AboutMarrissa O`Leary Expertise Happy to help with your questions about the business of television. I`ve been a TV Business Affairs, Talent and Comedy executive for over 10 years after starting out as a child actress. I`ve been a VP at two studios, and consulted for others. You may find the answers to your reality show questions in the "Previously Answered Questions", so please take a look!
Experience MBA, Pepperdine University / BA, Theatre Arts, Occidental College / AA Mass-Telecommunications Technology, Unites States International University
Expert: Marrissa O`Leary Date: 7/4/2008 Subject: Las Vegas Reality show (again)
Question QUESTION: "Hi Marrissa,I actually asked a question yesterday and now have a new one.My question is,is it unheard of if
we (the writers/creators of our potential reality show)get product placement
endorsement contracts for the show prior to a network wanting the show and in
turn wanting rights to product placements also ? In other words can we BOTH do
product placement endorsements and do this show.Thanks Marrissa. Micke"
ANSWER: Hi, Mickey.
Glad you liked the last answer.
This time, I can tell you that it is indeed possible, as long as your potential sponsors know that, if there is a conflict with the network buying the show, the network takes precedence.
I actually believe there is precedence for this in some of the deals that Reveille made for shows such as BLOW OUT.
Good luck! I can't wait to hear that your show is sold!
Best,
Marrissa
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi again Marrissa,hope you're having a great weekend.New question,I'm still on product placement here.Can two rival companies say for example Coke & Pepsi be in the same Reality show ? Also now this is just a ballpark estimate that I'd like to get,what do they normally pay for their product to be in the show say like Pepsi,Ford or Sony etc.,you know what I mean ??? Thanks again. Micke
Answer Hi Micke -
It's highly unlikely that rivals would sponsor the same program. My guess is that their deals with networks would prohibit the network for running their ads on shows predominantly sponsored by each other.
in terms of money, it can range from "in-kind" to exorbitant sums. I can't really make kind of guess for you, but I would propose you try something like "substantially similar to then current agreements of a similar nature in the television industry".
