Formatting a reality show proposal
How should a proposal for a reality show be structured? My research to date suggests that reality shows have been evolving towards a more “scripted” format, although I understand that writers don’t get credited (yet). I have an idea for a reality show (doesn’t everyone, eh?) - so how should it be presented to a producer? An overall description of the premise, and ideas for several episodes? What level of detail is needed (or not needed)?
– Jedd
New Orleans, LA
There are already too many reality TV shows, which are taking jobs away from writers. So I won’t answer your question. . . . Okay, I will. But you have to promise your show will be something inspiring like the Amazing Race and not soul-destroying like, well, anything that starts with My Big Fat Obnoxious Dot-Dot-Dot.
There’s nothing approaching a standard format for something like a reality TV show, or, surprisingly, a scripted show. In the Downloads section, you’ll see my initial write-ups for The Circle. The format seems pretty standard and straightforward, but I wasn’t trying to match any template. I just wrote what I thought needed to be explained.
For your reality show, I think the proposal would need to include:
- The premise
- The people (host, contestants, whatever)
- The tone, including some sample dialogue/narration if appropriate
- The reward or outcome
- Structure of a typical episode
- Future episode descriptions
I think you need to present enough detail so that the producer really understands what the show is, and how it differs from anything else on television. If you have a background in physical production, you might include more detail about shooting days, crew or locations, but if you don’t know, don’t try to fake it.
Articles
December 7th, 2004 at 11:15 am
I’m a reality Story Editor/Story Producer which are clever names for “Writer.” I’ve had my own show ideas optioned, but the latest trend out here in L.A. is to have talent attached to reality shows. It seems, just like features, if you can attach talent (mostly B level) then you’ve got a better shot at setting up your show.
But, if you’re idea is high-concept enough, you just need to set up in 1-2 pages the premise, the show arc, and how many episodes it will take to get there.
December 7th, 2004 at 7:45 pm
As part of my internship this summer I read hundreds of reality show proposals. I even optioned an idea of my own. There is no standard structure. The most important thing is to grab a reader‚Äôs attention with a catchy line or question that will get them thinking “hey this is new”. The rest is up to you. Episode structure is important but not as much as the basic concept. You can always explain the rest once you get a meeting ‚Äě point is to get that meeting. My bosses just loved describing shows as “The Apprentice meets bla bla bla‚Äů. Reality producers have shorter attention spans than goldfish so you have to make it easy enough for a child to understand and repeat. Seriously, get a kid to read it and than explain what it‚Äôs about, if he can‚Äôt do it than it needs work. Having seen how the Reality business is run first hand, my advice is not to bother. Reality TV is no place for writers, or human beings for that matter.
December 8th, 2004 at 7:44 am
Please stop giving this man advice on how to murder any remaining hint of originality and creativity left in this hellish world.
Reality Television is a tool of the devil! Long live Spider Man.
December 11th, 2004 at 12:27 pm
Two quick questions for those in the know:
What is the appropriate contact meathod for reality shows? Should I send a query asking if they want the longer explanation of the show? Or, since the description of the show is so short anyway (1-2 pages) should I just include all that information in the letter?
Is there any protection from someone stealing the idea? Not to sound paranoid, but this is different from a script, where it would be easier to ask for the script instead of stealing the idea presented in a query. With a reality show pitch, the whole thing is still only an idea. Why would a producer bother to call back if they liked the idea?
I’m not as paranoid as I may sound, I just want to know what is considered proper. I am inclined to send a short letter explaining the premise and attach to that the 1-2 page explanation of the show. Should I send everything or hold some info back?
Any thoughts?
December 11th, 2004 at 3:03 pm
Interesting note:
Since the concept for a reality show is basically an idea, it seems like copyright law wouldn’t apply.
Patents, however may be one method of protection. It sounds crazy, but it seems that Microsoft has patented celebrity game shows:
Go to http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. Click on Patent Number Search and search for patent number 6,800,031.
