Last time, we talked about how reality shows owe a lot to dramatic structure, character development and many of the tools found in the writer’s toolbox. Now we come to the point where we’ve got our show mapped out and we want to sell it to a producer, an agent or a television executive.
When developing your own reality series proposal, a few things to keep in mind: Explain the premise as thoroughly as possible. Paint the picture for producers of what this show will look like, how it’ll feel and how it’s supposed to make the audience feel. Come up with a few personas, potential characters that could realistically compete on a show or fit the bill for the reality scenario. Look for character types that could bounce off each other, either negatively or positively. Create a diverse set of personas; it maximizes your chances to reach a larger audience. Give the reader of your treatment or proposal a feel for how a typical episode would play out. Who gets eliminated? Why? Who makes it to the next round? Who’s the most likely to get cut next time?
Give us an idea of the types of judges we’ll see. They’ll be the face of your show from the outset. You want either well-known people, or people who add the right blend of humor and friction. It’ll be the subplot to your series. People are always dying to see who will be the next American Idol, but they also come to see how Simon will harass Paula (well, maybe not any more).
Tell us who the judges are. If you’re thinking of a particular star, put the name out there, but be realistic. Nicole Kidman will not be the next host of your reality show, nor will Hugh Grant. Not unless their fortunes change drastically in the next few months. You can say, “A judge with Nicole Kidman star quality or Hugh Grant charisma.” Give the proposal reader an idea of the type of judge rather than an actual person — unless of course, Hugh Grant is your uncle and he owes you big time.
Viewers generally expect the following judge types:
1. Former TV star
2. Former movie star who’s career has fizzled
3. Retired sports personality
4. Elder statesman musician
5. Beloved director of light comedies
6. Former pop star
7. Pistol whip-sharp producer
8. Reality show star who’s trying to keep their 15 minutes going
The exception to this is if you create a reality show centered around a group of microbiologists looking to find the missing microbe before it gets out of the lab. Somehow, I don’t think Dan Marino is really going to offer constructive criticism. “I think the way you used that electron microscope was a little slow. Could’ve gone for it sooner.” Think of personalities who are current or have serious nostalgic factor.
Know how many episodes it’ll take for the show to reach its end. American Idol spans a few months and it gets away with it because it gives us phases: auditions, eliminations and finals. Hmm, kind of like beginning, middle and end. Of course, know when to end. Fox had a reality show a few years ago about filmmaking, On The Lot. Great premise (young filmmakers compete against each other for a chance to work with Spielberg) but it seemed endless. It was clear that the show wasn’t thought out too well, or that my next point wasn’t a strong consideration for the show’s creators:
Think about the audience. Your proposal should indicate what the audience is going to get out of the show. Why will they watch? Who will this appeal to and why? Always think about the people watching your show. What matters to them? What other shows do they watch? The clearer your picture of your general audience, the better you can focus your show in their direction.
Good luck! Drop a line in the Escape Hatch and let us know how your pitch goes!
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