Anyone ever tried to sell a show to a TLC or similar station? at DVinfo.net

Bryan McCullough · October 17th, 2003, 08:17 PM

I've got an idea for a show (don't we all, ha!) and am interested in figuring out the best way to handle the situation.

I'm able to fund the shooting of a pilot, but don't really know the ins and outs of what to do to get them to look at it.

On the one hand, what if I tell them my idea and they take it and run? I do have a friend of a friend that's the producer for a bunch of Trading Spaces type shows for TLC (not TS, but others) but I'm afriad to mention it to her because she's got the connections to run with the show idea if she likes it.

I don't know her so I can't really trust her with it.

Anyway, has anyone ever done this or know someone that has?

Dylan Couper · October 18th, 2003, 12:41 AM

You are going to have to trust someone with it if you don't have the experience to sell it yourself.
I'd look into something like a non disclosure agreement that you would have your friend of a friend sign, before you showed her your proposed idea.

Ken Tanaka · October 18th, 2003, 01:18 AM

TLC is actually part of Discovery Communications, Inc. Lots of suits. Very corporate.

From their site's FAQ page:

Quote:

I think I have a great idea for a show. Who can I send it to? I also know of something really interesting that I think Discovery would like to film. How do I get a film crew to shoot it?

Discovery only accepts submission of program ideas from established production companies. You can get more information about Discovery's program submission policies at the following web site: http://producers.discovery.com/.

Translation: fuggettaboutit

Bryan McCullough · October 18th, 2003, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Tanaka :
Translation: fuggettaboutit

Nah. I think I'll try anyway.

I've sent a message to my friend who knows the producer to see what needs to be done. Not going to get anywhere by giving up.

Rob Belics · October 18th, 2003, 08:55 AM

They should send you a release form, basically saying you are providing them with ideas and they are acknowledging the fact. Then you submit the idea. Doing a pilot will do little if anything to get it sold.

Even though their site says they only accept ideas from established production companies, that's more of an attempt to keep down the goofy submission from every Joe and housewife.
But it would be a good idea to put "Producer" or some company name down.

Ken Tanaka · October 18th, 2003, 10:10 AM

By all means, Bryan, give it a go. My "translation" remark was meant to be voiced from their mouths, not mine.

Let us know how you do with this.

October 17th, 2003, 08:17 PM	#1
Bryan McCullough Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 842	Anyone ever tried to sell a show to a TLC or similar station? I've got an idea for a show (don't we all, ha!) and am interested in figuring out the best way to handle the situation. I'm able to fund the shooting of a pilot, but don't really know the ins and outs of what to do to get them to look at it. On the one hand, what if I tell them my idea and they take it and run? I do have a friend of a friend that's the producer for a bunch of Trading Spaces type shows for TLC (not TS, but others) but I'm afriad to mention it to her because she's got the connections to run with the show idea if she likes it. I don't know her so I can't really trust her with it. Anyway, has anyone ever done this or know someone that has?

October 18th, 2003, 12:41 AM	#2
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	You are going to have to trust someone with it if you don't have the experience to sell it yourself. I'd look into something like a non disclosure agreement that you would have your friend of a friend sign, before you showed her your proposed idea. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

October 18th, 2003, 10:10 AM	#6
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	By all means, Bryan, give it a go. My "translation" remark was meant to be voiced from their mouths, not mine. Let us know how you do with this. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

October 18th, 2003, 08:55 AM	#5
Rob Belics Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 581	They should send you a release form, basically saying you are providing them with ideas and they are acknowledging the fact. Then you submit the idea. Doing a pilot will do little if anything to get it sold. Even though their site says they only accept ideas from established production companies, that's more of an attempt to keep down the goofy submission from every Joe and housewife. But it would be a good idea to put "Producer" or some company name down.