A lot of people want to know if they should produce their own reality TV pilot. There are pros and cons to both sides of the issue.
Right now, I want to look at three reasons you might not want to produce your own TV pilot from scratch:
1. Odds of a network purchasing your pilot are near 0%.
A network’s needs change from month to month, sometimes even week to week. Chances that you’ll hit the bulls-eye with your self-funded tape are about the same as winning the lottery. Besides, when a network exec orders a pilot for a new show, they want to put their creative stamp on it—an opportunity they don’t get when you produce your own pilot.
2. Self-funding your own TV pilot is a huge personal risk.
You’re putting your time and money on the line for a project people may hate. Those resources may be better spent purchasing equipment, enrolling in a video editing class, or taking a road trip to brainstorm new show ideas.
3. No one wants to watch your TV pilot.
Agents, managers, production companies, and network execs don’t want to watch a 22 minute or…gasp…44 minute piece of tape. They are much too busy to give you, an unknown quantity, that much of their time. You’ll spend months on a TV pilot no one will watch, which quite honestly, sucks.
So, if your reason for shooting a pilot from scratch is purely to sell a show idea, DO NOT waste your time. There are better ways to get people excited about your show ideas (be sure to subscribe –in the coming weeks we’ll talk about these techniques here at Joke and Biagio.)
Why would you ever want to shoot a full TV Pilot from scratch?
Well, there are some excellent reasons! In fact, the two of us produced two 22 minute pilots on our own time and dime when we were starting out.
Find out why tomorrow in Part 2…
i have been writing comedy sketches for some time now and i think im about to venture into putting the entire conception-idea into production. I own several web sites that im thinking of starting with the clips ( just like funnyordie.com )
I work in i.t. as a network engineer and as a webmaster so needless to say i am the one doing all the configuration. I have never edited – composed – mixed sounds so i can say im failry new into the whole directing scope. I will try to film the short clips on my own at several locations in Montreal.
Anyhow, i was wondering if you have tips or books to simply point me out or to give me pointers when it comes to editing – producing – sound mixing.
Ive added you on twitter ( http://twitter.com/patrickdalpe ) and i will follow your website for tips and guidelines.
I really think my site can skyrocket because of the quality of the scripts. Only the future can tell how my project can turn out.
Thanks alot for you time and hope to hear from you
Pat a funny one from Mtl
These are great questions! I’m going to have to answer them after the weekend, but I wanted to let you know that I appreciate you taking the time to comment, and am excited to have you around. Will dive in more deeply after Labor Day.
Best,
Biagio