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Topic: pitching a reality show
| Author | Message |
| J.Masc | Posted – 12/29/2007 12:03:43 PM | show profile | email poster I've got a really fun idea for one. Anyone know the best way to go about it? Leads? Contacts? |
| linjohn | Posted – 12/29/2007 3:52:50 PM | show profile You would most likely pitch it to the production companies, but most of those won't accept submissions without representation from either a lawyer or an agent. If you can get an "in" somewhere, submit a one-page treatment that outlines concept, characters, synopsis, etc. If you Google "reality show treatments" there are a bunch of sites that can help you draft something, but, in my experience, it really helps to know someone. I, unfortunately, don't. |
| worldofnatasha | Posted – 12/29/2007 5:19:10 PM | show profile you should wait until after the strike. even though a lot of reality prod. co.s aren't guild signatories, if you write for one now, it's still basically considered scabbing, and you'll have a very hard time later down the road if you ever want to write scripted TV or join the guild. the WGA is banning scabs from future membership, and even though doing a non-struck show is technically okay, you'll be making a lot of enemies. my advice to you would be to spend this time really nailing down your pitch -- write up a one-sheet that will knock their socks off, and when the strike ends, you'll be completely ready. you could also currently (during the strike) use your one-sheet to try to get an agent (assuming you don't have one already.) lots of the big agencies have reality divisions, which will make it easier to sell the idea to a prod co, plus its not strike-breaking to sign with an agency. (also, I would imagine agents have a bit more free time currently, and would be more willing to meet with potential clients, since they can't do any work for their current striking clients...) also, keep in mind -- pitching a reality show involves more than saying "it's the behind-the-scenes working at a zoo!" or "it's survivor set in the inner-city!". you need that high-concept hook, but you also need to be able to back it up with characters, situations, structure, etc... |
| J.Masc | Posted – 12/29/2007 5:47:58 PM | show profile Thanks so much for your helpful replies. |
| Louisewasnothalfbad | Posted – 12/31/2007 4:04:16 PM | show profile The networks are taking reality pitches and making deals everyday. Waiting til after the strike will put you at a serious disadvantage. If you're not a WGA member, and don't plan to have your show use WGA writers, you can pitch, and the WGA will not hold it against you should you become eligible in the future. |
| worldofnatasha | Posted – 12/31/2007 9:31:11 PM | show profile bad advice the wga WILL hold it against you, if you ever decide to write scripted. TV writers are taking solidarity very seriously -- whether or not it's technically okay to work for a non-signatory, people aren't going to forget who crossed the lines, and you could seriously hurt your chances of getting hired somewhere down the road. if the idea is really viable, it will still sell after the strike -- there's no disadvantage there. reality TV isn't going to go away once the strike ends. |
| no techie | Posted – 1/3/2008 10:27:32 AM | show profile pitching a reality show If you are pitching a reality show that really doesn't require writers, then this is the time to pitch. The networks are taking reality show pitches now. |
| Louisewasnothalfbad | Posted – 1/3/2008 6:39:47 PM | show profile I'm sorry, but the WGA will not "hold it against" a non member who pitches a reality show to a non-signatory company. Writing a pitch and/or making a demo reel aren't against any rules. Even if you sell your spec screenplay down the line to a signatory company, any work done for NON signatories by a NON member aren't going to impact your future membership. Don't go by this forum, call the WGA. (323) 951-4000, (800) 548-4532 |
