Every now and then we’ll take a meeting with someone who wants to break into the business.
The other day, a younger duo walked in wide-eyed and enthusiastic.
They had a “big idea” and lots of energy. But as the conversation progressed over the next several minutes, a HUGE problem became painfully clear.
They Don’t Watch TV.
After their pitch, we had questions. The conversation went something like this:
“Is this more of a docu-style show, or a competition elimination?”
They didn’t know what that meant, so we explained it to them. (BTW, if you don’t know the difference, subscribe here. A post about different reality genres is coming soon.)
…please know what’s going on in the business before you try breaking into it.
We then asked, “What networks did you have in mind for this show?”
They had no networks in mind.
“Well, what reality shows do you watch?”
One of the two had seen an episode of Survivor once.
They Were Blowing it in a Lot of Ways.
Needless to say, a meeting that might have had promise (though they had no video pitch–a mistake since they had no credits) completely fell apart because they don’t watch TV.
No Matter What Business You’re In, You have to Know the Marketplace.
They couldn’t have a conversation about how their show would fit in, compete with, or be seen as a copy-cat to other shows already airing, since they never bothered to research the area of television they supposedly want to work in.
…it’s also important to know what’s actually being produced in the world today!
So as you’re preparing yourself to become a Hands-On-Producer, please remember that it’s also important to know what’s actually being produced in the world today! Wanna make movies? Better be going to the local AMC and abusing your Netflix account. Trying to get into TV? Better be abusing your Tivo.
Regardless of the meduim you hope to join, please know what’s going on in the business before you try to break into it. You only get one shot at a first impression. Don’t ruin it by not doing your homework.