Producing Unscripted: Make Reality TV Shows and Documentary Series with Joke and Biagio

Producing Unscripted: Make Reality TV Shows and Documentary Series with Joke and Biagio episodes:

• 09.28.2021

  Sound Advice on Dreams and Success from Todd C. Burns

  Are you ever too young — or too old — to chase a dream? Is success in the entertainment industry possible when you don’t know anyone? Can there be one setback that’s just too daunting to get past? Today, prolific...

  
• 06.24.2021

  Uncharted: Jon Kroll Produces Gordon Ramsay Awesomeness

  Jon Kroll is the man behind some the biggest unscripted TV shows of all time. From Big Brother to The Amazing Race, he’s been in the industry for close to 30 years. (Not to mention he is a mentor to...

  
• 04.30.2021

  3 Ways Podcasting is Changing TV

  It’s an exciting time to be a content creator – for all of us! Not long ago, documentaries were gloomily known as the “D” word…since no one wanted to buy them. Now they’re hot as ever thanks to streamers like...

  
• 02.21.2021

  Troy DeVolld: Sheer Poetry – Life, Dreams, Work and Reality in Los Angeles

  The lure of the entertainment industry, and of course, Los Angeles. It’s something many of us dream about. If you’re a kid from Cleveland like me (Biagio) or a girl from Belgium like Joke, it can seem larger than life,...

  
• 01.26.2021

  2021: Staying Creative, Productive and Motivated

  It’s 2021, and we all know it can be near-impossible to stay motivated in this most challenging of times. If you’re anything like us, things like quarantine, no social interaction, and global pandemics tend to slow down the old creative...

  
• 10.30.2020

  ‘Twas the Nightmare Before Editing!

  It’s Halloween time and episode 128 is our annual “spooky” take on the unscripted film and television business. This episode’s question was inspired by a Producing Unscripted podcast listener named Justin, who wrote in with a question about editing. We’re...

  
• 09.29.2020

  3 Things Ted Lasso Can Teach You About Making TV & Film

  For episode 127 we’re mining great advice from an unlikely place…the new Apple TV series Ted Lasso. What on earth does a fish-out-of-water sports sitcom have to do with making unscripted film and television? Quite a lot, actually! We’ve been...

  
• 07.25.2020

  What Do Producers Actually Do? Ask Our Kids!

  For episode 126 we, like you, are stuck in quarantine. It’s turned into a long, hot, “can’t go anywhere” summer. We thought it was time for a little popsicle. One of the questions we get from friends and family members...

  
• 04.29.2020

  Making TV In Quarantine

  First of all, we hope you’re doing okay – we know it’s a very strange, sometimes scary and confusing time. It has certainly scared us – especially because we were smack-dab in the middle of finishing a TV series when...

  
• 03.31.2020

  Producing Personal Projects with Emmy Winner Steve Mazan

  The world’s a little crazy at the moment – so we thought this would be a good time to bring you a truly inspirational tale. Emmy winner Steve Mazan, subject of our theatrically released feature documentary Dying to do Letterman,...

  
• 02.28.2020

  Hiring in Hollywood: The Flipside

  Want to work in Hollywood? Want to make something in Hollywood? Then one way or the other, you’ll be dealing with the process of hiring in Hollywood. Today we share our hiring philosophy, helpful anecdotes, and straight talk on the...

  
• 01.30.2020

  2020 Perspective for Filmmakers, Producers, and Creatives

  Holy cow, it’s 2020! As we enter our seventh year (!) of the Producing Unscripted podcast, we’re so grateful to all of you who’ve supported us on this journey. With a New Year comes new podcast episodes, beginning with today’s....

  
• 10.31.2019

  Our Top 3 Scariest Moments on Set

  It’s Halloween, so pull out your sage, salt, and white candles! Today we’re talking about something truly spooky…our top 3 scariest moments on set! If you’ve been around production of any kind, you know things pretty much never go as...

  
• 09.30.2019

  Getting Engaged to Netflix

  Get out the Tim Tams and the Vegemite…cause we’re going down under! Well, actually, the “down under” came to visit us, so we could give you an episode all about working with Netflix. We’re talking with PJ Madam and Tim...

  
• 08.30.2019

  Making Truly Independent TV with Filmmaker Brian Speciale

  It sounds like a myth, or some kind of Hollywood urban legend, but some people actually put their own shows on television by buying airtime and selling ads themselves. They make truly independent TV. How does it work? How much...

  
• 07.30.2019

  Make 70 Million Dollars on Shark Tank: Producer Brian Speciale Tells All

  Brian Speciale isn’t just special because of his name. Not only is he a great producer, but he used his producing skills to flip the script, get himself cast on a little show called Shark Tank, and score a huge...

  
• 06.28.2019

  Create Great Titles for Your Projects: Tons of Tips…

  Great titles…Survivor. Big Brother. The Curse of Oak Island. Say Yes to the Dress. Unmasking a Killer. These shows have catchy titles to help viewers… and network execs…understand what the show is all about. Today’s episode of Producing Unscripted is...

