|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/23/2009
Posts: 52
Location: San Diego | Los Angeles
|
Got any questions about subjects, or content for Docu-Series? Most independent reality tv producers love these, since the content is easier to pitch to Networks than other formulaic elimination series or games. Although, almost ALL tv producers would love to find a gameshow format to translate into an international hit franchise. Different highways with different hurdles.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
Groups:
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 173
|
Hi Scott, could you clarify exactly what you mean by "docu-series", and what are the key elements producers look for in a viable, sellable project? Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/23/2009
Posts: 52
Location: San Diego | Los Angeles
|
Guest wrote:Hi Scott, could you clarify exactly what you mean by "docu-series", and what are the key elements producers look for in a viable, sellable project? Thanks. A "Docu-Series" is a reality-based series that covers a real life subject, venue, person, profession, or anything that may be documented and followed in a weekly series. Unlike other formula reality series (elimination, competition, etc.), a Docu-Series films a more natural progression of circumstances or events with minimal manipulation by producers. "Deadliest Catch", "Dog The Bounty Hunter", and "American Chopper" are all docu-series. Producers want to deliver docu-series that are compelling to watch, and typically explore unique professions, businesses, families, or other specific lifestyle subjects.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
Groups:
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 173
|
So, is it a possibility that no one is reviewing a submission because it is not called a Docu-series?
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/23/2009
Posts: 52
Location: San Diego | Los Angeles
|
Guest wrote:So, is it a possibility that no one is reviewing a submission because it is not called a Docu-series?  It can't be called a docu-series, if it isn't a docu-series. They're looking for subjects and content in that area.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/22/2009
Posts: 10
Location: CA
|
Some companies sell docu-series, while others focus on "big idea" concepts that involve competition/elimination, etc. Different strokes for different folks. But I think you'll find that the low to mid-level producers will have an easier time selling a docu-series becuase the content is clear and gauranteed, whereas, a Network is going to look to a larger production company who has delivered "high concept" elimination/competition series to produce those types of concepts.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
Groups:
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 173
|
How about a cross-cultural approach in docu-series? Cited examples in this discussion include niche markets (tattoos, sex, dirty jobs, etc.?) USA is so diverse that really we have lots of possibilities. In my case, I produce content that combines social/multi-cultural issues, profession/business centered in education and entertainment that aims to break stereotypes and close the gap between discovery, development and delivery of content effectively to complex demographics. In your opinion, do you see commercial opportunities for my niche?
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/23/2009
Posts: 52
Location: San Diego | Los Angeles
|
Guest wrote:How about a cross-cultural approach in docu-series? In my case, I produce content that combines social/multi-cultural issues, profession/business centered in education and entertainment that aims to break stereotypes and close the gap between discovery, development and delivery of content effectively to complex demographics. In your opinion, do you see commercial opportunities for my niche? Hi- It totally depends on what we're actually watching, and if what we're watching is entertaining. The fact that something is cross-cultural, closing gaps, and breaking stereo-types is a great thing...BUT...it doesn't mean that what we're watching is actually entertaining. Its all about what the specific subject, venue, person or profession is. If its compelling to watch, AND it holds the values and reach you describe, then that would be a wonderful program. Best of luck!
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
Groups:
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 173
|
When I registered my idea with the WGA, I described it as an "impact-reality series" to differentiate between reality shows that "entertain" and those that actually make an "impact" on people's lives.  Kelli Ann
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/23/2009
Posts: 52
Location: San Diego | Los Angeles
|
Guest wrote:When I registered my idea with the WGA, I described it as an "impact-reality series" to differentiate between reality shows that "entertain" and those that actually make an "impact" on people's lives. Kelli Ann Hmmm... interesting. Not sure if that matters when registering to protect your concept. Copyright protects the unique expression of an idea (as in, what is happening in action, story, character, etc.)... not so sure about "genre description". I think your approach is more for the pitch, than the protection. Good luck!
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
Groups:
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 173
|
Does anyone who makes decisions about buying rights to something posted on here actually ever look on here and hire anyone from here?
|
|
|
|
Rank: Administration
Groups: Administrators
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 44
|
Guest wrote:Does anyone who makes decisions about buying rights to something posted on here actually ever scout to hire anyone from here? Yes... many option deals have been closed by member writers, and a lot continue to colaborate with Producers they've connected with from marketing at the TV Writers Vault. Read the testimonials. Community Forum Admin The Television Writers Vault Visit Our Marketplace to Pitch Your TV Show Concepts
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
Groups:
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 173
|
Hello,
I am a local TV producer here in Windsor On. Canada...
