Create a Reality Show
A basic guide to creating, developing and producing a reality-based television show.
Steps
Sample Pitches
Doc:Competitive Reality Show Pitch,Informational Reality Show Pitch,Occupational Reality Show Pitch
Creating Your Own Reality Show
- Create a core idea for a show, and be sure it has original elements. Though it may be similar to other formats already, you must have elements and methods that area clearly original so that the content created is something unique and exciting to watch.
- Know which sub-genre of reality programming your idea falls into. There are many genres for reality shows, including: Competition/Elimination, Docu-Style Series, Lifestyle Series, Relationship Series, and countless others.
- Be specific in your concept, and try several approaches. Many producers will create original concepts with their development team, but most often producers scout aggressively for new concepts and reality show ideas from writers and concept creators. So don’t be afraid to work on several show concepts at once. It takes a lot of projects, but only takes one to connect with the right producer.
- Choose concepts and subjects that are highly marketable- Titles are very important, they should roll off the tongue easily, provoke conversations, and simply tell you exactly what you’re going to be watching. “Blind Date”, “Temptation Island”, “The Bachelor”, “Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire” are all good examples. Word play is always a good way to grab attention and create curiosity. “Meet the Parents” “Eliminate” “Joe Millionaire” “The Real World” “Around the World in Eighty Dates” are all specific to what their show is about, but use known phrases to create new titles that pique curiosity.
- Think of movies- "Story" is a critical element to define when developing a reality-based project. When you look at movies, look at the core concept and story elements of the film, and a reality show just might be staring you smack in the face. “Cannonball Run”, “Meet the Parents”, “Around the World in Eighty Dates” are all specific examples of film concepts that have translated into reality-based shows for television.
- Develop and write your concept- A treatment for a reality show can be anywhere from 1 to 3 pages, sometimes more. The key is efficiency in describing the elements and action involved, but also creating enough detail to be original. Research industry sources about creating reality show concepts to pitch.
- Protect your reality show idea by registering it with The Writer's Guild of America [1] (east coast) or [2] (west coast) for third party proof-of-creation.
- Research the various production companies producing reality-based television programs and find a likely match for the type of project you have created.
- Make cold calls to development executives at each company to know if they will accept your pitch.
- Consider an online industry database to pitch your projects for pitching your new reality show idea for review and purchase by leading Production Companies scouting new projects, including CBS, Fox TV Studios, ABC, ITV, BBC, and others. The TV Writers Vault also provides electronic proof-of-review for your record and protection.
- If offered an option deal by a production company, you will be able to negotiate a producing credit and financial participation. Always use an experienced entertainment attorney for assistance in negotiating any deal.
- If the production company engages you for the production and distribution of your show concept, you will be engaged with some form of Producer credit and fees per episode.
- The Production company will be responsible to delivering the show to the network for airing. If you have experience in development or production for television, then you may negotiate a more direct involvement in the show once it reaches network and production.
Tips
- Always ask yourself if your concept can realistically be executed. If it can't be made, it won't be bought. Example: You've created a show called "Celebrity Choir" that pits two choirs comprised completely of celebrities against each other every week. Cool? Sure. Logistically feasible? Probably too difficult to get dozens of celebrities in the same room for weeks at a time.
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