... Would anyone here know what the process is like, from when the format is fully fleshed out on paper, to when a pilot is shot?
Yes, too often it's like hell except not as hot. Other times, only occasionally, it rocks!!
I've been down this road with my own ideas as well as on staff with production companies making this journey. Hopefully others here (Bricon, etc.) will share more.
Over-simplified:
1) Shopping the idea to one of the few agents who specialize in this area, with the hope he will connect you with a known producer. Producers won't take unsolicited ideas, for legal reasons, unless they have worked with you before. The networks and syndicators only deal with known producers who have proven they can take a show to air.
2) Next are the dog and pony shows where you pitch to networks, syndicators, studios, cable channels, station groups, international licensers, and these days, on-line and home gaming producers. Some may option the show for a period of time while they watch you develop the format. In the 60s/70s/80s you might get a development deal of maybe $25,000 to carry you through the next steps, but those days are pretty much gone.
3) Run-throughs and development where everything from the title to any and all of the game play and rules are subject to change. The goal is to see that the game plays smoothly in all unforseen circumstances and has audience play-along appeal, AND incorporates the ideas of the network or syndicator who has expressed interest or has optioned it. They all have different demographics and goals for the show and will want differing looks and pacing for the gameplay.
4) You hope your buyer now funds a pilot, but more often he and his development staff either loses interest or has no budget at the moment or gets transferred or fired, and the rights revert back to you. There may be continuing indecision while he gives you some money for presentations to their business partners and/or sponsors. You are then back to more development to see if it can be adapted for their goals.
5) You hope the buyer now funds a full-blown pilot, so you hire a set designer and spend months trying to get all to agree on the set, the host, the director, the announcer, the studio, etc. Otherwise the buyer may save $100,000+ by investing in only a sizzle-reel with staged highlights that demonstrate the show. Worse would be where YOU are asked to pay for the pilot in exchange for a sweeter back-end deal if the show goes. You may then start looking for an investor.
6) The pilot looks good and is tested in focus groups which results in more development of gameplay or re-casting the host. Then, if it's a network or cable channel, the show goes to air. Or it gets shopped by the syndicator to TV stations in January for a fall debut. If enough stations in the top markets buy it, you're on. Congratulations, and don't forget me when hiring your announcer and warm-up!
And that's the SHORT version!
Randy
tvrandywest.com
