TV Writers Vault - Industry Executive Interview Andrew Lear - VP of Development / Manager - The Core Copyright © TVWritersVault.com The Television Writers Vault is thrilled to have producer/manager Andrew Lear of THE CORE sit down with our own Scott Manville to share his perspective on the industry and development process as a whole.  Lear is one of today's young executive talents who will be responsible for bringing the programming of tomorrow to fruition. His passion and talent is matched only by his glowing reputation in the industry as someone people want to work with, and are proud to know.   We welcome him in our first of a multiple series of executive interviews to bring our members and visitors real first-hand insight of the inner-workings of Hollywood.       TVWV:  Thanks for sharing time from your busy schedule, Andrew. Can you give us a birds-eye-view of your role within the television industry?   LEAR:  I work as a Talent Manager/Producer for a company (The Core) that specifically focuses on non-fiction TV (gameshows, talkshows, sketch shows, variety, reality, specials, animation, and more).  I do have clients that bleed into scripted television and features, but my day to day is alternative programming on the talent side.  Because we represent talent that are personalities, we are not limited to just television.  I work in all media including radio, books, personal appearances, mobile content, internet, endorsements, and more.   TVWV:  What got you into the industry, and what keeps you going?   LEAR:  I've always had a passion for showbiz since I can remember.  TV and movies had a major influence my upbringing, but nothing more then when I saw my first stand up comedian.  I was bit by the bug and never looked back.  What really keeps me going is how much this industry changes on a daily basis.  Program Content is always the point of origin, but being part of a multi platform culture is exciting in the way this content can be distributed via ipods, internet, mobile phones, and other means of mass media.   TVWV:  With your having been involved with top Producers and Writers on a variety of business and creative levels, what do you see as the most important element in bringing a project together for a Network? What really gives a project legs?   LEAR:  Great ideas are always the most important.  Several factors go into great ideas such as who is the personality or personalities that bring the idea to life.  Also in a 500 channel universe, the project has to be viable to several outlets, albeit cable, network, or syndication.  Credibility is what gives the project the most legs.  You can't pitch a show about NYC Firefighters if you don't have the chief of the NYFD attached or an EP that has experience in working the genre of organizations similar to that.   TVWV:  How has the development and programming landscape changed over the past 5 years?   LEAR:  Programming has changed most in several factors.  1.) International formats have become more present in the TV landscape from Europe, South America, and Asia 2.) Multi platform approaches to ideas (ie how does it work in TV, internet, mobile space, downloads, etc) and 3.) Credible Executive Producers and talent.  Good ideas only go so far, but there must be something to back all of that up.   TVWV:  How much of Hollywood is “idea driven”, and how much is pre-packaged formula?   LEAR:  I think most projects do start with the basic idea.  You can't package without a point of origin in concept.  From the point of idea comes the packaging of all forces that can bring to life that concept.   TVWV:  If you found yourself seated as a Network Programmer, what time-slot currently needs the biggest overhaul?   LEAR: 10 p.m. to me is an interesting time slot, mostly because it contains one hour dramas or news.  Adults are usually the audience, and that time and I would want to find an alternative means of entertaining the Law & Order/CSI crowd, like an earlier talk show or variety that caters to those demos.   TVWV:  When taking a meeting with a Writer or Producer to discuss potential projects, what are some things you’re hoping to find in that person or project?   LEAR:  Passion is always the biggest hope.  If you don't believe in the idea and you're just pitching to appease the landscape, it does nobody any good.  Credibility and research is important as well.  Networks will challenge you on ideas and ask good questions which can throw off the pitcher if their homework is not done.  Creativity is also extremely vital in the process.   TVWV:  How many projects do you have your hands in at any given time?   LEAR: Oye! Too many to count, but enough not to spread me too thin.  I make a fair balance between client management and project management.   TVWV:  Without giving away any confidential information, can you give us any insight into new projects or people you have on deck?   LEAR: I am currently developing a show with Ted Nugent and his wife Shemane based on a cookbook they wrote called "KILL IT AND GRILL IT".  Also, a comedy court show with Macy Gray, a docu reality show about a stand up comedy class and the journey of the participants, a reality show with adult star Mary Carey who ran for Governor and is looking to find love called "WHO WANTS TO MARRY CAREY", an in studio comedy show for Sci-Fi Channel called "PROVE IT", and a whole lot more!   TVWV:  What percentage of your day is spent managing your current people and projects, versus generating new ones?   LEAR:  95% of my day is managing projects and clients.     TVWV:  Is it easier for a writer to break into the industry with a reality-based concept, or a scripted show?   LEAR:  Much easier in reality.  Scripted TV is an incestuous world in a good way, and you have to come up from the ranks, from movies, or some other high profile means to be a part of the scripted process.  In reality you can find an ass crack plumber with a good story and get a 6 episode pickup on cable!   TVWV:  What advice can you give to a writer, who say, has had a few projects optioned, but otherwise is relatively new to the industry?   LEAR:  Keep plugging away.  Never ever give up, and network like a maniac.  Showbiz is truly a contact sport, but have the substance to back up the schmooze.  Do your homework more than anything.  If you're going to be a writer in TV read the books on the history of the area of interest. Go to the Museum of TV and Radio (if you live in LA or NY) and master your knowledge.   TVWV:  Looking at how the TV Writers Vault functions, how important of a service do you feel it is for new writers?   LEAR:  It's an incredible resource because most people don't live on the coasts and it gives them an opportunity to get a foot in the door, educate, and express their creativity that could help them attain their dreams in showbiz   TVWV:  And now, the most important question- With your busy schedule, do you actually have time to even watch TV? If so, what has you hooked, and why do you watch it?   LEAR:  I watch too much TV.  I was a born couch potato!  My biggest challenge now in reality shows is that I become so vested in the characters that I become hooked on too many shows, and my life I feel like is all in front of the tube.  I personally don't watch many scripted shows with the exception of Sopranos and Entourage.  I LOVE alternative TV from American Idol on FOX, 20/20 on ABC, Sunday Morning Shootout on AMC, and Family Guy on FOX.  I am a true television junkie!       TVWV: Thanks Andrew. We'll stay tuned to your future success.