  
• 05.30.2019

  Showbiz and Your Mental Well-Being: It’s Just TV…

  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so on this Producing Unscripted podcast episode we‘re discussing some of the more difficult aspects of working in the entertainment industry…especially on big productions. Anybody who‘s been around it for more than five minutes knows...

  
• 04.30.2019

  3 Worst Kinds of Shows for New Producers to Pitch…Unless

  We remember when we were just starting out in the industry. Didn’t know anyone. Couldn’t get a meeting. But…we thought we knew everything! Turns out, like a lot of new producers, we were pitching the worst kinds of projects to...

  
• 03.26.2019

  Pat Postiglione: Becoming a TV Personality

  Are you a producer? Or do you see yourself as on-camera talent? Either way, it’s important to realize the challenges and realities of becoming a TV personality. Pat Postiglione is in the throws of that journey right now. He’s the...

  
• 02.28.2019

  Deadly Recall – Pitch Detective Based True Crime – 5 Tips

  If you’ve ever wondered about building a true crime series around a real police detective, today’s episode is for you. We’re sharing everything you need to know, broken down in five easily-digestible tips. What kind of detectives? Which cases to...

  
• 01.31.2019

  3 Tips from RealScreen 2019

  Today’s episode is coming to you straight from the waiting area of the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport! Why? Because we just attended RealScreen 2019, and we’ve got some stuff to share. What is the RealScreen Summit? Well, according...

  
• 12.20.2018

  Hollywood Stocking Stuffers – Three Tips from the Trenches

  Happy Holidays from Producing Unscripted! ’Tis the season to be jolly, and if you asked Santa for a new episode of Producing Unscripted, you’re in luck! Today we share some important stocking stuffers with you – three Hollywood tips to...

  
• 10.30.2018

  Spooky: Pitching Paranormal Shows – 4 Tips & Happy Halloween!

  It’s Halloween…and do we have a treat for you. A spooky treat that is! This week we cover all things paranormal. Ghost shows, alien shows, psychic shows…they’ve been a staple of television for years. But how can you make your...

  
• 09.25.2018

  Roger Nygard: How to Work Both Scripted and Unscripted

  We travelled the streets of Los Angeles for the 109th episode of Producing Unscripted. Well, we went a couple of exits down the 101, where we met with this week’s guest, the multitalented Roger Nygard. Roger has edited on many...

  
• 08.28.2018

  Amazing Career Advice From Legendary Producer Jon Kroll

  Jon Kroll is the man behind some of your favorite unscripted television shows. From Big Brother to The Amazing Race, he’s been in the industry for over 25 years. He’s here today to share his secrets to success and amazing...

  
• 07.31.2018

  Pitching Family-Based Docuseries – A Kardashians Study

  It’s time for Episode 107! And to celebrate, we’re taking you all the way back to Episode 6 (ah, so long ago.) Pitches come in every day framed as family-centered docuseries. How can you make yours stand out? We checked...

  
• 06.30.2018

  Top 3 Pitch Cover Letter Mistakes

  When you’re pitching a project, whether to us or anyone else, you’ll be sending a cover letter (or providing information) to briefly explain what the project is about. Unfortunately, this is where many newcomers go wrong. There are certain statements...

  
• 05.30.2018

  Getting Your First TV Producer Credit with Marc Jackson

  Marc Jackson says he feels like he’s living his dream. A retired police officer, Marc wanted to start a new career in filmmaking and TV production – but had no production experience. Like many of you, Marc discovered the Producing...

  
• 04.24.2018

  Puzzling Together Story with Jon Collins

  Jon Collins has been working in unscripted television for nearly 20 years. He started as a tape logger on the first season of HBO’s Project Greenlight. His credits include The Bachelor and Bacheloette, Project Runway, and House Hunters, just to...

  
• 03.13.2018

  Unmasking a Killer with Todd Lindsey

  Unmasking a Killer is our new true crime documentary series for CNN and HLN. It premieres Sunday, March 18, at 9pm on HLN. Todd Lindsey brought us the show. Additionally, he became the series Supervising Producer. A true passion project,...

  
• 02.27.2018

  Success & Happiness in the Entertainment Industry with Daniel Strange

  Daniel Strange is a TV commercial director who has also dabbled in unscripted television – and he’s one of the most honest people you’ll ever meet. Today, Dan shares tips and stories about working in the entertainment industry. More importantly,...

  
• 01.23.2018

  The Journey from Seed Idea to Pitching TV Networks with Abra Chouinard

  Many people visit this site to learn how to pitch their own TV shows. Today, we give you an inside look at what happens when our production company teams up with an aspiring producer. We met Abra Chouinard through this...

