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May 2006 |
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TV Writers Vault Newsletter - June 2006
Greetings !
It's been an active month for the TV Writers Vault, and
I'm very pleased with the amount of activity our writer's
projects have received. Multiple writers have made new
contact with producers interested in their projects, and
many more receiving direct review of their concepts and
scripts.
We're also excited to bring you an exclusive interview
with Producer/Manager Andrew Lear, giving us some
terrific insight into the development process.
In the coming months we'll be launching the Creator's
Registry, which will serve as an archive for time-stamped
proof of creation for your projects... a measure of
protection critical to any original script or concept put
to market. This, combined with the electronic proof of
review provided by our marketing service will work to
enforce our philosophy of Protection and Promotion.
Have a terrific month, and write inspired!
Scott Manville
Producer Andrew Lear Sits Down With TVWV
Andrew Lear - Talent Manger/Producer - The Core
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 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.
What's The Deal?
Industry Standard Deals - What To Expect
When a company commits to bringing your TV project to
market, they will propose an option agreement that gives
them the exclusive right to sell your show to a network
for a limited period of time. It makes you a business
partner with the production company.
Having a script, book or personal life-story rights gives
production companies more leverage and substance during
the development and sales process, and as a result they
are typically willing to pay more up front when optioning
these types of properties. Even a treatment written as a
series outline or movie will bring more to the table
because it is usually regarded as being more substantial
than a reality-based "idea" that can be interpreted in
very loose forms. The good balancing factor is that more
people from outside the TV industry break into the
business from selling a concept for a show rather than
with a full script or published property. More money is in
scripted, but more sales are in original concepts.
Option deals for scripted projects are essentially the
same as for reality-based projects, but fees and purchase
prices are considerably larger in scripted. Financial
participation as well as participation in the development
and production is negotiable to a point depending on your
experience within the industry and what you bring to the
table in terms of the marketing of your show.
As in any industry, there are a variety of forces and
factors that give shape to the legal structure and content
of any deal made. A television Writer or Producer who has
an established track record is likely to receive a more
lucrative deal than someone with little or no experience,
and most often will be given more involvement in the
actual production of the show. However, there are industry
standards regardless of who you are.
Click the "Industry Standard Deals" link below for more
information...
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