March 2nd, 2005 at 4:53 pm
What’s the best way to propose an MTV-style show to a major network? Does a plain ingenius idea still work or do you have to dress it up?
August 17th, 2005 at 7:34 pm
Hey, I have an idea / concept - (haha dont we all at some stage) and i want to know where can i search to see if the idea has already been created or is in the process of being created…just so i dont break any laws.
There has to be some site out there that has EVERY SINGLE REALITY SHOW ever thought of / produced / awaiting production that I can use as my so called ‘Bible’…
I have been thinking of sending myself an sealed letter and posting it to my address, that way it will have the concept / treatment inside with a stamped date on the outside proving it was created on this date…IS this protective enough to ensure no one can take and copy my concept, or do you advise that I still get it Patented?
But my main question is that I need to know if my idea has been used before, or declined before by a major production company, that way, if it has, i can then move onto something else.
Could you please email me your answer as I may not be able to get back to this site…just incase.
thanks David A
helokido@hotmail.com
August 20th, 2005 at 2:18 pm
Here is a list of current reality shows and links.
August 20th, 2005 at 2:19 pm
http://www.realitytvlinks.com/
I mean…. here it is.
August 20th, 2005 at 2:21 pm
http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/
Some more reality links.
September 2nd, 2005 at 6:08 pm
Ok all that was great info when I started looking. I got an idea like every one else. Surprise, Surprise. Any who my question is where do you send your idea? Just look up your local broadcasting companies and start sending in transcripts? Thank ya much.
September 24th, 2005 at 11:46 am
i want help on how to carry out a reality show that has to house some housemates. pls advice me more
phill
February 25th, 2006 at 9:55 am
I have read all the pros & cons here about “reality shows”. Frankly, I’m nnot sure anymore what IS a Realty Show. Some have decsibed “American Idol” as a reality show. So, does that mean that the old Star Search was a reality show? How about going farther back to Arthur Godfrey’s Ralent Scouts? I guess it was a reality show in the 50’s.
I am writing a proposal for mainstream fun, entertaining travel show We are planning to take it a step farther by shooting a pilot and THEN pitching it. We have 15 years experience in broadcasting AND travel and have done this concept on local radio & TV stations. Does this seem like a logical way to go?
April 26th, 2006 at 6:34 pm
I’ve read all your submissions & questions but I still didn’t get the answer as to where do you get the contact info to pitch a reality show idea? I’m not sure about the web sites that say executives read them…doubt it. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
May 29th, 2006 at 7:37 am
I went to a major tv station with an idea for a show and they loved it and gave me the green light. Now I have to write a proposal to them about my show, I have a basic idea but have never done this before and i want to do it right. Do you have any good suggestions for a website that could help me please.
Another thing is I can either do the show directly with the station, where they sell the advertising and put it together and ill just be the presenter.
Or I could go with a production company and make the programme myself and make the profits after loss.
Wondering…Natalie
congratz on the site!
June 8th, 2006 at 2:45 pm
I developed a reality show which was aired on a satellite tv in South Africa 3 hours everyday for 68 days.I intend to do another one this year,but i need a very good production company that can assist me.The show is tagged TEAM TOURISM.The one for last year is TEAM TOURISM NIGERIA.I will very much appreciate it if i can be linked up with some production companies.
Kind regards,
Akinwumi Ajayi
Nigeria.
July 5th, 2006 at 10:04 am
I have an unscipted documentary series (which is really just another way to say reality show) that I want to pitch, but I don’t know who to pitch it to or how… I have researched what already exists and what’s in the works and there is nothing like my idea out there. It is very mainstream and family friendly. Could be considered educational as well… Someone please tell me how to reach the proper decision maker and how to create a proposal. I think TLC, Discovery, Bravo, Lifetime, MTV, VH1, Spike, E!, WE, Oxygen, A&E, and Fox are all the type of networks that might consider this project… HELP!!!
