NBCUniversal Launch, the company’s umbrella brand that houses NBCUniversal’s comprehensive inclusion efforts across its entertainment television portfolio, is once again opening its doors to the next generation of unscripted storytellers with the return of the NBCU Launch Unscripted Pitch Accelerator.
The program is designed to identify emerging creative voices of unscripted storytellers from NBC, Bravo and Peacock. This initiative provides independent creators and producers the opportunity to pitch their original concepts directly to NBCUniversal Television executives. Applicants do not need an agent.
“We are focused on expanding access to all outstanding independent creators with bold, unscripted ideas,” said Jeanne Mau, executive vice president of TV programming and inclusion at NBCU Launch. She added, “This initiative underscores NBCU Launch’s commitment to the next generation of storytellers and creates a pathway to finding the next breakout unscripted series from anywhere.”
As part of this initiative, creators are encouraged to submit pitches across a variety of genres and formats, including glossy floor/studio formats, competition formats, social experiments, dating/relationship formats, character-driven docu-soaps, premium true crime series, and documentary series.
Up to five outstanding pitches will be awarded a development contract, along with dedicated development support for creators to prepare their concepts for consideration by NBC, Bravo, or Peacock. All projects are being developed by Universal Television Alternative Studios, a division of Universal Studios Group.
This initiative aims to expand the pool for finding the best ideas and invite creators at all stages to come forward with bold and original ideas. Submissions to the NBCU Launch Unscripted Pitch Accelerator will be accepted from May 18th through June 14th through the NBCU Launch website.
Sharon Vuong and Rachel Smith, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content, NBCU Entertainment. “At NBCU, we have a deep tradition of unscripted series that not only succeed, but help define culture. We’re always looking for the next great series to join our iconic franchises, including America’s Got Talent, The Voice, The Real Housewives, and Love Island.” Buon and Smith added, “Through this accelerator initiative, we hope to discover fresh ideas for franchises.” It could define the next era of unscripted television. ”
NBCU Launch has previously developed programs focused on the unscripted space, including the NBCU Launch Unscripted Productions Initiative, which has supported 64 producers of all career levels on more than 30 NBCU unscripted series, including “The Real Housewives” series (Miami, New York and Salt Lake City), “Love Island USA,” “The Valley” and “American Ninja Warrior.” Successful participants have since been invited back on the show’s next season, secured roles on other NBCU shows, or been promoted to higher positions. Through the NBCU Launch Production Assistant Initiative, 63 production assistants have been hired to date across 22 unscripted series, including “Southern Charm,” “The Wall,” “Married to Medicine” and “Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together.”
