Is there a great idea for a reality show that you want to see on screen?You need to plan out the show's structure and put together a stellar pitch package before you get your reality show produced.You can start networking with TV producers and executives if you have an outline and a short reel with highlights of your show.
Step 1: A show about someone or something you have access to.
Ask someone you know to be the subject of your reality show.It's possible to find a group of people or a business in your town.You probably won't have access to celebrities when you're just starting out, so avoid pitching a show about celebrities or exotic places.
Step 2: You can choose a structure for your show.
You have to decide how your show will be structured.There are two main structures for reality shows.There are episodes of self-contained reality shows.There isn't a storyline that ties all of the episodes together.It won't make a difference if viewers watch the episodes out of order.Think about Extreme Home Makeover, Fear Factor, and Hoarders.Self-contained shows are easier to sell because viewers can join in at any time in the season..Every episode of a reality show has an overarching storyline.In order to understand what is happening, viewers need to watch the episodes.Arced reality shows include The Real World.If audiences don't tune in for episode one, the rest of the season could be a flop.
Step 3: If you want your audience to know what to expect, give your show a format style.
Each episode of a format style reality show has a similar format.Dancing with the Stars is a format reality show that features dancers performing a new routine.The audience is expecting that to happen.If your show will feature different characters or storylines, a format reality show is a good choice.Each episode of your reality show could have a different family in it.People would come to expect the format of the parents moving into the dorm.
Step 4: If you want it to feel like a documentary, make your show docu-style.
Reality shows don't have a format, they just follow the main characters around as they go about their lives.Keeping Up with theKardashians is a docu-style reality show.If the premise of your show is examining an interesting person or group of people as they navigate their world, a docu-style reality show would be a good option.If you're making a show about a retired pilot, filming like a documentary will be easier than trying to come up with a format for your character to repeat every episode.
Step 5: The main elements of your show should be on the tape.
The star of your show should be filmed.Capture what makes them special.If you are making a show about a group of people, make sure to film them interacting.The main characters or locations of the show are important.If your show is going to be about a group of employees at a barber shop, you can film them while they work and joke around with each other.Special camera equipment should not be used at this stage.You can film with a camera, phone, or computer.
Step 6: Write about your show in a couple of pages.
The write up should be simple.Tell production companies what format and style your show is and what the storyline will be.Let them know what a typical episode will be like.A self-contained format series featuring a psychic couple that travels the country, helping people redecorate their homes along the way is what you could introduce your write up with.The couple will give their own interior decorating opinions, as well as those of the people who died in the home.Each episode will feature a different family.
Step 7: Take pictures of the main characters.
They don't need to be fancy; just clear, straight-on photos that you can attach to your pitch.Production companies want to know what the show's characters look like.The character's name should be written on their headshot.You want executives to be able to match their faces with character descriptions in the pitch package.
Step 8: If you are new to the industry, you should get an agent.
An agent can help you connect with potential buyers and make it easier to get your pitch package in front of the right people.If you can get someone to represent you, look for agents in your area that specialize in reality television.
Step 9: Team up with a producer.
You should look for a producer who has produced reality shows similar to the one you are pitching.The National Association of Television Program Executives in Miami, Florida, and the RealScreen Summit in Washington, DC are some of the conferences that new to the industry should attend.If you decide to attend a conference with high-level TV executives, you will want to make sure you are prepared.If you have multiple ideas to pitch, make sure your pitch package is put together.At the conference, attend sessions hosted by network executives you're interested in networking with, and introduce yourself after the session.You can give prospective buyers cards with your contact information on them.
Step 10: You can pitch directly to the networks.
If you have an agent, arrange a meeting with some network executives.If your show is about CEOs remodeling their own penthouses, look for a network that airs home-improvement-style shows.To convince the network execs that your show would be a hit, come to the meeting prepared with your pitch package.Bringing the bold personality of a particular character to the meeting to help woo the network would be a good idea.
Step 11: You have to keep shopping until you get a buyer.
One network may not be interested in your idea, but other networks will be.Attend meetings and pitch your show.You can use the feedback from network executives and TV producers to make your pitch package better.Changing the premise or structure of your show is a good idea if you don't have any luck.