Self-contained. Self-contained reality shows contain episodes that stand on their own. There’s no storyline that connects all of the episodes together. Viewers can watch the episodes out of order and it won’t make a difference. Think: Extreme Home Makeover, Fear Factor, and Hoarders. Self-contained shows are generally easier to sell because networks like that viewers can join in at any time in the season. [3] X Research source Arced. Arced reality shows have an overarching storyline that connects every episode. Viewers need to watch the episodes in order to understand what’s going on. Examples of arced reality shows are The Real World, Survivor, and The Bachelorette. Arced reality shows are harder to sell to networks because they’re riskier; if audiences don’t tune in for episode one, the rest of the season could be a bust. [4] X Research source
A format reality show is a good choice if your show will feature different characters or storylines each episode. If your reality show is about parents moving into their kid’s college dorm for a week, you could have a different family in each episode. The parents moving into the dorm each episode would be the format people would come to expect.
A docu-style reality show is a good option if the premise of your show is examining an interesting person or group of people as they navigate their world. If you’re making a show about a retired pilot, filming like a documentary will be easier than trying to come up with a format for your character to repeat every episode.
For example, if your show is going to be about a group of employees at a barber shop, go to the barber shop and film them as they work and joke around with each other. Don’t worry about using special camera equipment at this stage. You can film with a regular digital video camera, your phone, or a computer.
For example, you could introduce your write up with something like “I’m envisioning a self-contained format series featuring a psychic couple that travels the country, helping people redecorate their homes along the way. Not only will the couple give their own interior decorating opinions, but also those of the deceased former inhabitants of the home. Each episode will feature a different family and their home. ”
Write the name of each character on their headshot. You want executives looking at the pitch package to be able to match up their faces with the character descriptions you provide in the write up.
Attending a conference with high-level TV executives can cost over $1,000 (€843), so you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared if you decide to take this route. Make sure your pitch package is all put together and consider having multiple ideas to pitch. [9] X Research source At the conference, attend sessions hosted by network executives you’re interested in networking with, and introduce yourself after the session. Have cards with your contact information on them that you can hand out to prospective buyers.
If your show centers around the bold personality of a particular character, consider bringing them along to the meeting to help woo the network. [11] X Research source