July 28th, 2006 at 3:46 pm
If people are interested in pitching their reality tv projects to different networks and production companies, then you should go to Natpe.org (web site) and check out their Producers Bootcamp (which just occurred on July 27th and 28th)and their annual event in Las Vegas.
I pitched my reality show and I’m forwarding my treatment in email to the production companies. They seemed mildly interested. One reacurring theme during the event was that any show idea can be copied. The emphasis it seems is how are you special to the project. What can you offer with the idea that no one else can offer (for instance do you own the rights to a book, someone’s life story, are you some expert?).
If it’s your passion to do reality tv, then I would attend one of these events, because there is a lot to learn, and a lot of networking going on.
Devon Wild
Author of Pick-Up Lines That Work
August 17th, 2006 at 4:57 pm
I have a question. I have written a reality tv show. I tried shopping it with several networks and production companies. I was constantly told I needed either an agent or a talent attorney to present it to them. How are you’ll shopping your concepts without representation. Now I have the attention of a big wig that has connections, however, they want me to provide numbers, how will the show be financed, as well as a treatment. Does anyone know where I can find this type of information quickly…
September 1st, 2006 at 3:32 pm
A group wants to hire me to write the pilot or marketing device for a reality show they want to shop to networks. They hired me based on watching a film I write, directed and edited recently, as well as some scripts I wrote.
They were talking about my writing a “script”, as in a script that actors would read and recite lines from. They were also talking about a lot of reenactments and trying sell the audience on the realism of it all.
My plan is create the scenarios and crafts circumstances that will get what they want on screen but will still allow the participants to react ‘Naturally”.
My question: Do reality have movie like scripts and lots of totally fake setups. What does a reality show script look like format wise.
Thanks,
Lin
September 9th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
Can someone pls tell me how to liaise with any travel channel worldwide to co-produce Team Tourism Nigeria.A reality show that takes viewers round the most exotic and rare tourist sites that will hold viewers spellbound anywhere around the globe.(Nigeria has about 10,000 sites)
September 19th, 2006 at 1:58 am
please i will like to know the formats of some the the realirty shows we have in nigeria , its seem some are fake , they act it, its not real. i will like reality shows to be real and for youths any young fellow not old big cargo, youths are the future leaders , give them a chance
October 11th, 2006 at 4:41 am
Does anyone know where I can mail a reality show submisssion so I can get a station to look at it?
October 26th, 2006 at 10:39 pm
Can I get a sample of a reality based script via enternet? Maybe just a breakdown of a format for a beginner with a great idea. How do I find out if idea has been submitted?
much thanks, mark
October 28th, 2006 at 11:10 am
I’ve written out a format/proposal for a reality show. I’ve done some research and found out that TV stations such as Discovery Channel, TLC etc do not produce their own show, you must submit your ideas to a production company. I foud a few that they normally work with and researched their contact info. I would like to submit a proposal, but need some guidance in writing it correctly to capture their attention. Without experience in this industry the one good thing I have going is the fact that I’m a licence expert in the medical field which would allow me to have input in the show. Please email anyone or websie I can rely on in taking the correct steps of what the realty show proposal should consist of. Also how can I get this copywrite before sending it out. Thank You
November 29th, 2006 at 8:45 pm
Creating Reality TV Concepts
When marketing an original reality-based project to the television industry, be sure to explore the following points before you create and pitch your concept:
Why do we watch them?
If you look at most of the reality show ideas that get produced, they most often revolve around a specific issue or event that everybody can relate to, and out of that is built a game. They are in essence, game shows. But even more importantly, they are big fun, and often dramatic social experiments. Another thing to remember is that some things are fun to play, and some things are fun to watch. To truly connect with an audience and have entertainment value in a show you need both.
The quality of a reality-based show can span from awful to purely inspiring. But the root reason viewers tune in is because we have an insatiable appetite for witnessing and being entertained by the human experience.
