBCU LAUNCH Below-the-Line Traineeship, and NBCU LAUNCH Production Assistant Initiative.

The Unscripted Producers Initiative offers a valuable opportunity for mid-level producers to gain on-the-job experience and receive mentorship. The initiative has achieved great success, with 28 producers being placed across 20 unscripted NBCU shows. These shows include popular franchises like “The Real Housewives” (Miami, New York, and Salt Lake City), as well as shows like “Winter House,” “Sins of the South,” “Love Island Games,” “Password,” and “American Ninja Warrior.” Many of these producers have been hired for subsequent seasons, further highlighting their talent and contribution.

The Below-the-Line Traineeship and Production Assistant Initiative provide opportunities for talented individuals to join productions directly. The initiatives have seen positive outcomes, with participants being placed on a range of NBCUniversal unscripted series. These placements include a below-the-line trainee on “Baking It” and the hiring of 24 production assistants across multiple shows such as “America’s Got Talent,” “Botched,” and “The Real Housewives of New York City,” among others. The Production Assistant Initiative has now been extended to the company’s live events this year. Production assistants have been instrumental in assisting with the “Live From E!” red carpet specials for prestigious events like the Oscars, Emmy Awards, and Grammy Awards.

The Talent and Casting Assistant Program is dedicated to nurturing and cultivating aspiring casting directors from diverse backgrounds, including historically underrepresented communities. The 12-month paid program allows participants to gain valuable experience by supporting the internal talent and casting departments within NBCU’s television portfolio for six months. Afterward, they have the opportunity to spend another six months at an independent casting office in Los Angeles or New York. Participants from the unscripted track have successfully transitioned into roles as casting associates on popular shows such as “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice,” among others.