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: 7/7/2008 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,this is a follow up to my last question.So if a network has product placement with let's say T Mobile and they also have a 30 second commercial for T Mobile,we can have product placement with Coke with no commercial ??? In other words I don't want a conflict with the network and our Coke PP shouldn't affect their T Mobile PP and commercial ??? I'm I correct in my assumtion ??? Thanks again, Micke
Answer Hi Micke...
I think you are on the right track here. If there is no conflict between the sponsors and product placements, then it should be possible for everyone to have a piece of product placements. Just be careful that your show doesn't turn into one big infomercial ;) .
Seriously, it will depend on the network's actual policy at the time you sell your show. They may ask for a piece of your product placements or reduce what they pay you in order to accommodate your income. Just make sure you have someone really great representing you when that negotiation comes around --- I suggest a very experienced, LA based entertainment attorney.