Conceiving and Creating:
Be Specific in your concept, and try several approaches- Here’s a typical scenario that will give you an idea of why being specific and unique is important: “Ms. Network Executive” gives a production company executive the inside scoop that they would love to find a show that places contestants in some sort of “fish-out-of-water scenario” and would like it to involve a family. That in itself is a generic idea, but it does send the creative mind in a specific direction. What she’s hoping is that you will be the one to deliver an approach to that concept that is totally unique and something they never would have thought of. They themselves may be spending time trying to develop the concept internally, while also taking pitches from a handful of producers. Many producers will create two or three variations on the same concept. And each of those will give you a different result, a different experience as a viewer, and therefore they are considered by any executive taking stock- different shows. So don’t be afraid to work on several shows within the same theme. It can only increase your chances of making a sale.
Choose concepts and subjects that are highly marketable- Titles are very important, they should roll off the tongue easily, provoke conversations, and simply tell you exactly what you’re going to be watching. “Blind Date”, “Temptation Island”, “The Bachelor”, “Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire” are all good examples. Word play is always a good way to grab attention and create curiosity. “Meet the Parents” “Elimidate” “Joe Millionaire” “The Real World” “Around the World in Eighty Dates” are all specific to what their show is about, but use known phrases to create new titles that peak curiosity.
Think of movies- “Story” is a critical element to define when developing a reality-based project. When you look at movies, look at the core concept and story elements of the film, and a reality show just might be staring you smack in the face. “Cannonball Run”, “Meet the Parents”, “Around the World in Eighty Dates” “The Fugitive” are all specific examples of film concepts that have translated into reality-based shows for television.
Examples we’ve seen:
To put a group of young adults together in the same house that are strangers living, working and playing creates an inherent “soap opera” for the audience to watch. That was Bunim/Murray Productions’ “The Real World”, and it opened up the young viewing audience to a new form of compelling TV. Documentary-style coverage of a set-up situation.
And almost always, they are plays in morality. “Survivor”, produced by Mark Burnett Productions, is a microcosm of our society. We are stuck living together, therefore we must get along. Each person must strategize to win, but must do so without creating enemies, because it is their neighbor that votes if they can continue or if they get kicked out. It isn’t always fair, and therein lies the fun. In that pressure-cooker atmosphere we see the players true character rise to the surface. Even though the show is set up, you get real drama.
A most recent television hit, “The Apprentice”, another Mark Burnett brainchild, has similar game elements to that of survivor but takes place in a different jungle- the concrete jungle. Aspiring business mavens must work together under the scrutinizing eye of Donald Trump. Poor performers of the weekly business task face Trump in his boardroom where each week one person is fired. A marketing person will tell you that people will tune into this show to see Trump fire someone each week. True! But the reason viewers find it compelling to watch is because of the specific moments of drama that come out of situations and challenges that face us all. As in most dramatized pieces, it is a “heightened reality” that makes it entertaining to watch.
A show that has branded the cable network of Bravo with a “Network Hit”, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” is a simple and entertaining formula that brings opposite worlds together when hapless straight guys are thrown to the mercy of five gay experts in all that is hip and chic, in hopes of resurrecting their lifestyle and appearance. The result of bringing these two mismatches together…. comedy and quality entertainment. The lynch pin in this show isn’t the obvious “comedy that ensues”, but the heart strings that the show touches when someone’s life is changed for the better. You’ll notice this as the root of any successful makeover show. It’s not about the makeup and furniture, it’s about changing lives.
A new show that’s getting great critical acclaim in reality programming is “Wife Swap” on ABC. Beyond being a “fish-out-of-water” concept, the show is built on casting “oil and water”. Husbands and wives discover the grass ISN’T always greener when they swap husbands or wives to experience family life through someone else’s perspective and practices.
