Expert: Patrick J. Murray - 5/11/2011

Question
Hi Mr. Murray, My name is Victor and I am the COO of an multi-media entertainment company that is producing a made for online/TV reality music competition. I would like to know if you could suggest a reasonably priced person and or company that can assist an upstart multi-media ENT company such as mine in developing a business plan for the show. I can break down the various areas that we would need assistance in creating a budget for the show. We have little revenue to put toward this, but we are willing to do as much research needed as long as we have someone that can guide us in the right directions. We have a few very interested backers and sponsors for the production, and we would like to get this done ASAP, if you can help in any way that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Answer
Hey Victor,

Thanx for stopping by and pardon my delay in responding to you.....

Part of the answer to your question lies in what part of the country you are located. In many areas, there are productioni companies who can handle your project and the easiest and best way is to find someone in your locale who can handle the entire project from top to bottom. When you start looking across the country it gets expense as companies either need to travel in or perform a lot of the work long distance.

Money usually becomes the issue in that usually you can see all the big things, it is the little stuff that will eat away at your budget. There is usually a need to pad the budget as there may come a time when you need that cash for small items that crop up in the course of the show.

I dont have all the details here obviously, but if you are producing a show over many weeks that involves entertainment and maybe even a bit of an "American Idol" type look, and you want it produced professionally, you are looking at a very large budget with some high priced talent in front of and behind the scenes to really pull it off. If you short change that and the production values are mediocre, that will be a problem. So dont shortchange yourself on the production and the facilities to make your show the best.

It is always more easily said than done, but getting that backing is extremely important...So I would suggest the following:

1.) Research major facilities in your area. Find the group that you can feel comfortable with who will provide you the best service, facilities, and ultimately the end product. Ask for references as well as a reel of past performances...and check with those folks as well. Dont ruch into a bad production company. These folks will help you forge your financial and visual plan for the show.

2.) If this is a big show with many people involved and contestants, dont leave out the legal portion. Hopefully as a business you have some legal representation and they can figure out your needs in this area. Protect yourself!

3.) If this show becomes way too big for you to manage and you dont have the capital - dont do it! Better your company builds a reputation for creating and producing projects that work and leave your company with a solid reputation.

If you have the time or the inclination, please feel free to shoot back with any other comments here. Be careful, enjoy the experience, and produce a great show!

Best of luck to you!

Patrick Murray