What to do with TV show idea?

[DoubleIT]

I've had this idea for a TV show for about 6 months now. I still think its a great idea, so i figure i need to do something with it before someone else does. Ive told my idea to a few people that I trust and they all really like the idea. Heres the problem - its a reality show. It follows the model but breaks barriers. I am very confident it would work. So what do I do? I have a feeling that no one in 'town' would even listen to a reality pitch. Can I register my idea with the WGA? Should I do that? Anyone have any advice, besides forget the idea. I tried that already but it keeps coming back.

[DoubleIT]

Any ideas?

[SimonSays]

Doub -

The question is not whether anyone will listen to a reality show pitch (they will). The question is whether they will listen to a reality show pitch from someone who has no credits (probably not).

Yes, you can register your reality show concept with the WGA, but unless you have contacts in the industry, you will have a very hard time finding someone to pitch to.

[DoubleIT]

Such a tough industry... thats why i love it :D Well I guess Ill reg it then send the pitch to the only real contact I have and see what he thinks of the idea, although he isnt involved in TV. Hopefully he knows someone who knows someone.

[Hamboogul]

All the reality shows are developed in house.

Thus the chance of you pitching and selling a show is ZERO.

And to be quite honest, as unique as your idea may be in your mind, it's already been considered.

[Writing Again]

And to be quite honest, as unique as your idea may be in your mind, it's already been considered.

I read an article about this years ago. A man wrote a pilot based on an obscure incident that his grandfather was involved in. He was so sure it was unique that when he was told "It's been done before and passed on" he responded that few people had actual knowledge of the incident and it was almost impossible to unearth from records.

They actually took him down in a vault and showed him a pile of them.

Hmmm. Come to think of it you should hear some of the "reality show" proposals I listen to from family members who love watching them.

[DoubleIT]

Thats really weird. So basicily the networks treid to think of every reality idea and wrote it down to get copyright then threw them in a vault somewhere just in case? Thats crazy. But I still maintain hope that they didnt think of my idea. Thats real frustrating though.

[Writing Again]

Been doing some reading.

My current understanding is that the best way to break into Television is to write TV movies designed in the seven act format of free TV but your most likely market is pay cable.

This, I am informed, is not an easy market to break into, but is easier than trying to write for a series or create a series.

The seven act format is the three act format with the second act broken into five 12 minute acts while the first act actually covers a twenty minute span. The third act is also 12 minutes.

The reason for using the seven act structure even though you are submitting to cable is so you will be prepared for either market if interest is displayed.

The reason the seven act structure exists is to hold the viewers attention through commercial breaks.

Expect to be apprenticed to someone experienced in television. Once you've got some recognition in TV then you will be in a better position to be listened to.

[Fartin Mowler]

so i figure i need to do something with it before someone else does

It's funny how people think that they have some idea that no one else has...:rolleyes I could write a script about a dog that can fly and has super power to float on bowls of soup and tomorrow see a guy post the same thing...Doesn't mean it's good unless you post an actual script and someone say's "Hey back in the 80's I remember a movie about a dog that can float on bowls of soup" :lol

[DoubleIT]

Do you read what you write in these posts? Because they dont make all that much sense.

[Fartin Mowler]

It's funny how people think that they have some idea that no one else has.:rolleyes

[Caroyles]

So much sarcasm in the board!!

I guess that's what makes board interesting!!

[Fartin Mowler]

So much sarcasm in the board!!

I look at it more like cutting through the BS :rolleyes