Another good example is the WB reality series, “High School Reunion”. A production executive went to their high school reunion and experienced the organic drama and issues that are alive at any high-school reunion. That was the nucleus of what became a prime-time reality show. The show keys on the characters we all know; the beauty queen, the jock, the nerd, the bully, the loner, the gossipers, the rockers, etc. They chose to build the show around a ten-year reunion because having most of the people at age 28, they’ll find a large chasm in the career and life progress of each person. Some will already be huge successes, some will have taken turns for the worse, most will be insecure and frustrated. Again, it is all built for drama. And you can be sure that there will be humor with revenge fantasies played out, unrequited love rekindled, or even a grudge match between the ex-nerd turned judo champ and the ex-bully turned couch potato. It’s something we all relate to, and fun to watch.
ABC’s hit series “The Bachelor” is both simple in concept and execution, but what the Producers of the show know how to do is pull drama from specific moments of tension and anticipation. It’s classy, it’s romantic, and again- it’s real drama that we’re watching. And one thing that puts it a cut above the rest is that it isn’t necessarily a journey of breaking hearts as much as it is a journey of two people finding true love with each other (that hopefully lasts beyond the air-date of the show). The show romanticizes the courting process and we can’t get enough of it.
Another form of reality-based programming that’s come into play is the hidden-camera show. The most popular being the WB hit “The Jamie Kennedy Experiment”. The segments are semi-scripted for direction, but improvised by the actors involved with the “marks” that the joke is being played out on. The concept is simple but limitless- You have a very talented impov actor posing as a variety of characters in varying situations that are all fabricated, and always funny. Unsuspecting “marks” become players in what is essentially an unscripted sitcom.
Sample “Treatment/Synopsis” For A Reality TV Proposal: [the following original concept is protected by the Library of Congress and Writers Guild of America. If you wish to contact the author for proposal of purchase, please do so HERE . I.P. Addresses are recorded upon browsing this page for security, and to prevent intellectual property right theft.
Author Name: Scott Mandeville
Genre: Reality Series
Title: "Broadway Bound!"
Logline (short pitch): "Waiting For Guffman" meets "American Idol". A flamboyant Broadway director and choreographer descends on a small town, infiltrating the local play. One performer will be taken back to Broadway for a featured part in a real Broadway show. (Themes: Reality-based, fantasy fulfillment, talent performance, comedy)
Synopsis: [content should be 3 to 7 paragraphs outlining the content of the show as it unfolds. Be specific and original in your execution]
A docu-series for television In every small town, there are big dreams…
In Washbuckle, Missouri the regional theatre holds open casting calls for their annual musical review. Some members of the troupe have dreams of making it to Broadway or Hollywood. Others are content in being the star of Washbuckle, Missouri hogging what little limelight there is year after year.
But what happens when, just one week before opening night, a ruthless Broadway Director and Choreographer drops into town with the agenda of taking control of the small town production while scouting for talent to find his “star”? It’s a fascinating look at big dreams in small town America.
The personal stories and archetypical characters that collide as opening night approaches. The ego-maniacal local theatre director getting systematically pushed aside by the big-city broadway director. The humorous moments as the city-slickers struggle to tolerate the small town ways and mentality. The infighting among potential cast members. The panic that ensues as the cast, choreography, and production are turned on it’s tail at the eleventh hour. The inspiring moments that rise to the surface amidst the chaos of opening night…. And “the decision”. One person from the cast will be chosen for a spot in a hit broadway production, a trip to Hollywood for a spot on a soap-opera and every chance they could ever hope for being famous?
Seven episodes:
Meet the town folk. Get to know the key characters and the theatre group. We’ll also watch in parallel the merciless Broadway Director in action in New York, seeing the contrasts in both characters. We’ll take a humorous look at the awful auditions for the small town play. We’ll see the announcement (or rumor) of the impending arrival of the Broadway Director scouting for talent, and witness the anxiety that is infused in each of our small town characters fighting to get into the play.
