[Mary Gerber]

In the recording set up it gives me all of the rates 24,30 and 60

[Mary Gerber]

All very thorough, overwhelming, and appreciated insight. Goes with the territory of learning how to become something that is out of the comfort zone. I’ve had the luxury of working for an organization that has sales folks (non-profit world). Now it’s my turn to really stretch myself and get my head organized as a marketer.

I believe the content of my show idea, based on just searching around for similar shows, is very timely (nothing out there at this juncture) for many reasons, but mostly because the popularity of it is increasing and someone else just might make it happen sooner than later. I want to be the first to do it sooner!

Please, any other support and ideas are so appreciated. You want to sponsor my show?! HA

[Mary Gerber]

So I’ve confirmed “potential” sponsors for interviews for the show, how do I then approach them to be a sponsor without making it sound like they must contribute to be in the show? I really don’t want to make that an MO with anyone.

Thanks so much!

[Mary Gerber]

So that makes it difficult to anticipate what to avoid while shooting a pilot that is not sponsored yet. I’ll have 2 interviews in my pilot who are competitors. Now what!

[Mary Gerber]

At this point I am the clearance person, the videographer, the editor, the writer,the director, the marketing and sales person. I assume, in commercial television, this depends on the network?

Thank you

[Mary Gerber]

Sizzler reel it is then!

So have you been through the entire process of getting a program on the air (network/cable) and happy with the monetary results?

Thanks

[Mary Gerber]

Well said, I just have to face that this is going to be the most difficult part of this process. The content is a piece of cake.

I could get this series going on PBS with my existing programs on that network and the relationships built there. The only problem is the very tight FCC restrictions on sponsorship making it even more challenging to sell. The commercial network world is quite challenging for me but necessary for my career development. I do appreciate your insight.

Now my next quandary:

Given that I’ll be footing the bill on the initial production of this myself (likely in SD because that is what I have to work with right now), to sell the series, should I produce a sizzler reel and the necessary marketing material or should I create the entire pilot? I can obviously shoot enough for the pilot but just edit the sizzler to start to save myself money (and sanity).

Thanks again and have a great Sunday!

[Mary Gerber]

You make a lot of good points. I’m ultimately thinking about what the network technical specs are if the pilot were to air along with the rest of the episodes. I am assuming the network would want HD.

Thank you!

[Mary Gerber]

Great idea! Do you think the pilot should be produced in HD or is SD still okay these days?

[Mary Gerber]

That is a great idea! Thank you!