  
• 11.14.2017

  100 Tips. 1 Million Thanks.

  Episode 100! Thanks for supporting us over nearly five years. To celebrate, we made you a “thank you” gift. It’s a brand new resource we wish we had when we started in this business. It’s completely free, and it will...

  
• 10.03.2017

  Casting True Crime Projects with Alexis Linkletter

  Casting true crime projects takes special care. With networks hungry for true crime programming, the genre is currently exploding. But every true crime project has one essential element that can’t be forgotten. At its center is someone who went through...

  
• 09.05.2017

  Back To School: TV & Film Style!

  If you have, or know, kids — well, you know it’s that time of year…back to school! Being parents, we feel it’s only right to celebrate the spirit of education we feel filling our household. So, we’re sharing our favorite...

  
• 08.08.2017

  How To Freelance in Hollywood with Joey Korenman

  If you want to work your way up in the entertainment industry — especially in unscripted television — chances are you are going to spend more time freelancing than working staff jobs. Today, Joey Korenman, entertainment professional and author the...

  
• 07.11.2017

  Who Owns a TV Show? Can it be You?

  Who owns a TV show in the land of unscripted television? Like it or not, when it comes to documentary series, reality TV, true crime, and anything else that is considered “unscripted” — the owner is not usually the producer...

  
• 06.14.2017

  Producer Takeaways from Four Years of Podcasts

  Just a tiny bit over four years ago this site launched with its very first podcast episode. To be honest, we didn’t know if anyone would listen, or be interested in learning the nuts and bolts of unscripted television, documentary...

  
• 05.31.2017

  5 Tips: True Crime Series – Develop Deep Dives

  “Deep Dive” True Crime Series – you’ve seen them. The Jinx. Making a Murderer. Our own upcoming CNN/HLN series, Unmasking a Killer, is also a deep dive. How do these series work? How can you develop true crime series like...

  
• 04.04.2017

  Life After Reality TV with Shalandra Champ of Beauty and the Geek

  Shalandra Champ is more than just one of our favorite cast members from Beauty and the Geek. She’s a working mom, a fearless go-getter, and as of now…officially a “Beauty” turned “Geek!” Today she shares the truth about life after...

  
• 03.21.2017

  TV Network Executives – What You Need to Know from Paul Croce

  TV Network Executives: the elite group that filmmakers and producers wish to meet, hope to pitch, and pray will fund their projects. For some, they seem to be mysterious, god-like figures who can make dreams come true. To others, they...

  
• 03.07.2017

  Producing Documentaries with Sundance Fellow Amanda Spain

  Producing documentaries sounds alluring or terrifying. It depends on where you’re sitting. Today, we’re sitting with Sundance fellow and TV producer Amanda Spain. Amanda is one of those rare people who’s managed to bring her talents to both the doc...

  
• 02.21.2017

  How to Cast Reality TV with Top Casting Director Dana Golder

  Dana Golder is one of the biggest casting directors in reality TV. Just some of her credits include The Biggest Loser, The Amazing Race, and Cash Cab. We’ve been lucky enough to work with her on Beauty and the Geek,...

  
• 02.07.2017

  Reality TV Stripped Naked with Mickey Ramos

  Mickey Ramos is not only a terrific, prolific TV producer who survived an attack by over 600 killer bees while filming Naked and Afraid. She’s also the voice of Kenny’s girlfriend on South Park (how cool!) Plus, she’s dealt with...

  
• 01.24.2017

  3 Ways Aspiring TV Producers Can Stand Out in 2017

  Happy 2017! Today, on episode 88 of Producing Unscripted we’re helping you kick off the new year right. Trying to break into unscripted television, documentary series, true crime or reality TV? Here are three ways you can stand out from...

  
• 12.13.2016

  How To Survive The Hollywood Notes Process with Troy DeVolld

  The Hollywood Notes Process: also known as “collaboration” to some and “notes hell” to others. Today, on episode 87 of Producing Unscripted we’re thrilled to be joined by Troy DeVolld, TV Producer extraordinaire and best-selling author. His new book is...

  
• 11.29.2016

  Production Hangovers: How To Survive, Recharge, & Move On

  Production hangovers? It’s episode 86 of Producing Unscripted, and today we’re being way too honest. Want truth? Production can burn you out! Doesn’t matter how much you love your film or TV project. Doesn’t matter how impressively it comes together....

  
• 11.15.2016

  Handling Criticism in Hollywood: Your How-To Guide

  It’s episode 85 of Producing Unscripted, and today we’re discussing a crucial skill that will help you in business…and life. Handling criticism. If Steven Spielberg, Mark Burnett, and Shonda Rhimes have to deal with criticism, you can bet the rest...

  
• 11.01.2016

  Catching Your Lucky Break In Hollywood – A Spooky Discussion

  It’s episode 84 of Producing Unscripted, and today we’re having a crucial discussion about the illusive “lucky break.” We’re not just talking about finally catching your lucky break in Hollywood. We’re also helping you stay sane and survive until you...