Expert: Patrick J. Murray - 7/26/2011

Question
Hello Mr. Murray, I have an idea for a show that I would like to produce for the Internet, but was wondering if I could eventually get it on a broadcast network or distribution venue.  Would you recommend a good book or checklist that could prepare me for this kind of venture?  Does this development path seem to be the way to go, or do you have a best practices approach?
thanks for your expertise.  

Rich

Answer
Hey Rich,

Thanks for stopping by...and sorry for the delay...work has a way of getting a little too busy...

Let me just say that there are no real books on the subject in terms of putting a show together or devising the budget for one. Like many businesses, there are principles that do apply, but the specifics are germane only to a particular line of work – as in broadcasting or producing a show. As I have said many times in this forum, if it was easy, anyone could do it! It takes know-how, contacts, and capital to connect the dots of creating a successful show.

So to directly address your situation – I am not sure what type of show you are producing or what the genre is, but you have to look at the competition and the field you are entering. How does your show stack up to others in production value, content, and durability? Is it something an audience will flock to watch? What is the cornerstone of the show that sets it apart from other programs? Do you have a big name star to headline it? Do people win money?

You can see there are a myriad of questions that need to be asked before you can take this to any kind of distributor. I always tell folks to look what is on currently on cable or television…what is attracting ratings? This is the year of the talent shows….all based on American Idol…If you cannot attract an audience as an independent producer, your chances of getting the “green light” and producing for the networks or cable is probably nil.

However, you may become very successful on the Internet. It depends on how you want to sell it…will you charge for the individuals to view it? Do you sell banners on a web site? How do you make money on this?

This is a tough business to just walk into and be successful.  I am not sure of your background either, but if you have not worked in the business, you need to partner with someone or some agency that has a track record. You really are walking uphill if you try to pull any of this off yourself – doesn’t mean it cant be done – just means it is very difficult and time consuming to self teach yourself on the rules of the road here. And I cannot underestimate the importance of contacts in the business.  You need to associate and discuss the business with people in the know. In that way, people will know you are in the producing business and looking to create a property.

Those are just some thoughts on the topic…and you could write a book on the many distinctive approaches you could take to produce a show. I hope this offers some insight to your issues. I would encourage you to write back if you felt that you can be more specific with questions you may have on this topic.

In the meantime, best of luck to you!

Patrick Murray