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Shooting a Pilot
One of the “big 4” networks recently contacted me to shoot a pilot for one of their newer shows. Now, I have produced, directed and aired many TV shows in the past. However, this is a new one for me. Here is what the job entails:
a) Script and talent are provided by the network.
b) My company has to provide the network with the equipment and final product delivery. So, essentially my company will be handling the entire production process and the post-production process.Now, I have never done anything of this caliber or even in this category. But, because of my past projects with this particular network, they have selected my company to handle the shooting and the delivery process. Does this sound highly unusual? I have worked on a lot of broadcast projects, but have never done anything this way. I always thought that a network would shoot its own pilot episodes.
Some additional info:
This is a very “low-end” network project. In other words, it would only air during the weekends (at approx. 11:00am) in most US markets, including the metro markets. I have been hinted that this project won’t survive that long, but they want to give it a shot.Aanarav Sareen
pr******@****************ns.com -
4 Replies
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Not at all unusual. I don’t know the scope of the program or production values, but quite a bit of network production is off campus and without network staff and gear. The last one I did was “Caesars Challenge” for NBC Daytime – staff and facilities were all out of house.
Cheers,
Frank Otto
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Thanks, Frank. Are there any pitfalls I should be aware of? This is primarily a reality based health/workout show.
Thanks,
AanaravAanarav Sareen
premiere@asvideoproductions.com -
Not really…be sure your contract limits the corrections Network makes or you’ll be tweaking it forever. And all talent fees are theirs, including lodging, F&B/Craft Services or you could get stuck with talent demands like limo and driver, special meals, rooms etc.
It’s those kinda production costs that sneak up on you.
Cheers,
Frank Otto
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Thanks, Frank. I will find out those details with the network.
Much appreciated,
Aanarav
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