In-fighting, tensions escalating, accusations, the director starts feeling the pressure. People are cast. Hearts are broken, hopes are sparked. They have a first run-through with the cast. The mysterious broadway director in black sits in the back. (Imagine a Simon Cowell) snapping from the back row, “Stop! Every one of you STOP!!” He then walks down the isle, dressed in black, and imposing in stride. He introduces himself, delivers the news that he has come to find talent. And someone from this town, in this play, will be chosen. He goes on about how he sees nothing but problems. The play will be re-cast, the production will stop now! (One week before opening night)
The new director and small-town director fight. Cast members protest. New auditions are held, and performances scrutinized. A new cast is announced, and from that cast will come his “star”.
Re-cap of the series, the performances, the arguments, and finally… the decision. One of the people that landed a role, large or small in this little play is chosen. We share in the afterglow, the elation, and the disappointment of others. And sharing a dream come true for that one person selected.
Broadway New York!! Our winner is whisked around like a star. Taken backstage of a REAL Broadway production, immersed in the whole lifestyle. Meetings with Hollywood talent scouts, directors of other productions, agents, etc.
We see our small town hero take his leap of faith, jumping headfirst into a Broadway show. A dream is realized.
Sample “Treatment/Synopsis” For A Reality TV Proposal: [the following original concept is protected by the Library of Congress and Writers Guild of America. If you wish to contact the author for proposal of purchase, please do so HERE . I.P. Addresses are recorded upon browsing this page for security, and to prevent intellectual property right theft.
Author Name: Cheryl Jennings
Genre: Reality Series
Title: “The Last Tango”
Logline (short pitch): Temptation Island” meets “Around the World in Eighty Dates”
Synopsis:
Five un-married couples will be brought together for a relationship-altering journey. In this series, each person will explore and discover what their relationship is really made of when faced with The Last Tango. Those couples cast will be currently involved in a “long engagement” or living together as boyfriend/girlfriend for an extended period. All will be at a turning point, or breaking point in their relationships.
Each couple will be separated into groups of five men and five women. We will then follow each group of men and women on a romp-around-America Last Tango before marriage.
Locales will be Hawaii, Las Vegas, Nashville, New York City, Beverly Hills, and Miami. On their journey they will be set-up at events, outings, and other social adventures where they will meet and spend time with a variety of tempting prospects or “dates”.
Each of our couples will be privy to fear-provoking information about their significant other’s activities while they themselves are in the midst of their own journey of temptation, or perhaps the discovery of a new love. It’s a triangle of conflict that will boil over into the final episode when our couples are reunited.
Final Episode: What one person of each couple does not know is that they will return from their Sabbatical to face an ultimatum by their partner on Live TV. It is at that moment they will be confronted by their significant other who poses the ultimatum; “Marry me now, or lose me forever”.
Each relationship faces peril or a prize: to part separate ways or get married at that moment. Ten adventures, five couples, five ultimatums, all leading to five moments of drama on Live TV.
For some it will be the final straw. For others, a new beginning.
“Can your relationship survive The Last Tango?”
December 14th, 2006 at 11:42 pm
I didn’t see the response to how you go about contacting the networks and how you protect your submission. Please help.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:07 am
Okay i maybe only 16 but i can so do my own reality tv show. Lets see, you could documentary ulysse high school and what they do. All teens living life to the fullest. And no it aint like laguana beach its the real thing, love, drama, hate, fighting, parties, and more. Yeah we might be a small town but shoot we live life real! And within a little town alot can happen more than meets the eye, oh believe me! We might not all be rich, and good, like Lauguana Beach but we live life just as high! So i think if we were to be on a reality show it would make so much money, you wouldnt regret anything!
February 9th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
I really appreciate the info BidDaddy187 left!. Im in the mix right now with a reality show that is VERY Original, and is COMPLETELY intertaining, (seriously).
For myself tho, I have never done anything even remotely close to television, but his info, and others I have found on this website, are amazing …..