We have a show idea that many in the "limited" industry in Toronto feel
will "kill" in the USA.
The fear, of course, is that it will be taken and copied by any network or
independent producer with the means to make it happen.
How can one protect themselves from "idea theft"?
signed
marshallsfalcin.com
ps: the idea is based on a hit documentary titled "the Rise and fall of the Grumpy Burger"
|
|
|
|
Rank: Administration
Groups: Administrators
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 44
|
Guest wrote:Hello,
I am a local TV producer here in Windsor On. Canada...
We have a show idea that many in the "limited" industry in Toronto feel
will "kill" in the USA.
The fear, of course, is that it will be taken and copied by any network or
independent producer with the means to make it happen.
How can one protect themselves from "idea theft"?
ps: the idea is based on a hit documentary titled "the Rise and fall of the Grumpy Burger" If its based on the documentary you mention, then you need to have a deal with the licensee of that documentary. If its a concept, develop the format and proposed content as much as possible for originality and be sure to register it with www.creatorsvault.com for archived proof of creation. Keep records of anyone its exposed to, and know that you can't get to that next step without risk. You have to expose it, just like everyone else. Community Forum Admin The Television Writers Vault Visit Our Marketplace to Pitch Your TV Show Concepts
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
Groups:
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 173
|
I feel the best reality show would be let a family have the one wish. Like live on the beach or an island. Than as they morph from small town to big town watch the transformation. The thing that separates us from the animals is adaptation. I know my family would weird out fast if their environment changed...
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
Groups:
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 173
|
I posted a project and I described it as a reality... but the project could be a docu-reality series and probably should be. I tried to change the genre to no avail. If it would fit as a docu-series as stated- will an executive clearly see it? Or is there some way to make the change needed. Although the project had two reviews within two weeks- so maybe I should leave it be. Any advice?
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
Groups:
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 173
|
Can you post an example of a docu-series that was picked up? That way I can see the format and how they went about the description etc.... more examples would help because right now it's like I am shooting at targets with a blindfold. I have had reviews but I want at least one of my projects to get to the next stage.
Thanks : )))))
|
|
|
|
Rank: Administration
Groups: Administrators
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 44
|
Guest wrote:Can you post an example of a docu-series that was picked up? That way I can see the format and how they went about the description etc.... more examples would help because right now it's like I am shooting at targets with a blindfold. I have had reviews but I want at least one of my projects to get to the next stage.
Thanks : ))))) We'll work on that. Posting the treatment for any docu-series that's been picked up would violate confidentiality agreements with the production company, not to mention the disclosure of the writer's intellectual property for all to see, as the producing company competes to be first to market with it. Not good for business. BUT, we're working on getting some templates up. Community Forum Admin The Television Writers Vault Visit Our Marketplace to Pitch Your TV Show Concepts
|
|
|
|
Rank: Administration
Groups: Administrators
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 44
|
admin wrote:Guest wrote:Can you post an example of a docu-series that was picked up? That way I can see the format and how they went about the description etc.... more examples would help because right now it's like I am shooting at targets with a blindfold. I have had reviews but I want at least one of my projects to get to the next stage.
Thanks : ))))) We'll work on that. Posting the treatment for any docu-series that's been picked up would violate confidentiality agreements with the production company, not to mention the disclosure of the writer's intellectual property for all to see, as the producing company competes to be first to market with it. Not good for business. BUT, we're working on getting some templates up. CHECK OUT THE NEW PAGE ON DOCU-STYLE SERIES HEREHope that helps. Community Forum Admin The Television Writers Vault Visit Our Marketplace to Pitch Your TV Show Concepts
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
Groups:
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 173
|
I would like to see the ability to attach a link at the bottom of projects- perhaps one could link it to You Tube to show a few minutes if a docu-drama. There would be nothing to lose since it would be up to executives to if they would like to view it or not. Any thoughts about this?
|
|
|
|
Rank: Administration
Groups: Administrators
Joined: 11/18/2009
Posts: 44
|
Guest wrote:I would like to see the ability to attach a link at the bottom of projects- perhaps one could link it to You Tube to show a few minutes if a docu-drama. There would be nothing to lose since it would be up to executives to if they would like to view it or not. Any thoughts about this? You can enter the url in any area of the registration and it will display to execs who may then navigate to that destination to view any video. Community Forum Admin The Television Writers Vault Visit Our Marketplace to Pitch Your TV Show Concepts
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guest
|
