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April 2008
Issue Number 16
The TV Writers Vault
Newsletter
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Even with the post-strike onslaught of
activity between writers and producers of
scripted series, reality TV still reigns king.
For those of you out pitching new projects,
keep one thing in mind; companies are seeking
renewable franchises that can extend globally
and into syndication. The one-off social stunt
of an idea you have for a reality show may
hold some entertainment value, but consider
gravitating toward broader formats that can
function time after time with new content.
While "Joe Millionaire" falls into the one-off
wow factor category, "The Bachelor" is the
unstoppable franchise that put Mike Fleiss on
the map as a heavyweight reality producer. The
idea of The Bachelor now feels played out and
reinvented in twenty ways, but imagine how
fresh and ulimited that idea must have been
when it was brought to ABC in the early days
of reality TV. Examine your life and social
scenarios, and you may just hit on an aspect
of our culture that hasn't been explored in a
reality series.
Gameshows are another great genre that produce
huge franchise opportunities for production
companies, and the great thing about TV today
is that we no longer live in a "3 podium"
world for gameshow formats. Anything is
possible, and all things are considered if you
can create a gameshow format that ensures
entertaining content.
Good luck to all of our writing members
developing new projects for the TV Writers
Vault. If you have any specific questions
related to the development of reality and
gameshow formats, feel free to contact me at
scott@tvwritersvault.com
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Have a great week, and
write inspired!
Scott Manville
Founder / President
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Loglines: The One Sentence Sell
- Scott
Manville
When I managed development for Merv Griffin
Entertainment, I would often get a project
optioned for a writer based solely on their
one sentence description of the project,
known as the "Logline". I knew that the
quality of writing, or certain wrinkles in
the format, didn't matter. I could solve
those issues. It was the core idea of the
project that I knew could go the distance,
and I worked tooth and nail to get that
project sold to the powers-that-be. This is
the way executives think, and its the living
proof that Loglines are THE most important
device in communicating your project for
sale.
Titles can inspire, and a synopsis can
justify, but a great logline triggers the
Producer to make the call to you for your
project. It is that brief and compelling
hook describing your idea that illustrates
to a producer both the premise and the
potential of your show. It is by most
accounts your first and final shot at making
a sale.
If you are having difficulty refining your
Loglines, or need consulting for your
projects, I offer
Work-for-Hire Writing
Services based on availability.
If you take advantage of our
Annual Membership
Special (3 Months Free),
included are 2 original loglines written for
your project by "yours truly"- A great
opportunity for anyone serious about
marketing their project.
If you have any questions about these
services, or Loglines, feel free to shoot me
an email at
scott@tvwritersvault.com .
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Collaboration Is Key...
Whats the quickest way to double your
connections, expand your imagination, cut your
work in half, and increase your odds for success
exponentially?- Take on a partner! While most
new writers and creators of concepts get stuck
in a protective rut, the smart ones find ways to
share their creative process with a writing
partner.
In one of the toughest industries to prosper,
collaboration isn't just beneficial, its a
necessity. A writing partner is the voice of
reason when faced with tough decisions, and a
source of inspiration when the creative juices
stop flowing. Just like a great director has
one eye on the process and another on the big
picture, a writer needs a fresh and broad
perspective introduced repeatedly during the
development process to refine the ideas and be
sure they serve the underlying concept of the
show. A writing partner can help us see the
full picture, and find solutions for flaws in
the story or format.
This month we'll be opening up a new writers
forum for both members and non-members of the
TV Writers Vault to discuss, connect and
collaborate. We'll shoot the link to all once
its up and running.
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Give Your Project the
Secret Weapon
That Producers Want, and Networks Demand...
Professional Development
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Get 3 MONTHS FREE!
The road to selling a project is not a short ride.
Take advantage of our discounted
Annual Membership Special! |
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Who's Looking?
Production Companies
Scouting TV Writers Vault last week
- D9 Media
- Panic Productions
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In The Press -
Scott Manville and the TV Writers Vault have been
featured in numerous media outlets, such as MSNBC and
The Hollywood Reporter. Take a glance at our Press Page
HERE
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