Hector Herrera

Sell Your Reality TV Idea, But Keep All The Rights



Posted: Thursday, June 04, 2009

by Hector Herrera
Social Media Mogul

When it comes to the current state of the economic climate in this country, there have been no industries left unaffected. The Reality TV industry is no exception. However, this poor and dismal economic media climate creates both opportunity and access. Opportunities are created to develop original high quality content for less and less cost. to distribution outlets and funding sources not previously available to you as a Reality TV producer. Access is created because technological breakthroughs in broadband communication platforms have made media delivery to the end user easier than ever before in the history of the media industry.

If you want to sell your Reality TV idea or documentary film, one of the most effective ways to get your program funded is to partner with a corporate underwriter or consumer brand with a similar target audience. Look for opportunities to align your program with unique but subtle opportunities for product integration. Look, not just in in traditional ways like, product placement, but rather, look for unique opportunities for full product and brand messaging integration.

The main differences between product placement and brand integration in the context of a Reality TV idea, is the level of exposure the brand or organization is actually getting. For example, its one thing for a judge on your Reality TV show to have a certain beverage in front of them. Its a whole other world to have your lead make-up technician discussing your beauty product on an actual cast member within the show as she discusses key product benefits while not appearing to be too overtly commercial. However, consumers have a high threshold for this kind of brand integration on typical Realty TV shows.

If you can create a unique and effective partnership scenario for an organization or a brand that matches the right demographic profile of your Reality TV idea or Documentary Film, you can create a scenario where they underwrite your show or film and you maintain all Intellectual properties, ancillary media distribution rights. All of it. You maintain 100% ownership of your Reality TV idea or Documentary Film concept. Imagine creating a runaway viral campaign hit for the product featured in your show or film. Now imagine, still having all the rights in your name when it goes big time. When it comes time to sit with any executive to discuss distribution, you will be playing a whole other ballgame.

Think smart about the opportunities that are out there. Dont try to Break-Into and industry structure thats nearly Breaking Apart. Think on a whole new level about how you are going to get your Reality TV idea made and better yet, How you are going to make a living in the process. Dont give up any of your rights unless you feel like what you are giving them up for is well beyond what you can yourself. Otherwise, its not worth it. Get it in writing, dont let a production company or film distributor buy and shelve your work. Understand all aspects of what will happen to your project, after your deal to sell has been finalized. And then, Sleep On It!

Hector V. Herrera, founder of Social Media Moguls, is a graduate of Georgia State University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Hector is recognized as a visionary brand strategist. Read More |HERE|.

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