April 2008                                   Issue Number 16   The TV Writers Vault Newsletter           Reality Reigns! ==========================================                             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 .   Have a great week, and write inspired!   Scott Manville Founder / President Tell A Vision Ventures, Inc.     Member - NATPE (National Association of  Television Program Executives) 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 . 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. Give Your Project the Secret Weapon That Producers Want, and Networks Demand...   Professional Development   CLICK HERE   Get 3 MONTHS FREE!  The road to selling a project is not a short ride. Take advantage of our discounted Annual Membership Special!   Who's Looking?   Production Companies Scouting TV Writers Vault last week   - D9 Media  - Panic Productions   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