Budgets Per Episode of a standard “docu-reality” style cable show

[Roslyn Evans]

Hey Shane….I have a docu-series Im looking for a production company to pitch it to….would you happen to know of any company’s in search of new concepts. Thank you in advance.

[Rauf Khatri]

Dear David,

Hi there! Greeting of the day!!

Just wanted to ask that did you complete that project? What was the name of the series? Broadcast on which network? And finally how much did it cost to you and how much you made out of it!?

Just asking you these personal question coz I am also want to turn my idea in to a series. So your help will work as my guiding path. If you don’t want to share info in this thread, you may write me on raufkhatri1987@yahoo.com

Thanks and regards,

Rauf Khatri
New Delhi, India.

[Sam Reverra]

Hello,

We just get offer from film company to make TV show for NatGeo or Discovery on our sport events.
How do you think – how much we should ask from them? We don’t know how all this works.

Thank you!

[Rachael Okon]

Hello Shane and thank you so much for replying with answers on this subject. I found this forum because I am also trying to figure out ballpark figures. I’m not a producer, I simply wish to be a show creator. I only know I have a great show idea and I’ve already come up with a T.V. proposal (several for the same idea) and episode format. My target network asked that when you submit a proposal, you have production timelines and budget already figured out. As I am understanding, this is standard. Being as I have no experience in creating a show previously, I do not know how to realistically answer these questions. All I know is an under-budgeted production is in trouble from the word “go”.
My major concern is fairness. I’d be eternally grateful to the network who picks us up and airs this show. I also want to make sure that both cast and crew are WELL compensated and have fair working conditions.

[Jon Scheide]

Rachael,

most of this link looks pretty ancient… I just landed here as well. But I can help you out with numbers, etc. with just a bit of info.

Jon

[Sabrina Gields]

Good Evening I’m preparing to shoot an eight (8) episode Atlanta base Reality game show. What would you the Pros think I can guesstimate the total production to be? Like how much per episode breakdown please.

[Shane Ross]

Rachael… the only response I have to your post is to get experience. Or to find someone who has it to partner with. The only way to know how to do this is to have done it, or been in a work environment where it was done, and you were on staff. By this I mean start out in production and work your way up, learning the ropes on how things are put together and budgeted. Learning on the job…and from the ground up. This is why it’s good to start at the bottom and work your way up.

BUT…as I said, the other possibility is to partner with someone who has done this, and have them do the budget. Walking in as green as you are…the networks will know it and pass on your project. They only work with experienced people, and mainly only with people they’ve worked with before. And the way to get on that list is to be an assistant to someone who does this, and get known to them like that.

They also don’t take what are known as “unsolicited pitches.” Meaning a pitch that doesn’t go through agents and lawyers so that no one can accuse anyone of stealing.

Now, I work in post so this is not my area of expertise. I just know the basics, having worked in this business for over 20 years. Going in green is tough….this is why it’s good to get the experience and start at the bottom…so you know the ins and outs of production from all sides. What do you do with the terrific ideas you have? That’s the challenge…

Shane
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