I really do want to thank everyone who has left very valuable info on the page, as well as the people who have left the same exact questions, I have been asking myself, but never new who to ask!…
keep up the posts guys!
Thnx,
Mayor
February 26th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
I Think someone should make a reality show where they take popular people who make fun of kids and turn them into geeks and put them in a new school so they Know what it feels like to be made fun of
February 28th, 2007 at 11:28 am
I’m involved in a reality series with major marketing potential. That is the key. How can we make money? When the sun sets, that is what the producers are going to ask. If the story is great and the execution is to match, talent, (mainly “B”) will like to reprise their careers through such a venue. You have to develope a pitch and get someone, (preferrably an agent) to listen to you. But register you idea first. I suggest the WGA, and if you are sure your idea is original, then send it back to yourself through registered mail. Do not open it. Contact as many agents as possible and ask what is their policy on queries. Develope the pitch and leave out as much pertinent info as possible to get your idea across and to make the agent want to meet you. You have to sell yourself, because if the agent likes you and your work, they would approach a studio or network. Then a show runner will do the footwork to find out if the show is viable to the public for viewing. If that checks out, claim a position i.e. producer, associate producer etc … and get yourself a good lawyer to broker the deal. You proably would want a percentage of the advertsing profits in leiu of creative rights. Money is what we all want right!
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:07 am
Rick,
Great info, thanks!
Siloh
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:08 am
How do you go about, finding a agent that will represent you in the way you , and your show needs to be represented?..
Thanks
Siloh
June 9th, 2007 at 11:03 am
thank you…. great information
June 9th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Great info..here’s a great website I checked out when I wrote my reality show treatment.
http://www.tvwritersvault.com
good luck!
June 25th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Hi,
Protecting your idea is important, Even if you register with WGA with some modification it will be totally different idea.
Take a pilot show of your idea and copy right.
Rajesh
June 26th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
I have been doing research on creating my reality show idea and would like to shoot it myself. I just invested in the latest technology of camera gear and have been shooting for 7 years and have also been in a reality series as well.
I have been looking on line to find out how to shoot for reality doc. I am a one women videographer also wondering if l should shoot the pilot first? before going into shooting the hole series
LS Productions
July 21st, 2007 at 4:44 pm
thANKs foR THE goOD iNFO n tips,I will use them to make one of the gr8test RTV show’s ever to date.
Got u on my favlist.
ENO BROWN
August 11th, 2007 at 11:09 am
If more than one person is involved in writing a pitch, how do you then share royalties, credit, etc?
August 13th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
ALSO, CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE EXPLAIN SOMETHING TO ME?
I have a show idea ( I know i know, dont we all) anyways, I’ve produced my firt pilot. But an agent said he will only take my meeting if I have a showrunner and or company involved with my show.
I’m like, ok?
So i try to go the prod co route and they said i need an agent. this is a catch 22!
Does anybody know where i can find a list of showrunners? this way, i can get an agent to listen to mypitch
September 17th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
I am working on a treatment. I have access to a producer, but I want to make sure its ready to present. Are there any formats for writitng a treatment? Is this the best way to go? I think read on here that producers WON’T call back if they LIKE your treatment…does that mean they want to steal it? After we pitch it or send a treatment…what happens? Do they pay you for the idea or do you stay to produce it? I have always written, but past writing stuff I know nothing else about presenting anything and the effects of it…
September 24th, 2007 at 10:15 am
It’s my understanding that you can register a treatment with the WGA so that your idea is somewhat protected. About how long does this process take. Do I have to send a hard copy or will they accept it via fax or email?
October 3rd, 2007 at 3:41 am
i really enjoy readin ur journals but the fact is that i need a step in settin up a reality show.kindly send that to my email box.thank you
October 30th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
I am new to this site but i find it very intersting.. I own my own production company in Jamaica and is just now trying to pitch an idea for a reality show.. our market is not yet saturated so i want to introduce something different.. everyone is exposed to cable here and as soon as a television show hits the Airways here in jamaica the viewers start saying we are copying America.( America copies Europe) my question is, do you have to include budget into the proposal?
