How to Create a Reality Show
Create a core idea for a show, and be sure it has original elements., Know which sub-genre of reality programming your idea falls into., Be specific in your concept, and try several approaches., Choose concepts and subjects that are highly...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Create a core idea for a show
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. , There are many genres for reality shows, including:
Competition/Elimination, Docu-Style Series, Lifestyle Series, Relationship Series, and countless others. , 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. , “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. , 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. , 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. ,,,, The TV Writers Vault also provides electronic proof-of-review for your record and protection. , Always use an experienced entertainment attorney for assistance in negotiating any deal. ,, 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. -
Step 2: and be sure it has original elements.
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Step 3: Know which sub-genre of reality programming your idea falls into.
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Step 4: Be specific in your concept
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Step 5: and try several approaches.
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Step 6: Choose concepts and subjects that are highly marketable- Titles are very important
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Step 7: they should roll off the tongue easily
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Step 8: provoke conversations
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Step 9: and simply tell you exactly what you’re going to be watching.
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Step 10: Think of movies- "Story" is a critical element to define when developing a reality-based project.
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Step 11: Develop and write your concept- A treatment for a reality show can be anywhere from 1 to 3 pages
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Step 12: sometimes more.
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Step 13: Protect your reality show idea by registering it with The Writer's Guild of America (east coast) or (west coast) for third party proof-of-creation.
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Step 14: Research the various production companies producing reality-based television programs and find a likely match for the type of project you have created.
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Step 15: Make cold calls to development executives at each company to know if they will accept your pitch.
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Step 16: 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
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Step 17: including CBS
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Step 18: Fox TV Studios
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Step 19: and others.
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Step 20: If offered an option deal by a production company
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Step 21: you will be able to negotiate a producing credit and financial participation.
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Step 22: If the production company engages you for the production and distribution of your show concept
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Step 23: you will be engaged with some form of Producer credit and fees per episode.
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Step 24: The Production company will be responsible to delivering the show to the network for airing.
Detailed Guide
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. , There are many genres for reality shows, including:
Competition/Elimination, Docu-Style Series, Lifestyle Series, Relationship Series, and countless others. , 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. , “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. , 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. , 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. ,,,, The TV Writers Vault also provides electronic proof-of-review for your record and protection. , Always use an experienced entertainment attorney for assistance in negotiating any deal. ,, 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.
About the Author
Christine Flores
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in home improvement and beyond.
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