There must be something in all of the stuff I do that would work as a TV show. After all, we have guys who catch crabs, guys who cut down trees, guys who buy junk, guys who work in a pawn shop, a guy on a horse who chases people, and now a guy who uses big power tools to cut stuff in half to see what’s inside. Then there are the countless chefs, cooks, eaters, and do-it-yourselfers. Why not a show about an old broad who messes with people’s front yards?
I realize that I would need to amp up the drama a bit. Not many people would be interested in watching episode after episode of routine deliveries. Of course, since there seems to be an audience for two men driving around in the desert doing not much more than picking up rocks with a magnet, I could be wrong.
Maybe there is a show to made from sneaking past dogs, dodging (or not) dog piles in the grass, getting my wits frightened out of me by voices booming out of the dark, having the cops called on us or just having them cruise by and inquire about our activities, trying to find unmarked addresses in the dark of night, the endless ways there are to screw up an order, the fun of delivering delight, and the amazing reactions from the recipients (which we almost never get to experience).
Anyone out there who knows how to develop a program proposal? Who knows what to do with it after that? Let’s make a TV show!
Love this! Haha It is amazing what people can make into shows and actually get people to watch! I have trouble getting people to read my blog! Haha! So what exactly do you do that requires you to find addresses in the dark?
Shawna E Anderson
http://www.shawnaeanderson.yolasite.com
“Your Brain Search & Rescue Program”
One of my businesses is Flamingo Surprise – a lawn greeting service. If you wake up one morning and find your front yard full of pink plastic flamingos, or a herd of pint-sized Holsteins, or maybe a batch of teddy bears you’ll know I’ve been there.
OMG, this is bloody brilliant! All you need is someone to pitch your idea, it’s already big time sellable!
Can’t WAIT to see you on HGTV. Have you approached them yet?
Molly Burke CPCC MSU
Queen of Confidence
http://www.lifepurposeworks.com
“Even before I begin, I am made of win!”
Simply awesome, Kerry. Coincidentally I heard about something like this on the news a week ago (was it your idea?). I would love to prank my neighbor or friend when they wake up or for their birthday with a herd of Holsteins — such a special jest would be just simply ‘bovine!’
Can’t wait to hear about more of these, especially on TV! Maybe there needs to be a ‘flash mob’ with flamingos!
Cheers,
Lee L.
Design ForSite
http://www.designforsite.com
“Designed to Mean Business”
Thanks for making me laugh Kerry! I’m too embarrassed to admit which TV shows I’m currently watching and actually enjoy. I think your show would be a winner. And of course, a little extra drama always helps. 🙂
Renee Ludwigs
http://islandperspective.com/
“Finding tropical tranquility by living with An Island Perspective”
Hi Kerry, I don’t have any advice for you but I know that enjoy watching some of those shows when I’m bored…haha. My husband especially loves “Deadliest Catch.” It must be a guy thing. Let us know when your show gets approved by one of the networks!
Anna
Kerry – time to get a flip and start recording your antics! Create a channel and make it go VIRAL – TV next!
Ann Evanston
The Warrior is Within You
Amen! I second the motion! Grab a cam and start shooting. I’ve got some training in this area, and I’ll pitch in with some unsolicited advice, in two categories (hardcore production and total guerilla vidninja):
1. Gear up – balance image and sound quality with ease of use and price.
2. Use a tripod and also get hand-held shots
3. If you’re trying to get funded, do a complete script treatment, sketch some storyboards, do a pilot episode and a regular one. Shop it around. Be sure to web channel ’em like Ann said, and in your pitch package, include metrics and stats. Boring, dry, but effective.
4. Scrap the “i’m gonna get my show picked up” route and go totally bootstrapped, self-funded
5. But don’t forego the script. Just pencil out how you want the thing to go. Bullet point a mix of shots ideas, sound bites, and/or whole scenes. Stick to it and put a few pauses in between transitions if you can without messing with the organic flow of your show. Makes it way easier when editing. Have some regular touchstones that are emblematic, symbolic of your show and get them into every episode. (ok, that was totally cheating; there’s like a dozen things for number 5).
6. Edit, edit, edit. Not talking about making a cinematic production. Break the each video into smaller clips, make sure your web channel’s vid player software can support having video episodes with a playlist of smaller clips that make up the whole video.
7. Get the sound right. Poor sound quality (even barely perceptible glitches, etc). tire out the listeners ear and mind. They may love your show, but for some reason, they’re not drawn back to it nor to share it. Trust me, I’ve done sound, sound design, and audio for video, and the pyschology of sound for video is as important as the psychology of color is to visuals.
8. Forget everything I just said. Grab the cam and your yard ambush plan, and go have fun. Post it raw and let it fly!
hth & good luck!
Wow – thank you Michael! This is great information and a big push to actually do something. Since my flocking work occurs in the dark hours of the morning, and being sneaky is critical I am researching video cameras for low light quality. Price is key as well. If you (or anyone else reading this) have any recommendations for a reasonably priced, easy to operate video camera with excellent low light capabilities and good sound I would love to hear about it.
I really appreciate your generosity.
— Kerry