A production company (maybe ours) wants to team up with you on your reality TV concept. The idea of “shopping agreements” comes up. But what does that mean? How long should you agree to let someone pitch your idea? What will that process be like? Let us answer all these questions…and more. If you have ... Read more

The post Shopping Agreements for Reality TV Concepts appeared first on Producing Unscripted.

It is a truism of reality TV. There’s no better way to sell a show than to produce a great pitch video. Most pitch reels are low-budget. But, even if you have no money there’s one thing you can do to make sure your tape stands out. In fact, we used this secret to sell ... Read more

The post Sizzle Reel Secret: How We Sell TV Shows appeared first on Producing Unscripted.

We just came off of an exhilarating – and exhausting – weekend shooting a cable network pilot for a huge, formatted TV show. In our sleep-deprived, semi-delirious state, it occurred to us this is the perfect time to discuss something we’re asked about often: making TV pilots. Rather than just blathering on (we did mention ... Read more

The post Making TV Pilots: 5 Practical Tips You Can Use appeared first on Producing Unscripted.

It’s episode 70, and we’re sharing 7 Must-Know Tips for Pitching Reality TV. These are hand-picked to help you avoid the mistakes we see new producers make over and over again. Whether you’re pitching to us or anyone else, by using these 7 tips you’ll look like a pro and drastically increase your chances of ... Read more

The post 7 Must-Know Tips for Pitching Reality TV appeared first on Producing Unscripted.

“Remember, pressure is a privilege.” It was some of most mysterious — and meaningful — advice we’ve ever received. Today, we explain why this nugget of knowledge will keep you sane, drive you to new heights, and sleep better at night. Sometimes.   Pressure is a Privilege   Many businesses are chock full of pressure, ... Read more

The post Pressure is a Privilege. Here’s Why… appeared first on Producing Unscripted.

TV versus YouTube – it’s something that comes up in discussions with aspiring producers on a daily basis. Why do some shows work better on YouTube than TV? Is TV always better than YouTube? What are the pros and cons of each? Today we’re going to tell you exactly why you may want one platform ... Read more

The post TV Versus YouTube – Where Does Your Show Belong? appeared first on Producing Unscripted.

Happy 2016! Today’s episode is all about new beginnings — in fact, it’s a big picture guide to making film and TV as seen from the point of view of new starts. We’ve made over 100 hours of TV and film. Every second of those final projects exists because we’ve embraced…the art of starting.   ... Read more

The post Art of Starting: Your Big Picture Guide to Making Film & TV appeared first on Producing Unscripted.

As 2015 ends and 2016 dawns, we couldn't be more excited for aspiring filmmakers and producers everywhere. Here are three things we think deliver amazing news for all budding media artists in the new year.

The post 3 Cheerful Filmmaking Facts for 2016 appeared first on Producing Unscripted.

As you already know from reading our in-depth guide on creating and pitching reality shows, there is no better way to quickly break into the business than building your show around a great, real life character. But when you’re putting together very basic casting tapes to test whether or not someone might be great TV, ... Read more

The post Casting Tapes: Show, Tell, or Both? appeared first on Producing Unscripted.

Casting Agreements for reality TV and unscripted television — what are they, and do you need one? Do you need casting agreements for all reality TV projects, or just some? Will they cost you money? Should you get a lawyer? Could not getting those casting agreements come back to bite you? The answers are not ... Read more

The post Casting Agreements for Reality TV: What-When-Why-How? appeared first on Producing Unscripted.