When is Pilot Season?

Pilot season is an incredibly important, and busy, time of year for the film industry. In fact, from pilot season to upfronts, filmmakers are incredibly busy with all of the different projects and priorities taking place relative to network television development and production. If you’re new to the network television industry you might be wondering! When is pilot season?

And more importantly…What can filmmakers do to prepare for the scripted network television season?

What is Pilot Season?

Pilot season represents a period of time. During which network executives are making key decisions on the series. And other television show pitches that were introduced to them.

During pilot season, which typically begins in January, network executives are finalizing their decisions over the holidays and placing orders for pilots for series. 

When is Pilot Season?

Pilot season starts in January for most networks. While there are some major networks that have year around pitching. Which can lead to pilots being introduced at other times of the year besides just in January,.

The majority of television development and production is based around the annual pitching season and pilot season calendar. And with that calendar, pilot season starts in January!

Pilot Orders

Pilot orders are placed, usually in January. Sometimes towards the end of the month. A pilot order placement basically means that the network television executives were satisfied with the pitch.

And are interested in the production of a pilot episode. So that they can determine whether or not they want to move forward with an entire series or season of programming. Based on the initial pitch and pilot episode. 

Pilot Filming

The months of February through April represent a very busy time period for filmmakers, actors, actresses, and production crews.

It is during these months that television networks tend to be ordering several network pilots that are to be filmed quickly, and efficiently, during this brief time period.

Everyone must remain on schedule if they’re going to have the pilots ready in time to be aired on television that very first time.

What Happens After Pilot Season?

If pilot season begins in January and continues into April when pilots are produced, what happens after pilot season?

Once the pilot is produced, and the show is ready to be presented for distribution. Network executives begin the process of selecting which pilots are worthy of an entire season of programming.

The decisions are made in late April and early May. Because by the third week of May, sponsors see series orders. And begin the process of placing commercial bids on airtime.

Sponsor orders, of commercial airtime that will be presented during the upcoming season as the series airs. Covers much of the costs involved in the initial production of the pilot.

As well as costs involved in the production of pilots that did not make the cut. And will not result in a full season of series’. 

In Summary

So, when is pilot season? It’s January to May, right before upfronts which occur the third week of May, every year. It’s a busy season for filmmakers, and an important time of year for all involved.