November 1st, 2007 at 8:41 pm
where is johnaugust? lol…
December 11th, 2007 at 9:40 am
I have a meeting next week with a program director at my countries biggest tv channel, my producer pitched the idea, and they are interested, now we go to them with our proposal,which both me and my producer wrote. any suggestions on what to say/ask at the meeting? Im sure its a bit differant in each country, but same basic things? and I know my producer knows what to say, but I will have to do some of the talking, because it is my show idea. any ideas?
January 18th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Hi!
If I were to say one thing, it’s to know that this business is one of collaboration, and you need to find an element that gives your project something more than just an idea. Does it focus on a unique or compelling profession? Then find the real life character that it’s based on. Does it involve race car driving? Then get Nascar or a major sponsor involved, even on an if-come basis. Be bold and don’t let the fear of exposing your concept keep you from having discussions with people that may want to partner with you.
Great discussion. My background is as a development executive for production companies and most recently created the TV Writers Vault ( http://www.tvwritersvault.com )which has an extensive amount of information on formatting and marketing of concepts. The information above that BigDaddy187 posted was written by me and copied from our site. No foul, only flattery!
If you have any specific questions on development or pitching reality projets, feel free to email me at scott@tvwritersvault.com
Best to all!
January 23rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Good afternoon.
I was referred to this website by Script Nurse, who gives you extremely high regards.
I am trying to find formatting information regarding (submission of) Game Show proposals. Could you possibly offer some advice or point me in the right direction?
I appreciate your time and consideration.
Yours truly,
Leander Beatty Jr.
February 5th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Hi Leander,
I’m happy to help. I was lead development executive for Merv Griffin Entertainment, working for MGE 7 years. Contact me direct at Scott@tvwritersvault.com
Chat with you soon-
Scott
February 9th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Well the good news is that I have an animated show I’m merely publishing through YouTube, but I’m interested in getting it syndicated through a large online TV Network like G4 or ManiaTV. I’m not entirely sure how the proposal should sound, or if it should have a business plan backing it up.
You can see it here - http://www.planetxfiction.com/spritesapiens
Any ideas on how a show that’s already produced online can be structured through a proposal and possibly get an executive’s attention. I’m grateful for any feedback.
Thank you,
Brad.
February 12th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Question I have an idea for a reality TV show but I do not have a background in writing (well I did self publish a couple of books with mild success)but I never graduated with a Masters in English or wrote for ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’. Hell I’m not even a member of the writer’s guild. So with that said, how does a guy like myself from New York with ideas get them to the right folks with out the right credentials?
March 8th, 2008 at 1:00 am
question,pls i have written a reality show bt all i need is a trustworthy male /female who culd be of an help in making the show a reality.thus standing as a mentor in putting me thur.expecting ur reply.thks
March 19th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Hi Guys,
i need some help. I work for an activation agency in pakistan and i have the concept of a reality show for one of our clients that has a market leader dairy milk brand. The concept has been approved but i need some sample formats and ways of how to go about it in terms of giving it shape. I need to add some beef to it. Steve if you could take out some time and write to me i would be thank ful.
adnan.shekhani@contactplus.com.pk
thanks waiting!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:53 am
l’ve a good idea for a TV reality show.pls how can i get a standard proposal and a sample of a reality based script via internet.
Ali.
Abuja,Nigeria
April 19th, 2008 at 1:52 am
I’ve a good idea for TV Reality Show.Pls,I need information on how write Standard Business Plan.
April 20th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I am in the process of doing a reality show and could use the advise and guidance of all the above. My name is Valencia Williams and I am an author. If possible, can any of you give me any advise or refer me to a company to pitch my idea?
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